Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory teriyaki sauce, and soft noodles, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you crave something easy to make yet full of bold, delicious flavors. The sweet and salty teriyaki sauce perfectly complements the juicy chicken and the smooth noodles, making every bite a treat for your taste buds.
Whether you’re cooking for one or a crowd, this recipe is simple to scale up, and you can even customize it by adding vegetables, swapping the noodles for rice, or adjusting the sauce to your liking. With just a few basic ingredients and a bit of time, you’ll have a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight meal for busy evenings.
2. Sweet and Savory Flavor
The homemade teriyaki sauce adds a perfect balance of sweetness and saltiness, elevating the dish with a mouthwatering flavor.
3. Versatile
You can customize the recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, making it your own.
4. One-Pot Meal
This recipe uses just one pan to cook everything, which makes for easy cleanup and minimal fuss in the kitchen.
5. Crowd-Pleasing
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are universally loved, making them a great option for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Teriyaki sauce
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Garlic (minced)
- Ginger (fresh, grated or ground)
- Rice noodles or any noodles of your choice
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Optional vegetables: bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas
Variations
- Add Veggies: You can easily add vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutritional value and flavor.
- Swap Proteins: Instead of chicken, you can use beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to make the recipe healthier and reduce the salt content.
- Spicy Teriyaki: Add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce if you like a spicy kick.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized strips or chunks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook the rice noodles (or any noodles of your choice) according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside. Be sure to reserve a little pasta water if you want to adjust the sauce later.
Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce
In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, then sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), and a splash of sesame oil if you’re using it. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Noodles
Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss it in the sauce to coat. Then, add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together to evenly distribute the sauce over the chicken and noodles. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Serve
Once everything is combined and heated through, transfer the noodles to serving plates. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and additional sesame oil if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water or a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
- Use Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger gives the dish a more vibrant and aromatic flavor, but you can substitute ground ginger if needed.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if necessary so that it browns properly.
- Make It a One-Pan Meal: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli to the pan while cooking the chicken for a complete meal in one pan.
How to Serve
Serve your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles as a main dish for lunch or dinner. You can pair it with a side of steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or even some crispy spring rolls for a full Asian-inspired meal. For a lighter version, you can also serve it on its own without any additional sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will keep well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen if you want to make it ahead. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer the noodles and chicken to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet or microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the noodles and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of water or soy sauce to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Yes, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience, but homemade teriyaki sauce allows you to adjust the sweetness and saltiness to your taste.
2. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can use any noodles you prefer, such as soba, udon, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make the dish gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free noodles.
4. How can I make the sauce spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a little chili paste to the sauce while it simmers.
5. Can I add vegetables to the dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
6. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and add a bit more flavor and tenderness.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it.
8. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh and using a vegetarian teriyaki sauce.
9. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and noodles in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to serve, just heat them together in the sauce.
10. What can I serve this dish with?
You can serve the chicken teriyaki noodles with a side of steamed vegetables, a simple cucumber salad, or even a bowl of miso soup for a full meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are an easy and delicious meal that combines the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. With minimal ingredients and just a little time, you can prepare a satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, these noodles are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Add vegetables or spice it up to suit your taste, and enjoy a flavorful, homemade meal!
PrintChicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Tender chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and noodles are coated in a rich teriyaki sauce, making for a quick and delicious dinner. This dish is easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
- 8 oz noodles (egg noodles, soba, or rice noodles work well)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 small onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium carrot (julienned or thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup snap peas (optional)
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (for thickening)
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onions
- Red pepper flakes (for a little heat)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the teriyaki sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce to thicken it. Set the sauce aside.
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the onions, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but still crisp.
- Combine everything:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toss the noodles:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated in the teriyaki sauce.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the chicken with beef, shrimp, or tofu for a different variation.
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli to make the dish more hearty.
- For extra flavor, drizzle some additional sesame oil or sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese-Inspired
Keywords: Chicken teriyaki noodles, stir-fried noodles, teriyaki chicken, easy Asian dinner, noodle stir fry, homemade teriyaki sauce, quick dinner