One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles Recipe

When you’re craving a flavorful yet easy meal, One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender chicken, savory noodles, and a sweet and tangy honey garlic sauce that will satisfy your taste buds in just 30 minutes. The best part? You only need one pot, making clean-up a breeze! Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, this recipe promises to be a hit. With its simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s the kind of meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced into small pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium, if preferred)
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 8 oz (225 g) noodles (lo mein or spaghetti)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook them until golden brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. After cooking, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onion turns translucent. This step builds the base flavor for your dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Stir in the honey, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Let this mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and become aromatic.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add the chicken broth and uncooked noodles to the skillet. Stir well to ensure the noodles are coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Let the sauce thicken for about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and the chicken is well coated, remove from heat.

Top with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this one-pot meal.

Helpful Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients for Best Flavor

For the most flavorful dish, use fresh garlic and onion. These ingredients provide the aromatic base of the sauce, contributing to the depth of flavor. Fresh garlic will give your dish a stronger and more robust taste compared to garlic powder or pre-minced garlic, while a freshly chopped onion adds sweetness when sautéed.

Adjust the Spice Level

If you like your dishes on the spicier side, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you prefer a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the quantity. Adjusting the heat gives you the flexibility to customize the dish according to your preferences.

Be Careful with the Noodles

While cooking the noodles in the sauce, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them slightly less than the package instructions and allow them to finish cooking in the sauce. This helps the noodles absorb the flavors without becoming too soft.

Double the Sauce for Extra Flavor

If you love a saucier dish, feel free to double the amount of sauce ingredients—soy sauce, honey, and broth. This will ensure that the noodles are coated with a generous layer of the rich honey garlic sauce, making each bite extra flavorful.

Garnish for Extra Freshness

Garnishing your One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles with green onions and sesame seeds not only adds a burst of freshness but also enhances the dish’s presentation. These simple garnishes provide color and texture, elevating the dish for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Conservation and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’ve enjoyed your One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before refrigerating it to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess. Simply place the leftover noodles and chicken in a sealed container and store them in the fridge for later enjoyment.

Freezing the Dish

For longer storage, freezing is an excellent option. To freeze One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. You can store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, be sure to separate the noodles and chicken from the sauce as much as possible to preserve the texture of the noodles. After freezing, the sauce may thicken, but it can be easily restored by reheating with a little added water or chicken broth.

Reheating Leftovers

To reheat refrigerated or frozen leftovers, place the dish in a saucepan over low heat and stir occasionally. For frozen leftovers, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even reheating. If the sauce has thickened, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to the desired consistency. Be sure to stir the dish regularly to prevent the noodles from sticking to the pan.

Tips for Storing Separate Ingredients

If you prefer, you can store the noodles and chicken separately from the sauce. The chicken can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, while the noodles can last for 1-2 days. The sauce can be stored in a separate container for up to 5 days in the fridge, and it will also freeze well.

Variations

Try Different Proteins

While chicken breast is the star of this recipe, you can easily substitute it with other proteins like shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. For shrimp, reduce the cooking time to just 2-3 minutes per side to avoid overcooking. Beef can be used in place of chicken, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as beef takes a little longer to cook through. Tofu offers a great vegetarian choice and soaks up the flavors wonderfully.

Add Vegetables

To make the dish even more nutritious, consider adding a variety of vegetables. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots are excellent choices that add texture and color. You can add them to the skillet when the garlic and onions are sautéing, allowing them to soften slightly before adding the other ingredients. This variation adds a crunchy bite and extra flavor without overpowering the dish.

Switch Up the Noodles

Although the recipe calls for lo mein noodles or spaghetti, you can experiment with other types of noodles or pasta. Rice noodles, udon, or even gluten-free pasta can be used as an alternative. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the noodle type to ensure they cook evenly in the sauce.

Use a Sweetener Alternative

If you’re looking for a different sweetness profile, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. These alternatives will bring their own unique flavors to the dish, while still maintaining that sweet and savory balance.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a Side Salad

To balance the richness of the One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles, pair it with a fresh side salad. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the savory, sweet flavors of the dish. Consider adding ingredients like mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light citrus dressing for extra zest.

Pair with Steamed or Roasted Vegetables

For a well-rounded meal, serve the noodles with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables. Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers make great choices. These vegetables not only add vibrant color to your plate but also contribute additional nutrients, making your meal healthier. You can quickly steam them while your noodles are simmering or roast them in the oven for a crispy texture.

Top with Fresh Herbs

To enhance the flavor and add freshness, sprinkle the dish with fresh herbs before serving. Green onions and cilantro work particularly well with the honey garlic sauce. If you prefer a more fragrant touch, try a sprinkle of basil or mint, which will complement the sweetness and bring a refreshing note to the meal.

Serve with Rice or Bread

For a heartier option, serve the One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. This combination will soak up the delicious sauce, giving you extra satisfaction with every bite. Alternatively, you can serve it with warm, crusty bread to help scoop up the sauce and complete the meal.

Perfect for Meal Prepping

One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles is a great dish to prepare in advance for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Simply make a larger batch, portion it into individual servings, and store in airtight containers for up to three days. It’s a perfect meal prep option for busy weekdays, as it’s quick, flavorful, and filling.

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Conclusion

One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles is the perfect combination of convenience and flavor. This dish offers a rich, savory sauce paired with tender chicken and soft noodles, all cooked together in a single pot. Not only does it taste incredible, but it also saves you time on cleanup. The versatility of this dish allows for easy adjustments, whether you prefer a spicier kick, a different protein, or additional vegetables. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your rotation!