Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and garlicky flavors with a satisfying texture, this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is your go-to comfort food. It features tender, caramelized chicken thighs marinated in a luscious homemade teriyaki sauce paired with buttery, garlicky noodles that soak up every bit of the sauce. This recipe combines fresh ingredients, simple techniques, and bold Asian-inspired tastes into a meal that comes together quickly but feels like a special treat every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe just right is all about the little details—each ingredient plays an essential role in transforming simple noodles and chicken into a mouthwatering feast. From the freshness of garlic and ginger to the rich umami of oyster sauce and soy, these components create layers of flavor that make the dish irresistible.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well for a leaner option.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides the salty, savory foundation without overpowering the dish.
- Honey: Adds gentle sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze on the chicken.
- Brown sugar: Enhances caramelization and balances out savory notes with a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
- Rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle tang that brightens up the marinade.
- Sesame oil: Brings a fragrant, nutty depth to both the chicken and noodles.
- Fresh garlic: Minced generously to deliver that classic punch in the noodles and marinade alike.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a zesty warmth and aromatic complexity in the teriyaki sauce.
- Spaghetti or Asian-style noodles: Choose your favorite noodle that can hold onto the buttery, garlicky sauce beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the noodles for a rich, velvety coating.
- Oyster sauce: Gives the noodles a deep, savory umami boost that makes every bite irresistible.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional): Fresh garnishes that add both color and texture to the finished dish.
How to Make Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl to create the teriyaki marinade. Place your chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and let it soak up all those flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours. This step is crucial because it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with that perfect balance of sweet and savory notes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked and has developed a beautiful caramelized crust. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy and makes slicing much easier, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles
While your chicken is cooking, boil the spaghetti or Asian-style noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside to be tossed in the garlic sauce. This timing ensures everything comes together seamlessly and piping hot.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Noodles
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 1 to 2 minutes until aromatic but not browned. Next, stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame oil to create the glossy, flavorful coating for the noodles. Add the cooked noodles and toss well to ensure every strand is generously coated and heated through. This step is where the noodles transform into their signature garlicky, buttery goodness that perfectly complements the teriyaki chicken.
Step 5: Serve
Slice the rested chicken and lay it atop the garlicky noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds to add freshness and a little crunch. This final presentation not only looks inviting but also introduces an appealing texture contrast.
How to Serve Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds are fantastic for adding pops of color and crunch. You can also consider a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle spicy kick that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the teriyaki glaze.
Side Dishes
To round out this Asian-inspired meal, steamed or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make a colorful and nutritious pairing. A crisp cucumber salad or a simple miso soup could also complement the rich flavors of the garlic noodles and chicken beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe family-style in large bowls, letting everyone help themselves. For a more elegant touch, portion the noodles neatly on individual plates and fan the sliced chicken attractively on top. Drizzle with extra sauce or a squeeze of fresh lime for an unexpected zing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover garlic noodles and teriyaki chicken in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up some of the sauce overnight, so you might want to loosen them with a splash of water or broth before reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you separate the chicken and noodles. Store them in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the garlic noodles and teriyaki chicken in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a little water or broth to prevent sticking and to refresh the sauciness. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even warming without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out. Marinating helps keep them juicy and flavorful.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate and cook them just like the chicken for a delicious vegetarian-friendly dish.
Can I prepare the teriyaki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The homemade teriyaki marinade can be mixed and stored in the fridge for up to a week, making it easy to whip up this recipe on busy days.
What other noodles can I use besides spaghetti?
Asian-style egg noodles, chow mein noodles, or even rice noodles work beautifully in this recipe. Just cook according to package directions and toss them in the garlic sauce as directed.
How do I make the garlic flavor more subtle for kids?
If garlic is too strong for younger palates, reduce the amount slightly or sautée the garlic gently to soften its pungency before mixing it into the noodles.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels homey and special all at once. The marriage of tender, flavorful chicken with rich, garlicky noodles is something you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. I encourage you to give it a try and tweak it to your taste—you’ll quickly discover why it’s a beloved favorite in so many kitchens!
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Garlic Noodles with Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired dish featuring tender teriyaki chicken served over savory garlic noodles. This recipe combines succulent marinated chicken cooked to perfection on the grill or stovetop with buttery noodles infused with garlic, soy, and oyster sauces, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an irresistible weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Teriyaki Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
For the Garlic Noodles:
- 8 oz spaghetti or Asian-style noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the ingredients are well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate, or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice caramelized glaze. Once cooked, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Cook the Noodles: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Garlic Noodles: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to create a flavorful sauce.
- Toss the Noodles: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the sauce and garlic. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles are evenly coated and warmed through.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the garlic noodles and top generously with sliced teriyaki chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired to add a fresh and nutty finish.
Notes
- For a shortcut, you can substitute the homemade teriyaki marinade with store-bought teriyaki sauce.
- Add sautéed or steamed vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to the noodles for a more balanced and colorful meal.
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavor.
- Use Asian-style noodles like egg noodles or ramen for different textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
