Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Introduction

Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles is a savory-sweet dish that combines tender chicken, stir-fried noodles, and a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce. This dish is a perfect harmony of flavors, with garlic providing an aromatic base and honey balancing it with a touch of sweetness. Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth, while the noodles soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite an explosion of flavor. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfies both noodle lovers and chicken fans alike.

I remember making this dish on a chilly evening, craving something warm and satisfying. The combination of tender chicken and chewy noodles tossed in that sticky, flavorful sauce hit the spot perfectly. What makes this recipe even more appealing is its versatility. You can add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and crunch, or top it with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh finish.

The best part? It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick weeknight dinner or cooking for friends, Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Meal prep
• Family meals
• Quick comfort food
• Asian-inspired cuisine lovers

Why You’ll Love This Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Here’s why Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required—everything is cooked in one pan or wok.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The combination of savory soy sauce, sweet honey, and aromatic garlic creates a beautifully balanced sauce.
• Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or swap out the noodles for rice to switch things up.
• Kid-Friendly: The slightly sweet sauce makes this dish a hit with kids.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz noodles (udon, lo mein, or spaghetti)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
• Noodles: Udon, lo mein, or spaghetti are great choices for soaking up the honey garlic sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of honey.
• Honey: Provides a natural sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics give the dish its signature flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles:

Prepare the Sauce and Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken

3. Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Stir-Fry and Combine

5. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil along with the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan. Bring it to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it to the sauce, stirring until thickened.
7. Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan, tossing to coat everything evenly in the sauce.

Garnish and Serve

8. Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
9. Serve Hot: Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles can be served in a variety of ways:

• On Its Own: It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and tons of flavor.
• With Vegetables: Add stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers for a well-rounded meal.
• With a Side of Rice: If you prefer rice over noodles, this recipe tastes amazing over steamed rice.
• Family-Style: Serve it on a large platter for a family-style dinner.
• Meal Prep: This dish reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.

Additional Tips for Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Here are some tips to make this recipe perfect every time:

• Marinate the Chicken – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in soy sauce, garlic, and honey for deeper flavor.
• Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger – Fresh ingredients add more punch compared to powdered versions.
• Adjust Sweetness and Heat – Balance the honey with chili flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.
• Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Cook them al dente to prevent them from getting mushy when mixed with the sauce.
• Thicken the Sauce – Add a cornstarch slurry to the sauce if you want it thicker and stickier.
• Use Sesame Oil – A drizzle of toasted sesame oil at the end adds an extra layer of flavor.
• Garnish Generously – Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for added texture.
• Add Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas pair well with honey garlic sauce and add color and nutrition.
• Double the Sauce – Make extra sauce for drizzling over the noodles or for dipping.
• Cook in Batches – When stir-frying chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even browning and better flavor.

Recipe Variations for Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Here are 10 variations you can try for this recipes:

• Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add chili paste or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
• Honey Garlic Shrimp and Noodles: Swap chicken for shrimp for a seafood version.
• Vegetarian Honey Garlic Noodles: Skip the chicken and add tofu or more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bok choy.
• Honey Garlic Beef and Noodles: Use thinly sliced beef instead of chicken.
• Peanut Honey Garlic Noodles: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a nutty flavor.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls: Serve the chicken and sauce over rice instead of noodles.
• Coconut Honey Garlic Chicken: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy twist.
• Honey Garlic Udon Stir-Fry: Use thick udon noodles for a chewy texture.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Wraps: Use the chicken and sauce as a filling for lettuce wraps.
• Low-Carb Honey Garlic Chicken: Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Freezing and Storage for Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

• Freezing: The chicken and sauce freeze well. Let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before adding freshly cooked noodles.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Special Equipment for Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

Here are some tools that will make preparing this recipe even easier:

• Wok or Large Skillet – For stir-frying the chicken and vegetables.
• Cutting Board – To chop the garlic, chicken, and vegetables.
• Chef’s Knife – To chop ingredients finely and safely.
• Measuring Spoons – To measure out precise amounts of garlic, honey, soy sauce, etc.
• Mixing Bowl – For tossing the noodles or mixing the sauce.
• Tongs – To handle the chicken and noodles while cooking.
• Strainer – To drain cooked noodles and remove excess water.
• Small Saucepan – For making the honey garlic sauce.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For stirring and flipping ingredients while cooking.
• Serving Plates or Bowls – To plate your Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions for Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles

1. Can I use another type of noodle?
   Yes, udon, lo mein, rice noodles, or even spaghetti work well in this dish.
2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
   Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, and avoid overcooking it.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make it gluten-free.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
   You can cook the chicken and sauce in advance, then add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
5. What vegetables go well with this dish?
   Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers are great additions.

Print

Conclusion

Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles is a mouthwatering dish that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors in every bite. With tender chicken and flavorful noodles, this meal comes together in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices, so you can make it your own.

It’s a family-friendly dish that’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table. Give it a try, and let the deliciousness speak for itself!

I’d love to hear how your Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles turns out—be sure to snap a photo, share it, and tag me. Can’t wait to see your tasty creation! Happy cooking!