These Easy Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are a yummy mix of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and tasty noodles all smothered in a sweet teriyaki sauce. It’s perfect for dinner in a hurry!
Your family will love how quick this dish comes together. I like to throw in whatever veggies I have, and it always turns out delicious. It’s like a little bowl of happiness! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: I recommend using egg noodles or lo mein noodles for a hearty base. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for easy slicing. You can swap them for chicken thighs for a juicier option. Tofu is a great meatless substitute too!
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with your veggies! If you don’t have broccoli, try snap peas, bok choy, or bell peppers in different colors. They all taste great!
Teriyaki Sauce: Instead of making the sauce from scratch, you can use store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience. Just be mindful of the sugar content if you’re watching that.
How Do I Make the Sauce Thicker Without Clumping?
Getting the right thickness for your teriyaki sauce is key for coating the noodles properly. To avoid clumping, mix the cornstarch in cold water to create a smooth slurry before adding it to the hot sauce. Here’s how to do it:
- In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
- Add the slurry to the sauce after combining all your ingredients in the skillet.
- Keep stirring the sauce over heat until it thickens, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Remember, only add the slurry after your sauce is hot to ensure it thickens properly without lumping!
Easy Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles and Chicken:
- 8 oz egg noodles or lo mein noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
For the Vegetables:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water (slurry)
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick dinner comes together in about 25-30 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and cooking the noodles, and another 15-20 minutes for stir-frying and combining everything. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by boiling water in a pot. Once it’s boiling, add the egg noodles or lo mein noodles. Cook according to the package directions until they’re nice and tender. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a small bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. This will be the tasty sauce that brings everything together!
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Then, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the broccoli, bell pepper, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp and colorful. Make sure to keep them moving in the skillet so they cook evenly!
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring everything to combine and coat well.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Next, add the cornstarch slurry to the skillet, stirring constantly. Keep cooking for about 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely. This is where the magic happens!
7. Toss in the Noodles:
Now, add the cooked noodles and sliced green onions to the skillet. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the noodles are well coated with the delicious sauce.
8. Serve and Garnish:
Once everything is mixed well and heated through, it’s time to serve! Remove from heat and sprinkle some sesame seeds on top if you like. Enjoy your warm and flavorful Chicken Teriyaki Noodles!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Noodles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles or lo mein noodles are traditional, you can substitute with rice noodles for a gluten-free option or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Ginger or Garlic?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh ginger or garlic, you can use ground ginger and garlic powder instead. For this recipe, use about 1/4 teaspoon of each as a substitute for the fresh versions.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to pan-fry until golden and heated through before adding to the dish. Also, check that your soy sauce is vegetarian-friendly!
