If you’re craving a dish that effortlessly combines rich flavors, satisfying textures, and a hint of sweet and savory goodness, then you’re going to love this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender pieces of teriyaki-glazed chicken nestled atop garlicky, buttery noodles tossed in a medley of umami-rich sauces. Every bite is an absolute celebration of Asian-inspired comfort food that you can whip up in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for friends, family, or simply treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to become a quick favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to bring this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe to life. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the savory chicken marinade to the luscious garlic noodles that soak up every drop of sauce.
- Spaghetti or lo mein noodles (8 ounces): The perfect base to carry all those bold, garlicky flavors with a satisfying chew.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds creamy richness that complements the garlic’s punch beautifully.
- Garlic (5 cloves minced + 1 clove minced for sauce): The star of the dish, delivering an irresistible aroma and depth.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon for noodles, 2 tablespoons for chicken): Balances savory with a touch of sweetness in both the noodles and the teriyaki chicken.
- Soy sauce (1 tablespoon for noodles, ¼ cup for chicken): Brings that classic salty umami flavor fundamental to Teriyaki cuisine.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtly sweet, earthy depth that lifts the noodles.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Provides a fragrant complexity and slight tang that rounds out the noodle sauce.
- Sesame oil (½ teaspoon for noodles, 1 teaspoon for chicken): A little goes a long way in infusing a toasty nuttiness.
- Green onions (1–2 sliced): Fresh and crisp toppings that brighten the entire dish.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound): Tender protein that soaks up the teriyaki glaze beautifully.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): For that perfect sweet balance and slight stickiness in the chicken glaze.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a mild tang to keep the sauce from becoming overly sweet.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon grated): Offers a subtle peppery warmth and freshness to the chicken marinade.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon) + water (2 tablespoons): Creates the slurry to thicken the teriyaki sauce to a glossy finish.
- Optional garnishes (crushed red pepper, toasted sesame seeds): For a little extra kick or crunch to top off your bowl.
How to Make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Chicken
First, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small bowl to create an irresistible teriyaki marinade. Next, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook your chicken until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, which usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and slice it into bite-sized pieces. Pour the marinade into the same pan, bring it to a simmer, and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens and turns glossy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Finally, toss the sliced chicken back into the pan and coat it well in that luscious sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Garlic Noodles
While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen noodles according to package instructions. Once tender, drain and set aside. In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic, cooking just until it becomes fragrant and golden—about one minute. Then, stir in brown sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil to build a complex and savory noodle sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together, allowing the noodles to soak in all those beautiful flavors. Give it a quick 1 to 2 minutes over the heat until the noodles are piping hot and perfectly coated.
Step 3: Assemble Your Dish
All that’s left is the best part—assembling! Plate the garlicky noodles, then crown them with the tender, saucy teriyaki chicken pieces. Sprinkle on sliced green onions and your choice of garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes to add extra texture and color. Your Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is now ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like thinly sliced green onions add brightness and a fresh crunch that contrast so well with the rich noodles and tender chicken. Toasted sesame seeds are a favorite for a subtle nutty flavor and texture that complements the garlic and teriyaki sauce beautifully. If you’re in the mood for some heat, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes delivers just the right kick to keep things exciting from bite to bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with lightly steamed or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, to introduce some vibrant color and healthy crispness. A refreshing cucumber salad with a touch of rice vinegar can offset the richness of the noodles and chicken, balancing the meal perfectly. If you want to amp up the Asian fusion vibe, serve with a small bowl of miso soup or pickled ginger on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe in individual bowls topped with a soft boiled egg or avocado slices. You can also transform this into a lettuce wrap by spooning the noodles and chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld delight. For a party, create a noodle bar where guests can customize with their favorite garnishes and sides—this recipe is that versatile and crowd-pleasing!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some sauce as they sit, so stirring in a splash of water or broth when reheating helps revive their silky texture.
Freezing
While not ideal for the noodles themselves, teriyaki chicken freezes quite well. Separate the chicken and sauce from the noodles before freezing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the teriyaki chicken gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the meat. For the noodles, toss them in a hot pan with a little butter or oil to refresh their flavor and texture, or microwave with a damp paper towel to keep them moist.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and lo mein noodles work best because of their texture, you can experiment with rice noodles or even linguine. Just be sure to cook them according to their package instructions and adjust cooking times as needed.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Yes! Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or sautéed mushrooms. Both soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully and keep the dish wholesome and delicious.
How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicier?
This recipe is mild by default but has optional crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Feel free to increase the amount or add a drizzle of chili oil for a fiery kick!
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a meal prep?
Definitely. You can cook the chicken and noodles in advance and store them separately. When it’s mealtime, just reheat and combine for a quick and tasty meal.
What if I don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce?
These sauces add unique umami and sweetness, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with extra soy sauce and a touch of honey or brown sugar, though the flavor won’t be quite the same. They’re worth picking up for the full experience!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the cozy, satisfying charm of this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe to brighten up your weeknight dinners. It strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and bold flavors, and once you try it, I’m confident it will become your go-to for quick, tasty comfort food. Trust me, the friends and family you share this with will be begging you for seconds and the recipe. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every garlicky, teriyaki-kissed bite!
Print
Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Delicious and savory Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken is a quick and easy Asian-inspired main course perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken thighs or breasts are cooked in a homemade teriyaki sauce, while the noodles are tossed in a rich garlic butter and soy-based sauce for a flavorful, comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- 1–2 green onions, sliced
- Optional: crushed red pepper or toasted sesame seeds for garnish
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
Instructions
- Make the teriyaki chicken: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the sauce is well combined.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken thighs or breasts until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and slice it into strips.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the same skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Coat the chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Keep warm while preparing the noodles.
- Cook the noodles: Prepare the spaghetti or lo mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the garlic noodles: In a large skillet or wok, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add brown sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil, stirring to combine.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss well to coat all the noodles in the garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and well combined.
- Assemble and serve: Plate the garlic noodles and top with the teriyaki chicken. Garnish with sliced green onions and, if desired, toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of spice.
Notes
- Swap chicken with shrimp or tofu for a delicious variation.
- Double the teriyaki sauce if you prefer extra sauce for drizzling over noodles or chicken.
- Use firm noodles like lo mein for authentic texture, or spaghetti as a convenient alternative.
- Adjust garlic and spice levels according to taste.
