Go Back
Garlic Noodles with Chicken | Easy Sticky Weeknight Dinner

Garlic Noodles with Chicken

Sticky garlic chicken noodles tossed in a glossy soy-brown sugar sauce, ready in about 30 minutes for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces spaghetti or lo mein noodles
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce low-sodium
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce mixed with 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (Worcestershire substitute)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
  • 3 green onions sliced
  • Salt to taste, for the pasta water
  • Black pepper to taste, for the chicken

Method
 

  1. Boil the noodles: Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just tender, about 8 to 9 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry and season with salt and black pepper. This helps them sear properly instead of steaming in the pan.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
  4. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and the soy-rice vinegar mixture until the sugar dissolves.
  5. Sauté the garlic: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant and lightly golden.
  6. Slice the chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Combine noodles and chicken: Add the cooked noodles and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the garlic. Toss to combine over medium-high heat.
  8. Add the sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles and chicken. Toss constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every strand.
  9. Loosen if needed: If the sauce seizes up or looks too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or chicken broth and toss again.
  10. Garnish and serve: Scatter sliced green onions over the top and serve the noodles immediately while glossy and hot.