Sticky garlic chicken teriyaki has become my go-to for a quick and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of garlic hitting the hot pan filled my kitchen, and the bubbling teriyaki sauce promised something special. The chicken was so tender, coated in that perfect, glistening garlic teriyaki chicken with sticky sauce, clinging to every strand of noodle. It’s a dish that just screams comfort and flavor, and I’m so excited to share this easy sticky garlic chicken teriyaki recipe with you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons:
- It’s incredibly quick, perfect for those busy weeknights.
- The sweet and savory sticky garlic teriyaki sauce is absolutely addictive.
- This easy sticky garlic chicken teriyaki comes together in under an hour.
- The combination of tender chicken and chewy noodles is pure comfort food.
- It’s a fantastic way to get that delicious garlic teriyaki chicken flavor you crave.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or spice level.
- This easy sticky garlic chicken teriyaki is a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters.
- The homemade sticky glaze is simple to whip up with pantry staples.
Ingredients for Homemade Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced – I like to slice them against the grain for extra tenderness.
- 8 oz noodles (your choice!) – Ramen, udon, or even spaghetti work wonderfully here.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil – for getting that perfect sear on the chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – the star of our sticky garlic teriyaki sauce!
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce – the base for our amazing chicken teriyaki with garlic and sticky glaze.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium if preferred) – adds depth and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar – this is key to achieving that irresistible sticky texture.
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish) – adds a fresh, oniony bite and beautiful color.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish) – for a little crunch and nutty flavor.
How to Make Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
Learning how to make sticky garlic chicken teriyaki is simpler than you think, and the results are so worth it. This recipe breaks down the process into easy steps, ensuring a delicious meal every time. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this flavorful dish!
- Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by cooking your chosen noodles according to the package directions. I usually opt for ramen or udon for that authentic chewy texture. Once they’re perfectly tender, drain them well and give them a quick rinse with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from sticking together. Set them aside while you prepare the rest of your amazing sticky garlic chicken teriyaki.
- Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Garlic
Heat about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your sliced chicken breasts, making sure not to overcrowd the pan – this is key for getting a nice golden-brown sear! Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned. Then, toss in your 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until you can really smell its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Step 3: Create the Sticky Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
Now for the magic! Pour 1/2 cup of teriyaki sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey (or brown sugar) directly into the skillet with the chicken and garlic. Stir everything together to combine. Let this glorious mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes. You’ll notice it start to thicken, creating that signature sticky glaze that makes this dish so irresistible. This is where the real flavor develops for your sticky garlic chicken teriyaki.
- Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and the thickened sauce. Toss everything gently until the noodles and chicken are thoroughly coated in the delicious, glossy sauce. This is the final step in how to make sticky garlic chicken teriyaki! Serve the saucy noodles and chicken immediately. Garnish generously with 2 chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that extra pop of color and crunch. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
Want to elevate your sticky garlic chicken teriyaki game? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:
- For an even richer flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of teriyaki sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don’t be afraid to add some colorful veggies like snap peas, bell peppers, or broccoli florets to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken. For tips on preparing vegetables, check out these techniques for perfect veggies.
- Taste and adjust the sauce before adding the noodles! You might want a touch more sweetness or a splash more soy sauce to get your perfect garlic teriyaki chicken with sticky sauce.
What’s the secret to perfect sticky garlic chicken teriyaki?
The real secret to that perfect, glossy coating is the balance of sweetness and simmer time. Letting the sauce thicken properly, without burning, creates an irresistible sticky chicken teriyaki garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
Can I make sticky garlic chicken teriyaki ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, like slicing the chicken and mincing the garlic. However, for the best texture, I recommend cooking the noodles and making the sauce just before serving to keep everything fresh and prevent sogginess.
How do I avoid common mistakes with sticky garlic chicken teriyaki?
A couple of common pitfalls: don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken, as it will steam instead of sear. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic – it can turn bitter quickly. Keep it moving!
Best Ways to Serve Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
This amazing sticky garlic chicken teriyaki is so versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. For a complete and balanced meal, I love serving it alongside some simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy. The crispness of the veggies provides a lovely contrast to the tender chicken and noodles. If you’re looking for a pairing that really highlights the savory notes, try serving it with a side of fluffy steamed rice to soak up any extra sauce. This combination of garlic soy chicken teriyaki sticky goodness is simply divine and always a hit! For other delicious chicken dishes, you might enjoy this cashew chicken recipe.
Nutrition Facts for Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
When you’re whipping up this delicious sticky garlic chicken teriyaki, it’s good to have an idea of what you’re enjoying. This recipe is designed to be a satisfying and flavorful meal, and here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving to help you out:
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 20g
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 950mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the teriyaki sauce and if you choose low-sodium soy sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
This delightful sticky garlic chicken teriyaki is fantastic for leftovers, but proper storage is key to maintaining its deliciousness. Once your meal has cooled down slightly, transfer the chicken and noodles into airtight containers. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option; wrap individual portions securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce to revive that wonderful teriyaki chicken sticky garlic glaze. Alternatively, you can microwave it, stirring halfway through, until heated through. If you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, consider this quick dinner recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki
Got questions about whipping up this amazing dish? I’ve got you covered!
What is sticky garlic chicken teriyaki?
Sticky garlic chicken teriyaki is a delicious Asian-inspired dish where tender pieces of chicken are coated in a rich, savory, and sweet glaze made with teriyaki sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetener. It’s typically served over noodles or rice, offering a satisfying balance of flavors and textures. It’s my go-to for a reason!
Why is sticky garlic chicken teriyaki sticky?
The “stickiness” in this dish comes from the glaze itself. By simmering the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and honey (or brown sugar) together, the sugars caramelize slightly and thicken, creating a glossy, sticky coating that adheres beautifully to the chicken and noodles. It’s this perfect sticky glaze that makes the dish so irresistible!
Can I use different types of chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my favorite for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay tender, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have a bit more fat, which keeps them extra moist and flavorful, but they might take a minute or two longer to cook through.
How do I make the sauce stickier?
To achieve an extra sticky sauce, try simmering it for a minute or two longer after adding the chicken and noodles, stirring constantly. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the sauce during the last minute of simmering to thicken it up even more. Just be sure to stir well to avoid clumps and prevent burning! For more culinary tips, explore the latest recipes.
Variations of Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki You Can Try
While this sticky garlic chicken teriyaki recipe is fantastic as is, I love experimenting with different twists! Here are a few ideas to shake things up:
- Spicy Kick: For a fiery version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce mixture in Step 3. This creates an amazing spicy sticky garlic chicken teriyaki that has just the right amount of heat.
- Garlic Butter Bliss: Swap the vegetable oil for butter in Step 2 and add an extra clove or two of garlic. The rich garlic butter flavor pairs beautifully with the teriyaki, making a decadent garlic butter chicken teriyaki sticky dish. For a similar flavor profile, try this garlic butter chicken pasta.
- Healthier Swap: To make this dish lighter, opt for chicken breast and use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also swap the honey for a sugar-free syrup or omit it altogether if your teriyaki sauce is sweet enough. This gives you a delicious healthier sticky garlic chicken teriyaki option.
- Sweet & Savory Delight: If you prefer a distinctly sweeter profile, increase the honey or brown sugar to 2 tablespoons. This will enhance the sweetness and ensure you get that perfect sweet and sticky garlic chicken teriyaki experience.
Sticky Garlic Chicken Teriyaki: Perfect Dinner
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful dish featuring succulent chicken coated in a sticky teriyaki glaze served over chewy noodles. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz noodles (your choice!)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices, cooking until they’re golden brown and cooked through (approximately 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for around 1 minute, allowing the garlic to release a fragrant aroma.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and honey (or brown sugar) into the skillet, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the sauce.
- Plate the noodles and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for extra flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting the sauce and adding more honey or soy sauce as needed.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet when cooking the chicken for even browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
