Ingredients for Sticky Chicken with Noodles
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Sticky Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) noodles of your choice (egg noodles, ramen, or rice noodles work well)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1 carrot, julienned (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need:
- Large frying pan or wok
- Pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon for stirring sauces
- Tongs or spatula
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sticky Chicken with Noodles
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and cornstarch (if using). The cornstarch helps give the chicken a slightly crispy texture when fried, but it’s optional.
2. Cook the Noodles
Boil your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. If you’re using stir-fry noodles like ramen or egg noodles, they usually take just a few minutes to cook. Drizzle with a little oil to prevent them from sticking together.
3. Fry the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
4. Make the Sticky Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, hoisin sauce, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Adjust the sweetness and saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce, depending on your taste.
5. Combine Chicken with the Sauce
Add the sticky sauce to the same pan you used for the chicken. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken and become glossy. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, tossing it in the sauce to coat each piece evenly.
6. Stir-Fry the Noodles
In a separate frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell pepper, carrots, and any other vegetables you like. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender but still have a bit of crunch. Then, add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing everything together until well mixed.
7. Combine and Serve
To serve, place the stir-fried noodles on a plate or in a bowl. Spoon the sticky chicken on top, making sure to drizzle any extra sauce over the noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.