Garlic Chicken Noodles for Easy Weeknight Dinners 🍜🧄🍗
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner idea? Garlic Chicken Noodles are the perfect solution for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken, aromatic garlic, and perfectly cooked Asian-style noodles, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re craving an Asian chicken noodles or a comforting stir-fry, this recipe hits all the right notes. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love!
2. Ingredients
- 8 oz Asian noodles or ramen
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced into thin strips
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 cup shredded carrots or julienned vegetables
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Chicken Noodles
Preparation of Ingredients
Start by slicing the chicken into thin strips and mincing the garlic. Prepare the vegetables and set everything within reach to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Cooking the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the Asian noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Stir-Frying the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing Garlic and Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Toss in the shredded carrots or other vegetables, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combining Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and cooked noodles. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or pepper as needed.
4. Storage Tips for Garlic Chicken Noodles
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or stir-fry in a hot skillet until warmed through. For the best texture, avoid freezing, as noodles can become mushy upon thawing.
5. Serving Suggestions for Garlic Chicken Noodles
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve with a side of refreshing cucumber strawberry salad or a plate of crispy oven-baked sweet potato fries. For an extra protein boost, consider adding a hard-boiled egg or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Garlic Chicken Noodles
Can I substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp?
Yes, both tofu and shrimp work well in this dish. Just cook them accordingly before adding to the noodles. Shrimp cook quickly, while tofu can be pan-fried until crispy.
What are some vegan or vegetarian alternatives?
Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free options. Load up on vegetables to enhance the taste and nutrition.
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Chicken Noodles?
The entire process from prep to plate takes approximately 25-30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free noodles to enjoy this recipe without worries.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly cooking or crisping ingredients, making your garlic chicken noodles even more versatile.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This durable cookware set ensures your stir-frying and boiling are smooth and efficient.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Multi-tasking kitchen gadget to prepare chicken or vegetables faster and healthier.
8. Conclusion
Garlic Chicken Noodles is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that elevates your weeknight dinners. With its aromatic garlic, tender chicken, and tasty noodles, it’s no wonder this Asian chicken noodles recipe has become a household favorite. Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins, it’s a dish that promises satisfaction in under half an hour. Get creative, enjoy, and impress your family with this delicious garlic chicken stir-fry.
9. Final Tips
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, sauces, or protein swaps to make this dish uniquely yours. Keep stocked with pantry essentials like soy sauce and garlic for quick failsafe dinners. Pair it with a light salad or spring rolls for a complete meal experience. Happy cooking!
Print
Garlic Chicken Noodles for Easy Weeknight Dinners
A simple, flavorful garlic chicken noodle stir-fry perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken slices, fragrant garlic, and tender noodles coated in a savory sauce.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (rice or egg noodles)
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil; toss to coat evenly.
- Combine cooked noodles with the chicken and sauce mixture, toss to combine.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and soy sauce alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: easy, high-protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 450 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg