Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles: 20-Minute Takeout Favorite

Glossy, savory, and coated with an irresistible sticky-sweet glaze, Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles is the ultimate weeknight dinner with an Asian-inspired twist. This crave-worthy dish features tender chicken pieces and chewy noodles tossed in a rich garlic sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and aromatic ginger, all finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh herbs. It’s the kind of meal that fills the whole house with amazing aromas and draws everyone straight to the table.

Each twirl delivers a satisfying combination of textures—silky, tender, and delightfully sticky with sweet and savory notes in perfect harmony. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or treating the family to something special, this noodle dish is as quick to make as it is to disappear. Add your favorite toppings like crushed peanuts, sliced scallions, chili oil, or fresh cilantro for a colorful, customizable meal that feels like authentic takeout.

Why You’ll Love These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Takeout favorite at home: Better than restaurant delivery—fresher, tastier, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Addictively delicious: The sticky garlic sauce is so good, you’ll want to lick the plate clean.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that deliver maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
One-pan wonder: Everything comes together in one wok or skillet for minimal cleanup.
Kid-approved: The sweet-savory sauce and fun noodles make this a hit with even picky eaters.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, Plus Why They Matter)

Before diving into these delicious Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles, having the right tools on hand will make everything smoother—from prep to clean-up.

Essential Tools & Why You Need Them:

Large Wok or Deep Skillet (12-14 inch)
This is the MVP of the recipe. The wide surface allows for quick stir-frying and proper tossing of noodles without spillage.

Large Pot for Noodles
Essential for boiling noodles to perfect tender texture. A bigger pot prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.

Mixing Bowls (2-3 sizes)
Use one for the sauce mixture, another for prepping chicken, and one more for organizing vegetables.

Sharp Chef’s Knife
Perfect for cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces and mincing garlic and ginger quickly.

Measuring Cups & Spoons
Precision matters—especially for the sauce ingredients to achieve that perfect sweet-savory balance.

Wooden Spoon or Wok Spatula
Ideal for tossing noodles and chicken together without breaking the noodles.

Cutting Board
For safely preparing chicken, garlic, ginger, and all your garnish ingredients.

Having these items prepped and within reach makes the cooking process seamless and safe.

Preparation Tips

Have all ingredients ready before cooking (mise en place). Stir-frying happens fast, so prep everything first.
Don’t overcook the noodles—cook them 1 minute under package directions since they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Slightly frozen chicken is easier to cut cleanly.
Mix the sauce completely before adding to ensure even distribution and prevent cornstarch clumping.
Use high heat for stir-frying to get that restaurant-style caramelization and “wok hei” flavor.
Reserve some pasta water—the starchy water helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.

These small touches make a big difference in taste, texture, and presentation.

Ingredients for These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this bold, flavor-packed noodle dish to life. Most of the ingredients are Asian pantry staples, making it both authentic and accessible.

For the Chicken & Noodles:

12 oz egg noodles, lo mein noodles, or rice noodles
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 scallions, white and green parts separated, sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Sticky Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
¼ cup water or chicken broth
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Optional Toppings:

Toasted sesame seeds
Crushed roasted peanuts
Fresh cilantro
Sliced scallions
Chili oil or sriracha
Lime wedges

Everything in this list balances sweetness and savory depth—the sticky glaze clings beautifully to tender chicken and chewy noodles. The toppings are optional but give the dish an authentic, restaurant-quality finish.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions, but remove them 1 minute early (they should be slightly undercooked). Reserve ½ cup of cooking water, then drain the noodles and toss with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sticky Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, cornstarch, water (or chicken broth), and red pepper flakes until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. Set aside within easy reach.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes without stirring to get a nice sear. Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Aromatics

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the minced garlic, ginger, white parts of the scallions, and bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry for 30–45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 5: Combine and Create the Glaze

Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Give the sauce a quick stir (cornstarch settles) and pour it into the wok. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes as the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the chicken completely. Add the cooked noodles and remaining sesame oil. Toss vigorously for 2–3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and toss in the green parts of the scallions. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro as desired. Serve immediately while hot and glossy.

Notes

Protein Swaps: Shrimp, beef strips, tofu, or even just vegetables work beautifully in place of chicken. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Noodle Alternatives: Spaghetti, udon noodles, ramen noodles, or even zucchini noodles make excellent substitutions.

Make It Spicier: Double the red pepper flakes or add 1–2 teaspoons of chili paste for serious heat lovers.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Not having everything prepped first: Stir-frying happens in minutes. If you’re chopping while cooking, something will burn or overcook.
Overcooking the noodles initially: Noodles that are fully cooked before stir-frying become mushy. Always undercook by 1 minute.
Using low heat: High heat is essential for proper stir-frying and getting that caramelized, restaurant-quality flavor.
Not stirring the sauce before adding: Cornstarch settles at the bottom. Always whisk right before pouring into the wok.
Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly over high heat and turns bitter. Add it after the chicken and watch it carefully.
Overcrowding the wok: Too much chicken at once steams instead of sears. Cook in batches if necessary.
Adding sauce too early: The sauce should go in near the end to coat everything without making noodles gummy.
Not tossing vigorously enough: Proper tossing ensures every noodle gets coated with that sticky glaze. Don’t be gentle—toss with confidence!

What to Serve With Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles?

This bold and satisfying noodle dish is substantial on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a complete Asian-inspired feast. Whether you’re going light or indulgent, there’s a side dish for every preference.

8 Delicious Recommendations:

Vegetable Spring Rolls
Crispy spring rolls with sweet chili sauce add a delightful crunchy contrast to the sticky noodles.

Asian Cucumber Salad
Cool, tangy cucumber slices with rice vinegar and sesame oil provide refreshing balance.

Egg Drop Soup
Silky, comforting soup makes a perfect starter that complements the rich main dish.

Edamame with Sea Salt
Simple steamed edamame pods are healthy, addictive, and perfect for nibbling alongside.

Pan-Fried Dumplings (Potstickers)
Crispy-bottomed dumplings with soy dipping sauce create a complete dim sum-style experience.

Stir-Fried Bok Choy
Garlicky bok choy with oyster sauce adds a healthy green element to the meal.

Wonton Soup
Light, flavorful wonton soup offers a comforting, brothy contrast to the sticky noodles.

Mango Sticky Rice or Fortune Cookies (for dessert)
A sweet, tropical finish that cleanses the palate after the savory, garlicky main course.

These pairings help round out the meal and bring a restaurant-level feel to your dinner table.

Storage Instructions

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are delicious the next day—and they store beautifully.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Let the noodles cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. They will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled noodles tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat in a wok or skillet over medium heat for 4–5 minutes, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

Microwave: Heat individual portions on high power for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a teaspoon of water to prevent drying.

Always ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when reheating chicken.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 6 Servings)

Please note this is an approximate breakdown and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	410
Protein	24g
Carbohydrates	52g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	14g
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	2g
Unsaturated Fat	9g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	65mg
Sodium	780mg

This dish delivers a satisfying balance of protein, carbs, and fats—perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner with sustained energy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients and make the sauce up to 24 hours ahead, but it’s best to cook and combine everything fresh for optimal texture.

2. Can I use a different protein besides chicken?
Yes! Shrimp, beef, pork, tofu, or even just extra vegetables work wonderfully. Adjust cooking times based on your protein choice.

3. Is this dish very sweet?
The base recipe has a balanced sweet-savory flavor. You can reduce the honey and brown sugar if you prefer less sweetness.

4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free noodles, tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or substitute with hoisin).

5. What if I don’t have a wok?
No problem. A large, deep skillet works perfectly. You won’t get quite the same “wok hei” but the flavor will still be delicious.

6. Can I double this recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Double all ingredients but cook the chicken in batches to maintain high heat and proper searing. Everything scales up easily.

7. Can I use fresh noodles instead of dried?
Of course. Fresh noodles cook much faster, so adjust cooking times accordingly—they usually need just 2–3 minutes.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from clumping?
Always whisk the cornstarch completely into the liquid ingredients and stir the sauce right before adding it to the hot wok.

Conclusion

Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles are the ultimate combination of sweet, savory, and totally addictive flavor—all tossed into one quick, satisfying dish. With tender chicken, perfectly chewy noodles, and that irresistible sticky glaze, they’re everything you love about Asian takeout, made better at home.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing dinner guests, these noodles are as versatile as they are delicious. Plus, with endless customization options, they never get boring. So grab your wok and make dinner something everyone looks forward to.