Name: Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles
Prep time: 12 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 300g chicken breast or thighs; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp sesame oil; 200g cooked noodles (ramen or lo mein); 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 stalks green onions, chopped; 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

When I’m craving something savory, spicy, a little sweet, and totally satisfying, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles always hit the spot. This recipe has become my weeknight go-to because it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and leaves me with almost no dishes to clean up afterward. The combination of juicy chicken bites glazed in a sticky garlic sauce, twirled into springy noodles, is simply irresistible.

I love how customizable these noodles are—some days I throw in extra veggies, other times I spice it up with chili flakes or swap the protein entirely. The best part? It tastes like something you’d order from a restaurant, but you can make it in under 30 minutes at home. Let’s dive into why these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles deserve a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

It’s a flavor explosion—sweet, savory, garlicky, with just a hint of heat.
Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
One-pan cleanup makes it perfect for busy nights.
Easily adaptable to fit dietary needs or what’s in your fridge.
Makes amazing leftovers—if there are any left!

What Kind of Noodles Work Best?

I usually go with ramen noodles or lo mein-style egg noodles because they soak up the sauce beautifully and have the perfect chewy texture. However, you can absolutely use rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The key is not to overcook the noodles—just until tender so they don’t turn mushy when tossed with the sauce.

Options for Substitutions

Protein: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or thinly sliced beef.
Noodles: Use rice noodles, soba, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Sweetness: Honey works great in place of brown sugar for a different depth of flavor.
Heat: Add chili paste, sriracha, or red pepper flakes to increase the spice level.
Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.

Ingredients for Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Chicken breast or thighs – This is your main protein. Thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, but breasts work great too.
Soy sauce – The salty, umami backbone of the sticky sauce.
Brown sugar – Gives the sauce its signature sticky-sweet glaze.
Garlic – The star of the show, minced fresh garlic brings a punchy aroma and deep flavor.
Ginger – Adds warmth and depth to the sauce, balancing out the sweetness.
Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to that perfect glossy texture and coats the chicken evenly.
Sesame oil – A small amount gives a nutty, aromatic finish.
Noodles – Ramen, lo mein, or your favorite stir-fry noodle. Cooked and drained.
Green onions – For garnish and a burst of freshness.
Sesame seeds – Optional, but they add a nice crunch and toasty flavor.
Vegetable oil – For stir-frying the chicken.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic and ginger, and whisk together your sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of water. Have your noodles cooked and drained if you’re not using pre-cooked ones.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a hot skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil and sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Sprinkle with a bit of cornstarch during the last minute to help the sauce cling later.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce into the pan with the chicken. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens into a sticky glaze. The smell will be amazing at this point.

Step 4: Toss in the Noodles

Add your cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the sticky garlic sauce. Let it fry for a minute or two to absorb all the flavor.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top, and serve immediately while hot. Extra chili oil or lime wedges on the side can add a great finishing touch.

How Long to Prepare Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Prep Time

Prepping for this dish usually takes about 10–12 minutes. This includes slicing the chicken, mincing the garlic and ginger, mixing the sauce, and getting your noodles ready. If you’re using pre-cooked or leftover noodles, that saves even more time.

Cook Time

The cooking process takes around 15 minutes. The chicken sears quickly, and the sauce only needs a few minutes to bubble and thicken. Once the noodles go in, it’s just a quick toss and you’re done. Altogether, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent the sauce from burning.
Don’t overcook the noodles before adding them to the sauce—they’ll finish in the pan.
Let the sauce simmer until it visibly thickens for maximum stickiness.
Add garlic just before the sauce goes in if you want it to stay pungent.
Finish with a few drops of sesame oil at the end for extra depth.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcrowding the pan: This steams the chicken instead of searing it. Cook in batches if needed.
Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks fast. Keep the heat medium and stir continuously.
Skipping the cornstarch: This helps the sauce cling to the chicken and noodles. Don’t leave it out.
Overcooking the noodles: They’ll turn mushy and ruin the texture.
Adding all the sauce at once without tasting: Adjust based on sweetness or saltiness preference.

What to Serve With Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles?

1. Steamed Broccoli

Bright, crisp, and perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.

2. Cucumber Salad

A cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, sticky noodles.

3. Chili Garlic Edamame

Spicy and savory, makes for a great appetizer or side.

4. Fried Egg

Place a runny egg on top—game changer for texture and richness.

5. Spring Rolls

Crispy, fresh rolls add a nice contrast and round out the meal beautifully.

Storage Instructions

Fridge

Let the noodles cool completely before storing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezer

While the chicken freezes well, noodles tend to get soggy after thawing. If you do freeze, store the sauce and chicken separately from the noodles and combine after reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Calories: 480 per serving
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 980mg
Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for tenderness and flavor, but breasts work just fine if that’s what you have.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based sauce like coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Is it spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add chili flakes, sriracha, or hot sauce to kick it up.

Can I use pre-cooked noodles?

Yes! Just be sure they’re not overcooked before adding to the pan, or they’ll get too soft.

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder or a quick reduction by simmering the sauce a bit longer will also do the trick.

Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are everything I want in a fast, flavorful dinner—sweet, savory, and full of bold garlicky flavor. It’s endlessly customizable, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is pure comfort in a bowl. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to hit the spot every time.