Sesame Garlic Chicken Noodles – Easy 25-Minute Dinner

Sesame Garlic Chicken Noodles is an easy Asian-inspired dinner made with tender chicken, chewy noodles, fresh garlic, and a savory-sweet sesame sauce. Everything comes together in one skillet after the noodles are cooked, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.

The sauce combines soy sauce, honey, toasted sesame oil, and fresh garlic to create a glossy coating that clings to every noodle. Chicken, colorful vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds make this a satisfying meal that is easy to customize.

If you’re craving takeout-style chicken noodles without ordering out, this recipe is a great place to start.

Recipe Overview

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick weeknight dinner: Have everything ready in about 25 minutes.

• Flavorful homemade sauce: Garlic, honey, soy sauce, and sesame oil create a balanced sweet-and-savory coating.

• One-skillet finish: The chicken, vegetables, sauce, and noodles come together in one pan.

• Easy to customize: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to your preferred sweetness and spice level.

• Better than basic noodles: Chicken adds satisfying protein, while sesame seeds and green onions provide extra texture.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried egg noodles or lo mein noodles

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into thin strips

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

• 3 cups broccoli florets

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

For the Sesame Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¼ cup water

Ingredient Notes

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce nicely. Chicken thighs are another good choice and provide a slightly richer flavor.

Noodles: Lo mein or Chinese egg noodles are ideal because they have a chewy texture. Regular spaghetti can also work if specialty noodles are unavailable.

Toasted sesame oil: This ingredient gives the sauce its characteristic nutty aroma. Use toasted sesame oil rather than relying entirely on regular cooking oil.

Oyster sauce: It adds savory depth and helps create a richer stir-fry flavor. Check the label if you have dietary restrictions.

How to Make Sesame Garlic Chicken Noodles

1. Cook the noodles.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until just tender. Drain and set aside. Avoid overcooking because the noodles will be tossed in the skillet again.

2. Prepare the sauce.

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, ginger, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and water. Stir until combined.

3. Cook the chicken.

Toss the chicken strips with cornstarch. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for approximately 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. The thickest pieces should reach 165°F internally.

Transfer the chicken to a plate.

4. Stir-fry the vegetables.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add broccoli and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant.

5. Combine everything.

Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sesame garlic sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a separate bowl. Stir this slurry into the skillet and cook briefly until the sauce becomes glossy and slightly thickened.

6. Add the noodles and serve.

Add the cooked noodles and toss with tongs until everything is evenly coated. Cook for another 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick.

Finish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Expert Tips

• Prepare everything first: Stir-fries cook quickly, so chop the vegetables and mix the sauce before heating the skillet.

• Don’t overcrowd the chicken: Cook in batches if necessary to encourage browning rather than steaming.

• Keep garlic from burning: Add it after the vegetables have started cooking.

• Cook noodles slightly firm: They will soften further when tossed with the hot sauce.

• Adjust the sauce: Add a little water if it becomes too thick or a small amount of honey if you prefer more sweetness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking noodles: Follow the package directions and drain them while they still have a slight bite.

• Burning the garlic: Garlic can turn bitter quickly, so add it near the end of vegetable cooking.

• Adding too much sauce: Start with the listed quantity and adjust with a little water if needed.

• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: It helps the sauce cling to the noodles instead of collecting at the bottom of the skillet.

Easy Variations

• Spicy sesame chicken noodles: Add extra red pepper flakes or a little chili sauce.

• Chicken broccoli noodles: Increase the broccoli and leave out the bell pepper.

• Sesame chicken ramen: Replace egg noodles with ramen noodles, discarding the seasoning packets.

• Vegetable-packed noodles: Add shredded carrots, snap peas, or sliced mushrooms.

• Honey sesame chicken noodles: Increase the honey by 1 tablespoon for a sweeter sauce.

Ingredient Substitutions

Keep in mind that substitutions can slightly change the flavor and texture of the finished dish.

What to Serve With It

Although these noodles are a complete meal, a few simple sides work nicely:

• Asian cucumber salad: Adds a cool, refreshing contrast.

• Steamed edamame: A simple protein-rich side.

• Vegetable spring rolls: Provide a crisp texture alongside the soft noodles.

• Steamed dumplings: Make the meal feel more like a takeout-style dinner.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover sesame garlic chicken noodles in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the noodles and vegetables may become softer after thawing. Refrigeration is preferable for maintaining texture.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat with 1–2 tablespoons of water. Toss gently until heated throughout.

You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat until steaming hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make sesame garlic chicken noodles with ramen?

Yes. Use ramen noodles instead of egg noodles and discard the seasoning packets. Cook according to the package directions, then toss with the chicken and sauce.

2. Is this recipe sweet or savory?

It has a combination of both. Soy sauce and garlic provide savory flavor, while honey adds mild sweetness. You can adjust the honey to suit your preference.

3. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Whisk together the sauce ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir before using.

4. How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?

Drain them thoroughly and avoid letting them sit for too long. Tossing them promptly with the prepared sauce also helps separate the strands.

5. Can I make this recipe without oyster sauce?

Yes. Use vegetarian mushroom stir-fry sauce as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still provide savory depth.

6. What vegetables work best in sesame chicken noodles?

Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, and bok choy all work well. Choose vegetables that cook relatively quickly and retain some crunch.

Final Thoughts

Sesame Garlic Chicken Noodles bring together tender chicken, chewy noodles, colorful vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce in one easy dinner. Keep the ingredients simple, prepare everything before cooking, and adjust the sauce to your taste. It’s a flexible recipe worth adding to your weeknight dinner rotation.