Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero—savory, sweet, and brimming with garlicky goodness. Think twirls of buttery noodles decked out in fragrant garlic, kissed with a slick of soy and oyster sauce, then crowned with juicy, caramelized teriyaki chicken. It’s comfort food at its best, all tangled up in under 40 minutes. If you need a dish that’ll win over picky eaters, excite dinner guests, or simply satisfy your own noodle cravings, this one delivers every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about this dish is how each ingredient plays a starring role. We’re working with simple essentials, but together? Pure magic. Every item brings something different to the table, whether it’s deep, umami flavor or irresistible texture.
- Noodles: Classic spaghetti or lo mein noodles are perfect as they soak up sauces while staying pleasantly chewy.
- Unsalted Butter: This is how you get that ultra-rich, glossy coating on your noodles—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Six cloves may sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s just the right amount for maximum fragrance and flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds essential saltiness and depth to both noodles and teriyaki chicken.
- Oyster Sauce: Delivers a sweet-savory punch and gives the noodles their signature sheen.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the sauce with a touch of caramelly sweetness—used in both the noodles and teriyaki!
- Sesame Oil: Just a few drops bring a toasty, nutty aroma that makes the dish unforgettable.
- Black Pepper: A subtle hint of heat to round out the flavors.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: You get to pick—thighs for rich, juicy bites or breasts for a leaner option.
- Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to the teriyaki—just that little extra pop!
- Honey: Adds sticky gloss and a mellow, rounded sweetness to your chicken.
- Ginger: Freshly grated, it wakes up the whole teriyaki sauce and makes it sing.
- Cornstarch and Water: The secret to a glossy, thick sauce that hugs every slice of chicken.
- Optional Garnishes: Chopped green onions and sesame seeds add crunch and color on top!
How to Make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken
Step 1: Mix Up Your Teriyaki Sauce
Start by gathering all your teriyaki sauce ingredients in a small saucepan—soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and ginger. Bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This is the magical mixture that gives your chicken its sticky-sweet, savory coat. Once it’s bubbling and smells incredible, stir in the cornstarch slurry, and keep stirring for a minute or two until it thickens into something glossy and gorgeous. Set it aside; the anticipation is real!
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Get that big pot bubbling, and cook your spaghetti or lo mein noodles according to their package directions. Don’t forget to salt your water—it makes a difference! Once they’re tender but still pleasantly al dente, drain them and set aside. You want them primed and ready to soak up all that buttery, garlicky love.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry and season it with a little salt and pepper. Heat up a skillet over medium-high, add a slick of oil, and lay down your chicken. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove it from the heat and slice it into bite-sized strips. Toss these pieces in that luscious teriyaki sauce you made earlier, so every morsel gets a gleaming, sticky coating.
Step 4: Butter and Garlic—the Heart of the Noodles
Grab a large pan or wok and melt the butter over medium heat. Pile in that minced garlic and stir for about a minute until the aroma fills your kitchen. This step is where the magic truly happens! Next, splash in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mr. Garlic meets Mrs. Umami, and they’re a match made in noodle heaven.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Now, add your cooked noodles to the pan and use tongs to toss everything together. Make sure every strand is evenly glistening with your garlic butter sauce. To finish, divide the noodles among bowls, then top them with the glossy teriyaki chicken. If you’re after that final chef’s touch, sprinkle on green onions or sesame seeds. Suddenly, dinner looks (and tastes) restaurant-worthy!
How to Serve Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken
Garnishes
The right garnishes can elevate Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken from simply tasty to absolutely irresistible. Sliced green onions bring a pop of fresh color and a gentle bite, while a dusting of toasted sesame seeds offers an appealing nutty crunch. Feeling adventurous? Try a pinch of crispy fried shallots or a few extra grates of fresh ginger—a little goes a long way!
Side Dishes
This dish loves company! Steamed or roasted broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy make perfect partners for Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken, balancing the richness with some garden-fresh lightness. A simple cucumber salad or an Asian-style slaw also adds a refreshing crunch beside your steamy, saucy bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those vibrant colors and glistening noodles by serving in wide, shallow bowls or on a pretty platter if you’re feeding a crowd. For a family-style dinner, pile everything high on a big serving dish so folks can help themselves. Or, for a fun twist, nestle the chicken on skewers and perch them dramatically over the noodles—you’ll get a round of “oohs” before anyone even takes a bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras (lucky you!), simply transfer Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken to an airtight container. The noodles keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just a quick heads-up: the garlic aroma gets even better the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, separate the chicken and noodles for best results. Store each in their own freezer-safe containers or bags. Both will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop individual portions of Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken into the microwave with a splash of water to keep things from drying out. Alternatively, a quick toss in a hot skillet brings everything back to life—just add a touch of extra soy sauce or butter if the noodles need reviving.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Both cuts work beautifully. Chicken thighs deliver juicier, richer bites, while breasts are leaner and cook up just as tender if you keep an eye on doneness.
What’s the best type Main Course
Spaghetti is wonderfully chewy and absorbs flavor, but lo mein noodles, ramen, or even rice noodles are great alternatives if you want to mix things up. Choose what you love or what you have on hand!
Is there a way to make the teriyaki sauce spicier?
Yes! For a spicy kick, add a dash of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to your teriyaki sauce. Taste as you go, and adjust the heat level to your liking.
Can I make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken gluten free?
You sure can! Swap regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta, and be sure to use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce, along with a gluten-free oyster sauce. It turns out just as delicious!
What’s the secret to keeping the noodles from sticking together?
Once your noodles are drained, make sure to toss them with a little butter or oil before setting them aside. This coats the surface, prevents sticking, and makes it easier to mix with your garlic sauce later.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely can’t wait for you to taste this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is destined to become a repeat favorite. Go on, grab those chopsticks—it’s time for your new comfort food ritual!
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Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of garlicky noodles and savory teriyaki chicken with this Asian-inspired recipe. Quick and easy to make, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
For the noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or lo mein noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the teriyaki chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, add cornstarch slurry, and thicken for 1–2 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the noodles: Follow package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Season, cook in a skillet until golden brown. Slice, and toss with teriyaki sauce.
- Prepare the garlic noodles: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Toss in cooked noodles.
- Serve: Top garlic noodles with teriyaki chicken. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in teriyaki sauce for added flavor.
- Substitute noodles for rice noodles or ramen for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
