Imagine a steaming plate of tender noodles tossed in a rich, glossy teriyaki sauce, with succulent slices of perfectly seared chicken, crisp vegetables, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This dish brings the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Japanese cuisine straight to your dinner table in just 30 minutes.
Not only is this meal packed with flavor, but it’s also a wholesome, balanced choice with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a mouthwatering sauce that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for an easy family dinner, these Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are a must-try!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) noodles (rice noodles, udon, or spaghetti)
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup snap peas
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas. Stir-fry for 3 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and pour in the teriyaki sauce mixture. Stir well and let it simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin of Teriyaki:
Teriyaki is a cooking technique that originated in Japan, where foods are grilled or broiled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine), and sugar. The word “teriyaki” comes from teri, which means luster (referring to the glossy finish of the sauce), and yaki, which means grilled or broiled. In Western adaptations, teriyaki sauce often includes additional ingredients like honey, garlic, and ginger, enhancing its depth of flavor.
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe is a fusion of Japanese flavors with a stir-fried noodle twist, making it a perfect quick and satisfying meal. It brings the sweet and savory notes of teriyaki sauce together with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and chewy noodles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Better Than Takeout: Homemade teriyaki sauce ensures fresh, high-quality ingredients with no preservatives.
✔ Customizable: Swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand—broccoli, mushrooms, or zucchini work great!
✔ Family-Friendly: A dish loved by both kids and adults, thanks to its slightly sweet and umami-rich flavors.
✔ One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup, making cooking stress-free.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
🔥 Use High Heat: Stir-frying at high heat ensures the vegetables stay crisp and the chicken gets a nice sear.
🍜 Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them al dente since they will absorb some sauce when mixed with the chicken and vegetables.
🍯 Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the honey slightly. If you love sweeter teriyaki, add an extra teaspoon.
🥢 Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
🥡 Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap in rice noodles.
Ingredients Breakdown & Substitutions
- Noodles – Use rice noodles, udon, ramen, or even spaghetti. Each provides a different texture but works well in this dish.
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for lean protein, but thighs offer more juiciness.
- Teriyaki Sauce – A simple mix of soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. You can adjust the sweetness by adding or reducing the honey.
- Vegetables – Carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas provide crunch, color, and nutrition. You can also add broccoli, mushrooms, or bok choy.
- Garlic & Ginger – Essential for adding depth and authentic umami flavor.
- Sesame Seeds & Green Onions – Used for garnish to enhance the final dish with freshness and texture.
- Cornstarch Slurry – Helps to thicken the teriyaki sauce, making it cling beautifully to the chicken and noodles.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
🔥 Use High Heat: Stir-frying at high heat ensures that the vegetables stay crisp and the chicken gets a beautiful golden sear.
🍜 Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them slightly al dente, as they will continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
🍯 Adjust Sweetness & Saltiness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, reduce the honey slightly. For less saltiness, use low-sodium soy sauce.
🌶 Make It Spicy: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
🥢 Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and swap regular noodles for rice noodles.
🥡 Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a batch and store for easy meals throughout the week!
How to Store & Reheat Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
🍽 Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.
❄ Freezing: It’s best to freeze only the cooked teriyaki chicken and sauce (not the noodles), then add fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture.
What to Serve with Chicken Teriyaki Noodles?
🍲 Miso Soup – A classic side dish that pairs well with the umami-rich noodles.
🥒 Cucumber Salad – Refreshing and balances out the richness of the teriyaki sauce.
🥟 Steamed Dumplings – A great appetizer to complete the meal.
🥢 Edamame with Sea Salt – A simple and healthy snack to complement the dish.
FAQs About Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
1. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms for a delicious plant-based option.
2. What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste to the teriyaki sauce for extra heat.
3. Can I use store-bought teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade teriyaki sauce offers the freshest taste, you can use a high-quality store-bought teriyaki sauce for convenience.
4. What kind of noodles should I use?
The best options are udon, ramen, soba, or rice noodles, but spaghetti can also work in a pinch.
5. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prep the teriyaki chicken and vegetables ahead of time and quickly toss them with fresh noodles before serving.
Fun Fact!
Did you know that teriyaki sauce became widely popular in Hawaii? Japanese immigrants brought the cooking style, and over time, pineapple juice was added to create a unique Hawaiian twist on teriyaki sauce. This tropical version is often used in Hawaiian BBQ dishes!
Conclusion
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves quick, flavorful, and easy meals. Whether you’re craving a better-than-takeout dinner, looking for a family-friendly dish, or just need a satisfying noodle fix, this recipe will never disappoint!