Name: Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons cornstarch (divided for coating and sauce); ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 8 oz fresh ramen noodles or dried ramen noodles (discard seasoning packet); 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for tossing noodles); ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon pure sesame oil; 6 cloves garlic, minced fresh; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons water (to mix cornstarch slurry); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for high heat cooking); 4 stalks green onions, chopped for garnish; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 27 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with robust flavors yet comes together in under 30 minutes, this Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. Tender pieces of chicken meet slippery, chewy ramen noodles, all wrapped up in a glossy, garlicky sauce that’s perfectly balanced with notes of soy, oyster sauce, and just a hint of sweetness. Topped with toasty sesame seeds and fresh green onions, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality Asian experience right from your kitchen. It’s simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a favorite staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with various ingredients neatly arranged. In the center, there is a wooden board holding two layers of light cream-colored, curly noodles with a soft texture. To the left, there is a white bowl full of raw, pale pink chicken pieces, next to three long green onions with white and green parts. Surrounding these are several small white bowls with different ingredients: light brown sesame seeds, white coarse salt flakes, off-white flour, dark soy sauce, a small bit of reddish-brown liquid in a speckled bowl, and light tan granules. There is also a fresh piece of ginger root with a rough, light brown skin near the noodles, and two small clear glass bottles with cork stoppers containing dark and pale liquids. Several small metal measuring spoons are at the bottom left corner. Everything is clean and arranged in an orderly, flat lay style photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the best things about this Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe is how the ingredients are straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in building flavor, texture, and color. From the tender chicken thighs to the burst of fresh garlic and ginger, every component is essential for that perfect balance.

Boneless chicken thighs: Cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender meat with great flavor.
Fresh ramen noodles: Provide the ideal chewy texture; dried ramen works well if fresh isn’t available.
Garlic: Minced fresh for that unmistakable aromatic punch throughout the dish.
Soy sauce: Low sodium preferred to control saltiness and add savory depth.
Oyster sauce: Adds an umami-rich complexity that makes the sauce irresistibly savory.
Brown sugar: Balances the salty and savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and adds gloss to the sauce.
Sesame oil: A small amount enhances the aroma and adds a subtle nutty flavor.
Cornstarch: Used both to coat the chicken and to thicken the sauce for that perfect clinginess.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to get the chicken crispy and golden.
Green onions: Chopped for a fresh, bright garnish that lifts the dish visually and in taste.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for nuttiness and crunch, making every bite more exciting.
Fresh ginger: Minced finely to add warmth and subtle spice to the sauce.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for a gentle heat to balance the flavors.

How to Make Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by tossing the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This not only helps create a slight crisp on the chicken once cooked but also helps the sauce stick later on. Let the coated chicken rest for about 5 minutes while you prep everything else—this little wait makes a big difference in texture.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and everything is well blended. This sauce is the heart of the dish, marrying savory, sweet, and aromatic elements perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Cornstarch Slurry

Mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This mixture will be used later to thicken your sauce to that ideal, clingy consistency you want coating your noodles.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions until tender but still with a little bite. Drain them, rinse very briefly under warm water to stop the cooking process, then toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking and add subtle fragrance.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy skillet over high heat until it starts to smoke slightly. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, letting them cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a golden crust. Keep cooking and tossing until the chicken is crispy on the outside and cooked through, roughly 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Sauce and Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce and cornstarch slurry over the cooked chicken. Toss everything continuously as the sauce thickens — this step is where all the flavors come together to form that glossy, sticky coating that clings to every noodle and piece of chicken beautifully.

Step 7: Toss with Noodles

Add the cooked ramen noodles to the wok and toss everything until the noodles are fully coated in the luscious garlic sauce. Make sure each strand is invitingly glossy and full of flavor before moving on to plating.

How to Serve Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with a base layer of light tan cooked noodles that have a slight sheen. On top, there is a thick layer of golden brown pieces of chicken coated in a shiny, dark caramel-colored sauce. Scattered over the chicken are small pieces of bright green chopped scallions, adding a pop of fresh color. The bowl and food sit on a white marbled surface. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds liberally over the noodles. These garnishes introduce a fresh crunch and a nutty aroma that elevate the dish, making it feel even more special and vibrant.

Side Dishes

Pair this Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe with a simple steamed vegetable like bok choy or snap peas for some bright greens, or add a crisp Asian cucumber salad to cut through the richness. These subtle sides complement the bold noodles while adding a refreshing textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the garlic chicken noodles in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg or a scattering of crushed peanuts for extra texture. You can also drizzle a little chili oil on top for an added kick that wakes up the palate beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover garlic chicken noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weekdays when you want a quick, satisfying dinner.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, be aware that the noodles may lose some of their chewy texture when thawed. If you do freeze it, separate into portion-sized containers and freeze for up to one month for the best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This method helps maintain the saucy texture and avoids drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work fine, just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. Consider slightly reducing cooking time for the best results.

What if I don’t have fresh ramen noodles?

Dried ramen noodles are a great substitute. Cook them according to package instructions and rinse briefly to achieve the right texture. Fresh noodles do have a chewier bite, but both work well.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or a mix of your favorite vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetarian oyster sauce or a mushroom-based sauce to keep that umami flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

This Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe isn’t spicy by default but you can easily add chili flakes or chili oil if you want to turn up the heat.

What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?

Coating the chicken in cornstarch and cooking it in a hot pan with plenty of vegetable oil helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior. Avoid stirring too often so the chicken can properly sear.

Final Thoughts

There is something incredibly satisfying about a bowl of savory, garlicky noodles with tender chicken pieces all coated in a glossy sauce, and this Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for those nights you want delicious Asian-inspired comfort without the fuss. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings!