Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb Recipe
Introduction
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a mouthwatering dish packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a sticky garlic sauce and tossed with noodles for an easy, satisfying meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 lb lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 4: Cook the noodles according to package directions, salting the water generously. Drain well.
- Step 5: Toss the hot noodles immediately with the sesame oil and set aside.
- Step 6: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch.
- Step 8: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Step 9: Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Step 10: Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to heat through.
- Step 11: Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option, but watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat level according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the noodles seem dry.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, lo mein noodles work best, but you can substitute with spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine if needed.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds depth and umami, but you can omit it for a vegetarian version or if you do not have it on hand. The dish will still be delicious.
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Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: The Ultimate Flavor Bomb Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are a delicious and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender seared chicken thighs coated in a sticky, sweet-savory garlic sauce served over perfectly cooked lo mein noodles. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of umami, sweetness, heat, and aromatic garlic, finished with sesame seeds and green onions for the ultimate flavor bomb experience.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Noodles and Oil
- 1 lb lo mein noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Additional Garnishes
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated to help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lo mein noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain well to remove excess water.
- Drain and Toss: Immediately toss the drained noodles with sesame oil to prevent sticking and add a layer of flavor. Set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet used for cooking the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the garlic. Bring to a simmer over medium heat while stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the prepared noodles. Toss everything together until the chicken and noodles are evenly coated in the sticky garlic sauce.
- Heat Through: Cook the combined mixture for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure everything is heated through and well combined.
- Serve: Immediately plate the sticky garlic chicken noodles and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. Enjoy hot.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil.
- If oyster sauce is unavailable, you can omit it or substitute with hoisin sauce for a different flavor twist.
- The cornstarch helps create the sticky coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce; do not skip it.
- Any long pasta type can substitute for lo mein noodles if needed.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best aromatic flavor.
- Serve immediately as the noodles can clump if left to sit too long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: sticky garlic chicken noodles, garlic chicken noodles, sticky chicken, lo mein noodles, Asian chicken stir-fry, sweet garlic chicken, sesame chicken noodles

