Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: the ultimate weeknight dinner champion! Are you craving a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly simple to make? Imagine tender noodles coated in a glossy, sweet, and savory teriyaki sauce, studded with juicy pieces of chicken. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor explosion in every bite!

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, traditionally involves grilling or broiling meats marinated in a soy sauce, mirin, and sugar glaze. Over time, this technique has evolved and adapted across cultures, leading to delicious variations like our Chicken Teriyaki Noodles. This dish cleverly combines the beloved teriyaki flavor profile with the satisfying comfort of noodles, creating a fusion that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes this recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying chew of the noodles, and the protein-packed chicken that keeps you feeling full and energized. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and whip up a batch of these delectable noodles tonight!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons sake (optional, or substitute with rice vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• For the Noodles:
• 1 lb Yakisoba noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the Vegetables (Optional):
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1/2 cup snow peas
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped, for garnish
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely in the pan.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with vegetable oil, sesame oil, ground ginger, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated with the spices.
3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
4. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Making the Teriyaki Sauce:

1. Now, let’s create that delicious teriyaki sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (or rice vinegar), brown sugar, and honey.
2. In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in cold water to create a slurry. This will prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan with the other sauce ingredients.
4. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
5. Once simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while continuously whisking. This will thicken the sauce.
6. Continue to simmer and whisk the sauce for about 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be able to coat the back of a spoon.
7. Remove the sauce from the heat and set aside.

Cooking the Noodles:

1. While the chicken is cooking and the sauce is simmering, prepare the noodles according to the package directions. If using Yakisoba noodles, they usually require a quick boil or soak in hot water. If using spaghetti or linguine, cook them al dente.
2. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well and toss them with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Adding the Vegetables (Optional):

1. If you’re adding vegetables, now’s the time to cook them. In the same skillet or wok that you used for the chicken, add a little more vegetable oil if needed.
2. Add the broccoli florets, sliced bell pepper, and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
3. Add the snow peas to the pan and stir-fry for another minute, or until they are bright green.
4. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.

Assembling the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles:

1. Now for the best part – putting it all together! Add the cooked noodles to the skillet or wok.
2. Pour about half of the teriyaki sauce over the noodles and toss to coat them evenly. You can add more sauce later if needed.
3. Add the cooked chicken and vegetables (if using) to the pan with the noodles.
4. Toss everything together until the chicken, vegetables, and noodles are well coated with the teriyaki sauce.
5. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving:

1. Serve the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles immediately.
2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
3. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, if desired.
4. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Teriyaki Noodles!

Tips and Variations:

• Protein Options: Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetable Variations: Get creative with your vegetables! Other great additions include mushrooms, bok choy, bean sprouts, and zucchini.
• Spice Level: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or garnish with sriracha.
• Noodle Types: While Yakisoba noodles are traditional, you can use any type of noodle you prefer. Udon noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti work well.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the teriyaki sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with the noodles and vegetables when you’re ready to serve.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Sweetness Adjustment: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce to suit your taste. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar and honey.
• Thickening the Sauce: If your teriyaki sauce isn’t thick enough, you can add a little more cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and add it to the sauce while simmering.
• Thinning the Sauce: If your teriyaki sauce is too thick, you can add a little water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sesame Oil: Don’t skip the sesame oil! It adds a wonderful nutty flavor to the dish.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory, perfectly glazed chicken to the satisfying slurp of the noodles, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this dish deserves a spot in your regular rotation. It’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can deliver such a complex and satisfying taste. But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions. For a complete meal, I love serving these noodles with a side of steamed broccoli or edamame. The bright green vegetables add a pop of color and a healthy dose of nutrients. A simple cucumber salad with a light rice vinegar dressing also complements the richness of the teriyaki sauce beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try topping the noodles with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions for added texture and visual appeal. And don’t be afraid to experiment with variations! If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even thinly sliced steak. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish. For a vegetarian option, load up on your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots. The possibilities are endless! You can also adjust the level of sweetness and spiciness to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. The key is to make it your own and have fun in the kitchen. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even a special occasion. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, the tender chicken, and the perfectly cooked noodles create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite serving suggestions? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always eager to learn from my readers and see how they’ve put their own spin on my recipes. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite of your homemade Chicken Teriyaki Noodles! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to rate the recipe after you try it!

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