Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles deliver quick, savory comfort. This easy weeknight dinner recipe combines tender chicken, rich garlic sauce, and slurpy noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
- Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 4–5 oz ramen noodles (2–3 packets, discard seasoning)
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- Sticky Garlic Sauce:
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or more, I won’t tell!)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
- Fresh Finishing Touches:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Pantry Staples:
- 1 tbsp neutral cooking oil (like canola or vegetable)
Instructions
- Prep Your Chicken & Noodles:: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. Dice your boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. I always make sure they’re pretty uniform so they cook evenly – nothing worse than some pieces being done and others still a bit pink, right? Set those aside. Now, get a big pot of water boiling for your ramen noodles. Make sure to salt the water generously; this is where I always forget, and then my noodles taste… sad. Cook them according to package directions until they’re tender but still have a little chew. Drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and prevent sticking. Honestly, this step makes all the difference!
- Whip Up the Sticky Garlic Sauce:: While your noodles are doing their thing, let’s make the star of the show: the sticky garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the minced fresh garlic – yes, all of it! – soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Give it a good whisk until it’s all combined. This is where you can start to smell that amazing aroma forming. Don’t worry if it seems a bit thin right now; we’re going to fix that. In a separate small bowl, mix your cornstarch with a tablespoon or two of cold water until it forms a smooth slurry. This is our secret weapon for that perfect sticky texture, hon.
- Sear the Chicken:: Now, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil – I usually use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or it won’t sear properly; you want a nice golden-brown crust. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned. This step is crucial for flavor, giving the dish a deep, savory base. I sometimes sneak a piece here, don’t tell anyone!
- Add the Broccoli & Sauce:: Once the chicken is cooked, toss in your broccoli florets. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the broccoli starts to turn vibrant green and is slightly tender-crisp. You still want a little bite to it! Now, give your prepared sticky garlic sauce another quick whisk, then pour it over the chicken and broccoli in the pan. Bring it to a gentle simmer. As it starts to bubble, pour in your cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly. Watch the magic happen as the sauce thickens and becomes wonderfully glossy and sticky. It’ll start clinging to everything; this is what we want for our dish!
- Combine & Toss:: Time to bring it all together! Add your drained ramen noodles directly into the skillet with the chicken, broccoli, and that glorious sticky garlic sauce. Using tongs, toss everything gently until the noodles are completely coated in the sauce. This part is so satisfying – seeing all those flavors meld together. I always make sure every single strand gets a good hug from the sauce. Let it cook for another minute or two, just to warm the noodles through and allow them to soak up all that garlicky goodness. Sometimes it gets a bit messy, but that’s just part of the fun in my kitchen!
- Garnish & Serve:: Once everything is perfectly combined and smelling absolutely divine, remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer your Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles to individual bowls. Now for the finishing touches! Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and a handful of toasted sesame seeds. These add a fantastic pop of color and a lovely textural contrast. Take a moment to admire your handiwork – it should look vibrant, smell incredible, and be utterly irresistible. Serve immediately and watch it disappear. Honestly, this dish never lasts long in my house!