Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: a symphony of sweet, savory, and umami flavors dancing together in a single bowl. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, quick to prepare yet bursting with complex tastes? Then look no further! This recipe delivers on all fronts, transforming humble noodles and chicken into a culinary masterpiece.
Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, involves glazing food with a luscious sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. While its exact origins are debated, teriyaki has become a global phenomenon, adapted and loved in countless variations. Our Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe takes this classic flavor profile and infuses it into a satisfying noodle dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and salty, the tender chicken coated in a glistening glaze, and the satisfying chew of the noodles. People adore Chicken Teriyaki Noodles because they are incredibly versatile, easily customizable with your favorite vegetables, and ready in under 30 minutes. Plus, who can resist that addictive teriyaki sauce? Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- For the Noodles and Vegetables:
- 1 lb Yakisoba noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken:
- First, let’s get the chicken ready. In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with vegetable oil, black pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is nicely coated. This will help the chicken brown beautifully and add a subtle savory flavor.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the skillet 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.
- 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 skillet and set aside. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet just yet; we’ll use those flavorful bits later!
Making the Teriyaki Sauce:
- Now, let’s whip up that delicious teriyaki sauce. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. These ingredients create the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that are characteristic of teriyaki.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan. These aromatics will infuse the sauce with a wonderful depth of flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the other ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more brown sugar or honey. If you want a tangier sauce, add a splash more rice vinegar.
Cooking the Noodles and Vegetables:
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the noodles according to the package directions. If you’re using Yakisoba noodles, they usually only take a few minutes to cook. If you’re using spaghetti or linguine, cook them al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Now, let’s get those veggies cooking. In the same skillet that you used to cook the chicken (no need to clean it!), heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. The sesame oil will add a nutty and aromatic flavor to the vegetables.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
- Add the broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and the carrots are slightly softened.
Assembling the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles:
- Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together to combine.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the teriyaki sauce and the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
Serving:
- Serve the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles immediately.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds a pop of color and a nutty crunch.
- Enjoy your delicious and easy Chicken Teriyaki Noodles!
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Variations: Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Variations: Get creative with your vegetables! You can add mushrooms, snow peas, bok choy, or any other vegetables you enjoy.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or a drizzle of sriracha to the finished dish.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prepping! Store the cooked noodles and chicken teriyaki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Teriyaki Noodles! I hope you found this recipe easy to follow and delicious. Let me know in the comments if you have any questions or if you tried any variations!
Conclusion:
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the perfectly cooked noodles, slicked with that irresistible sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, to the tender, juicy chicken, every bite is a symphony of textures and tastes. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, easy, and delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up a batch of these noodles faster than you can say “delivery fee!”
But the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences. Looking for a vegetarian option? Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu well to remove excess water, then pan-fry or bake it until golden brown before adding it to the teriyaki sauce. You could also add more vegetables! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or even edamame would all be fantastic additions. Just toss them in with the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to ensure they’re tender-crisp.
For serving suggestions, I love topping my Chicken Teriyaki Noodles with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of sriracha or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a welcome kick of heat if you’re feeling adventurous. And if you’re looking to make it a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a simple side salad or some steamed bok choy.
Another variation I’ve experimented with is adding a touch of ginger and garlic to the teriyaki sauce for an extra layer of flavor. A teaspoon of grated ginger and a clove of minced garlic can really elevate the dish. You could also try using different types of noodles. Udon noodles, soba noodles, or even spaghetti would work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings and sauces as well. A sprinkle of toasted peanuts or cashews would add a nice crunch, while a dollop of Japanese mayonnaise or a drizzle of yum yum sauce would take the flavor to the next level. The possibilities are endless!
I’m so confident that you’ll love this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe that I urge you to give it a try. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy families, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What were your favorite toppings? Share your photos and comments with me – I’m always eager to see your culinary creations and learn from your experiences. Let’s get cooking and create some delicious memories together! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: A Delicious & Easy Recipe
Quick and easy Chicken Teriyaki Noodles packed with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 lb Yakisoba noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or ramen noodles)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with vegetable oil, black pepper, and garlic powder until well coated.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and browned. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Teriyaki Sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the other ingredients. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Cook the Noodles and Vegetables: While the sauce is simmering, cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly softened but still crisp-tender.
- Add broccoli florets and shredded carrots to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until the broccoli is bright green and the carrots are slightly softened.
- Assemble the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine.
- Pour the teriyaki sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss until the noodles are well coated with the teriyaki sauce and the chicken and vegetables are evenly distributed.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, shrimp, tofu, or beef. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Add mushrooms, snow peas, bok choy, or other vegetables.
- Add red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce or sriracha to the finished dish.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles.
- Store cooked noodles and chicken teriyaki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
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