When you’re in need of a delicious dinner that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, look no further than this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe. Combining ground chicken with vibrant vegetables and silky noodles, this dish strikes a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Thanks to the use of simple ingredients like honey, chili garlic sauce, and soy sauce, it delivers a delightful meal packed with protein and nutrition.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile enough to cater to everyone’s tastes. Pair with your favorite greens or add spices to kick up the flavor. It’s wholesome, comforting, and a wonderful way to elevate your noodle game in a hurry!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s high in protein, boasting 34 grams per serving, while still keeping the fat content low. The honey and chili garlic sauce create a sticky glaze that complements the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables beautifully. Moreover, the combination of flavor-packed coleslaw mix and instant noodles means you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in 20 minutes flat!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for this recipe. Below is the list required to whip up this savory dish, along with potential substitutions you might consider:
- Coleslaw Mix: 4 cups (170g) – This adds color and crunch. If you don’t have it on hand, substitute with shredded cabbage and carrots.
- Olive Oil: 2 teaspoons (10g) – For sautéing. Can be replaced with any neutral oil like canola or avocado oil.
- Ground Chicken Breast: 1 pound – The centerpiece of this dish. Ground turkey or beef can be used as alternatives.
- Honey: 3 Tablespoons (63g) – Adds sweetness. Maple syrup or agave can be used as a vegan alternative.
- Chili Garlic Sauce: 2 Tablespoons (30g) – For a spicy kick. Sriracha is a good substitute if you prefer.
- Coconut Aminos: 2 Tablespoons (30g) – A soy sauce alternative. Low-sodium soy sauce works too.
- Chinese Black Vinegar: 2 Tablespoons (30g) – Provides depth of flavor. Balsamic vinegar could suffice in a pinch.
- Frozen Crushed Ginger Cubes: 2 – Fresh ginger works too; use about 2 teaspoons if fresh.
- Water: ¼ cup – To create the sauce consistency.
- Instant Noodles: 2 packs (95g each) – I recommend Trader Joe’s Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles, but any instant ramen will do.
- Garnish: Chives or Scallions and Toasted Sesame Seeds – Enhances visual appeal and flavor.
How to Make Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Follow these simple steps for a quick and easy meal:
- Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil for cooking the noodles.
- While the water is heating, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the coleslaw mix and stir to coat it in oil. Sprinkle a pinch of salt, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly browned but still tender. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and set aside.
- Add the ground chicken to the same pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, allowing it to become golden brown before breaking it up with a spatula to ensure it cooks through.
- Next, mix in the honey, chili garlic sauce, coconut aminos, black vinegar, ginger, and water into the pan with the chicken. Stir well and let it simmer until the liquid reduces and starts to caramelize, approximately 3-4 minutes. Be cautious not to over-stir, as you want some browning on the base.
- As the sauce reduces, cook your noodles in the boiling water. Reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water, then drain the noodles.
- In the pot with the drained noodles, add the sauce packets (if applicable), the crispy ground chicken, and the previously cooked slaw mix. Use the reserved water to achieve your desired consistency and toss everything together.
- Garnish with sliced chives or scallions and toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
- Before you begin cooking, measure out all your ingredients. This preparation allows for a smoother cooking process.
- If you’re cooking for picky eaters, reserve some of the chicken and noodle mixture before adding vegetables to cater to those who prefer it plain.
- For extra flavor, consider using a tablespoon of sesame oil for the sauce if you are using noodles without a flavor packet.
- Don’t rush the caramelization of the sauce; it adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable! Here are some suggestions:
- Add More Vegetables: Include bell peppers, snap peas, or bok choy for additional nutrition and flavor.
- Switch the Protein: Opt for tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a different protein profile.
- Make it Spicy: Add more chili garlic sauce or fresh chili slices for heat enthusiasts.
- Change Up the Noodles: Experiment with buckwheat noodles or udon for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles dish is perfect as a standalone meal, but pairing it with a light salad or steamed vegetables can balance it beautifully. If you want some crunch, serve with pickled ginger or a side of crispy wonton chips. A refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade, complements the savory flavors wonderfully.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and noodle mixture in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any instant noodle variety or even traditional ramen noodles will work well. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?
Consider replacing the noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Yes! Substitute ground chicken with plant-based ground meat and use maple syrup for honey. Ensure the noodle choice is vegan-friendly as well.
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Certainly! You can incorporate additional protein such as edamame, tofu, or even scrambled eggs for an extra boost.
What’s the best way to avoid soggy noodles?
Make sure to cook the noodles until just al dente and toss them with the sauce immediately after draining to prevent them from sitting in water and getting mushy.
Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Noodles
Ingredients
- 4 cups g Coleslaw Mix Use shredded cabbage and carrots if unavailable.
- 2 teaspoons g Olive Oil Any neutral oil can be used.
- 1 pound Ground Chicken Breast Substitute with ground turkey or beef.
- 3 Tablespoons g Honey Maple syrup or agave can be used.
- 2 Tablespoons g Chili Garlic Sauce Sriracha serves as a substitute.
- 2 Tablespoons g Coconut Aminos Low-sodium soy sauce works too.
- 2 Tablespoons g Chinese Black Vinegar Balsamic vinegar can suffice.
- 2 Frozen Crushed Ginger Cubes Or 2 teaspoons freshly crushed ginger.
- ¼ cup Water
- 2 packs g Trader Joe's Squiggly Knife Cut Style Noodles Any instant ramen will do.
- Chives or Scallions and Toasted Sesame Seeds For serving.
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil for the noodles.
- Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the coleslaw mix. Stir to coat in the oil and add a pinch of salt. Cook until the veggies start to brown on the bottom but are still tender crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Add the ground chicken to the same pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown before breaking apart with a spatula and fully cooking.
- Add the honey, chili garlic sauce, coconut aminos, vinegar, ginger, and water to the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and cook until the liquid is fully reduced and starting to caramelize on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes longer. (Avoid over stirring as it will prevent browning.)
- Start cooking the noodles in the boiling water while the sauce reduces. Once cooked, reserve about ½ cup of the water and drain the rest. Add the sauce packets that come with the noodles to the pot along with the crispy ground chicken and slaw mix. Use the reserved water as needed to bring everything together.
- Garnish with sliced green onion or chives and toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy!
