If you’re craving a fast, flavorful Asian-inspired meal that brings vibrant color and umami to your table, look no further than these Chicken Teriyaki Noodles. Juicy marinated chicken, springy udon noodles, and a rainbow medley of crisp vegetables all get tossed in a glossy, homemade teriyaki sauce, making every bite a savory-sweet adventure. It’s the kind of comforting dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight—and once you’ve tried it, Chicken Teriyaki Noodles will definitely become a recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles is that the ingredients are simple, but each one is crucial for balancing flavor, texture, or visual appeal. Whether elevating umami, adding crunch, or introducing a pop of color, these components work together to create a crave-worthy bowl.
- Soy sauce: The backbone of teriyaki, bringing rich, savory depth and essential saltiness to the sauce.
- Water: Helps mellow the sauce and ensures it isn’t too salty while providing the right consistency.
- Mirin (sweet rice wine): Adds a sweet, delicate flavor and a glossy finish to your teriyaki sauce.
- Brown sugar: Lends a hint of molasses and caramel depth that balances out the savory elements.
- Honey: A touch of honey gives the sauce extra shine and natural sweetness.
- Garlic (for sauce & stir fry): Offers a fragrant zing and rounds out the teriyaki profile—don’t skimp!
- Fresh ginger (for sauce & stir fry): Brings a gentle heat and signature freshness—use freshly grated for best results.
- Cornstarch (plus water for slurry): Thickens the sauce so it clings beautifully to every noodle and chicken piece.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender—perfect for soaking up the flavorful marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavor of the chicken before it meets the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Udon noodles: Thick, chewy, and perfect for soaking up all that glossy teriyaki goodness.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and layered flavor to the stir fry.
- Carrots: Their vibrant color and crisp-tender texture provide freshness to the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Bring bursts of green and a satisfying, nutritious crunch.
- Cabbage: Adds subtle sweetness and extra body to the stir fry base.
- Green onions: Bright, peppery garnish that rounds out each serving with color and lift.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle for nutty flavor and an inviting final flourish.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by creating your homemade teriyaki sauce—a step that sets these noodles apart from any takeout version. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Bring the mixture up to a simmer over medium heat, stirring to blend the flavors. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and keep stirring as the sauce thickens into a beautiful glaze, about two to three minutes. Once it’s glossy and coats your spoon, remove from the heat and let it cool slightly. This sauce is the heart of your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Pop your bite-sized pieces of chicken thighs into a mixing bowl and season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle about a quarter cup of the warm, fragrant teriyaki sauce over the chicken. Toss until every piece is coated, then cover and stash the bowl in the fridge to marinate. While 15 minutes does the trick on busy nights, letting the chicken rest longer—think an hour or so—infuses even more flavor for truly delicious Chicken Teriyaki Noodles.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high. Add your marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about five minutes. The marinade caramelizes on the chicken, so each bite is sticky, savory, and irresistibly tender. Once done, scoop the chicken onto a plate so you can use the pan for veggies next.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok, toss in the sliced onion and julienned carrots, stir-frying for a couple of minutes until they just start to soften. Next, add broccoli florets, sliced cabbage, along with the extra garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry everything together for another two to three minutes, aiming for bright colors and crisp-tender veggies that keep things fresh and lively in your finished bowl.
Step 5: Cook the Udon Noodles
While the veggies are cooking, prepare your udon noodles according to package directions—usually just a quick boil for a few minutes. Drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent overcooking and to keep them satisfyingly chewy. Udon noodles are the ideal partner for the sticky teriyaki and juicy chicken.
Step 6: Bring Everything Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the veggies. Add your cooked noodles and pour in the remaining teriyaki sauce. Now, toss everything together, turning and folding with tongs or a spatula for one to two minutes—just long enough for the sauce to envelop every bite. The end result is a glossy, colorful tangle of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles that smells absolutely phenomenal.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Portion the noodles into bowls, then top each serving with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that final sprinkle of magic. Dig in right away while everything is warm and fragrant—you’ve just created a bowl of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles worthy of any favorite restaurant!
How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, a handful of sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds are classic and absolutely perfect—they add crunch, visual pop, and a touch of sharpness to balance the sweet-savory teriyaki. Feeling adventurous? Try a dash of shichimi togarashi or freshly torn cilantro leaves to give your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles an extra punch.
Side Dishes
These noodles are hearty enough to be a full meal, but they shine even brighter with a few simple sides. A bowl of miso soup or a crisp Asian cucumber salad adds freshness and contrast. For something extra, steamed edamame or pickled vegetables pair beautifully alongside Chicken Teriyaki Noodles and turn dinner into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
To really wow your family or guests, serve Chicken Teriyaki Noodles in wide, shallow bowls with chopsticks tucked in the side and additional garnishes in small dishes. Or, for fun, pile them into lettuce cups for a hand-held, party-style appetizer—kids will love this! These noodles also make a stunning addition to a bento box if you’re packing lunch for work or school.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles taste fabulous as leftovers! Let everything cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days—the flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next-day lunch pretty exciting.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles, let them cool first. Portion into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (removing as much air as possible) and freeze for up to two months. The noodles and sauce freeze beautifully, though veggies may soften a bit—still tasty!
Reheating
To revive your noodles, reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir now and then until everything is hot and steamy. You can also microwave leftovers in short bursts, stirring in between, for a fuss-free lunch or dinner.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can swap in chicken breast if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on the cook time—it tends to dry out more quickly than thighs, so try not to overcook for the juiciest Chicken Teriyaki Noodles.
What kind of noodles can I use if I can’t find udon?
Fresh or frozen udon noodles give that signature chew, but you can also use thick rice noodles, ramen, or even spaghetti in a pinch. The key is to use something hearty that holds up well to stir-frying and the rich teriyaki sauce.
Is it possible to make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for the traditional one, and choose gluten-free noodles (like rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti). Be sure all other packaged ingredients are safe if you’re serving someone with allergies.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby spinach all work beautifully. Feel free to raid your veggie drawer and try new combinations—Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are very forgiving and endlessly adaptable.
Do I need to marinate the chicken for the full hour?
While the minimum 15 minutes gets you a solid result, marinating longer (30 minutes to an hour) will amp up the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. If you’re in a rush, don’t stress; just get that chicken in the teriyaki sauce as early as you can.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried these Chicken Teriyaki Noodles, you’ll want to make them again and again—the sweet, savory sauce clinging to every bite is just too good to resist. If you love a quick, satisfying meal with restaurant flair, this recipe is calling your name. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a true weeknight staple in your kitchen!
