This One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles recipe is a delicious, hassle-free meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken pieces with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, this dish brings bold Asian-inspired flavors into one comforting pot. The addition of noodles cooked right in the sauce makes it a complete meal with minimal cleanup—no need for multiple pans or complicated steps. The garlic and soy sauce deliver a savory depth, while honey adds a touch of natural sweetness that balances the flavors perfectly. With optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick and garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds, this recipe is as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Ideal for those who crave a quick, home-cooked dinner without sacrificing flavor, this recipe requires common ingredients and comes together quickly. The use of hoisin sauce and rice vinegar adds layers of complexity, giving you a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding family or meal prepping for the week, this one-pot wonder makes dinner time easy and enjoyable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only one pot needed for cooking, making cleanup simple.
- Balanced sweet and savory honey garlic sauce enhances every bite.
- Tender chicken breast pieces cook quickly and remain juicy.
- Noodles absorb the flavorful sauce for a comforting, filling meal.
- Versatile recipe with optional spice and customizable garnishes.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Garlic, minced
- Small onion, finely chopped
- Honey
- Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- Hoisin sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Sesame oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
- Chicken broth
- Cornstarch mixed with water
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Variations
You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier, more flavorful option. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with tofu or a medley of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and snap peas. Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes. Swap out the noodles for rice noodles or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb alternative. Adding fresh ginger or a splash of lime juice can bring a fresh twist to the flavor profile.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and mostly cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Step 4: Add Sauces and Seasonings
Stir in honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to combine.
Step 5: Add Noodles and Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add noodles. Ensure noodles are submerged. Bring to a simmer and cook until noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Stir frequently while the noodles cook to prevent sticking.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt levels.
- Adjust the amount of honey to taste if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
- If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water.
How to Serve
Serve this honey garlic chicken and noodles straight from the pot for a simple meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas. Garnish with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. For a heartier meal, serve alongside an Asian-inspired salad or a bowl of miso soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover chicken and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers by placing them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and add more flavor. - What kind of noodles can I use?
Lo mein, spaghetti, or any thin wheat noodles work great. - Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu or mixed vegetables. - How spicy is this recipe?
The red pepper flakes are optional; omit them for no spice. - Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, but noodles are best freshly cooked for texture. - How do I prevent noodles from sticking?
Stir frequently during cooking and ensure they are submerged in broth. - Can I use gluten-free soy sauce?
Yes, gluten-free soy sauce is a great alternative. - How thick should the sauce be?
It should be thick enough to coat the noodles but still pourable. - What can I serve on the side?
Steamed vegetables or an Asian-style salad complement this dish well. - Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it reheats well and makes a great lunch or dinner option.
Conclusion
One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles is a flavorful, easy-to-make recipe that delivers big taste with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, it combines tender chicken, sweet and savory sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles all in one pot. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is a fantastic addition to your weeknight dinner rotation or meal prep plan. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, delicious meal that everyone will love.
Print
One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful one-pot meal combining tender chicken, savory garlic, and sweet honey with noodles simmered in a delicious soy-based sauce. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with comforting Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup honey
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1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
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2 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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8 oz (225 g) noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
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2 cups chicken broth
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1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
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2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
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In the same pan, add garlic and onion; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
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Stir in honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to combine.
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Add the noodles and chicken broth to the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook until noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
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Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the pan and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
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You can substitute chicken breast with thighs for a juicier result.
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Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for no heat.
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Use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- If noodles absorb too much liquid before cooking through, add more chicken broth as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired