Takeout noodles are delicious, but they often leave you feeling bloated due to sky-high sodium levels. These Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles deliver that addictive “takeout taste”—savory, sweet, and sticky—but in a version that is mindful of salt and packed with fresh ingredients.
We replace the MSG and excessive soy sauce with aromatics (lots of garlic and ginger), vinegar, and a touch of honey to build flavor. The result is a glossy, coating sauce that clings to the noodles and chicken, providing intense satisfaction without the sodium hangover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The “Sticky” Factor
The sauce reduces down to a glaze that coats everything. It’s not a soup; it’s a lacquer. This is achieved by using cornstarch and allowing the sugars in the honey/brown sugar to caramelize slightly with the aromatics.
Low Sodium, High Flavor
By using low-sodium soy sauce and boosting the flavor with garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and sesame oil, we keep the taste profile robust. You won’t miss the salt shaker.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 8 oz noodles (ramen, rice, or spaghetti)
- 0.3 cup soy sauce (low sodium)
- 0.25 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Cook noodles, drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Whisk soy sauce, broth, honey, vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch.
- Sear diced chicken in a wok until cooked. Add garlic.
- Pour sauce into pan. Simmer until thickened (1-2 mins).
- Toss noodles and chicken in the sauce until coated.
Ingredient Highlights & Substitutions
Essential Ingredients
Chicken Breast: Diced small for quick cooking.
Noodles: Ramen noodles (discard the packet!), rice noodles, or even spaghetti work well.
Garlic: You need a lot—at least 4-5 cloves.
The Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Veggies: Broccoli or snap peas add crunch and color.
Smart Substitutions
For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles and Tamari. Ground chicken or pork can be used instead of diced breast for a different texture. If you like heat, Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (Sambal Oelek) is a great addition to the sauce.
If you like easy noodle dishes, you might also enjoy this One-Pan Chicken Noodles (Note: Linking to user’s provided link for similar recipe).
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Phase
Whisk together the sauce: soy sauce, broth, honey, vinegar, ginger, and cornstarch. Dice the chicken. Chop the garlic and green onions.
Cooking Phase
Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
Heat oil in a large wok or skillet. Sear the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken.
In the same pan, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the sauce mixture. Let it bubble and simmer for 2 minutes—it will thicken rapidly into a glaze.
Toss the cooked chicken and noodles (and any steamed veggies) into the pan. Toss vigorously until everything is coated in the sticky sauce.
Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Technique Secrets
Rinse the Noodles: This removes excess starch. If you don’t rinse them, they will clump together and make the dish gummy.
Velveting Chicken: For extra tender chicken, toss the raw diced chicken in 1 tsp of baking soda and let sit for 10 mins, then rinse. This Chinese restaurant trick makes breast meat incredibly soft.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the sauce. Once the cornstarch activates, it thickens fast. If it gets too thick (like glue), add a splash of water to loosen it up.
| Nutrient | Takeout Version | Homemade Version |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | 1500mg+ | ~500mg |
| Oil | Heavy | Controlled |
| Protein | Variable | High (Lean Chicken) |
| Cost | $15+ | $4 |
Serving Ideas & Pairings
Presentation & Plating
Pile high in a bowl with chopsticks. The glossy sauce makes it very photogenic.
Pairing Suggestions
Steamed edamame or cucumber salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use spaghetti?
Yes! Spaghetti makes excellent “lo mein” style noodles.
Is it spicy?
Mild. The chili flakes are optional.
Conclusion
Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles satisfy the craving for Asian takeout in a way that respects your health goals. Sweet, savory, sticky, and simple—it’s the perfect weeknight win.
