There is nothing quite like a warm, flavorful bowl of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe to lift your spirits and satisfy your cravings in under 30 minutes. This dish perfectly marries tender chicken pieces with a luscious, homemade teriyaki sauce that clings to chewy udon noodles and vibrant stir-fried vegetables, creating a harmony of tastes and textures that feel both comforting and exciting. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a casual weekend treat, this recipe promises a delightful experience from the first bite to the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret to building layers of flavor and texture in this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe. Each element plays its part—from the savory soy sauce base to the fresh crunch of vegetables—ensuring every mouthful is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the teriyaki sauce that brings out deep umami notes.
- Water: Helps balance the sauce’s intensity while maintaining a smooth consistency.
- Mirin (sweet rice wine): Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of authentic Japanese flavor.
- Brown sugar: Enhances the rich caramel undertones that make teriyaki so irresistible.
- Honey: Gives a natural sweetness and sticky texture to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced): Provides a fragrant pungency that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Introduces a warm, zesty kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy finish.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy, and flavorful—ideal for stir-frying.
- Salt and pepper: Simply essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
- Vegetable oil: Provides a neutral cooking medium that helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
- Udon noodles (fresh or frozen): Thick, chewy noodles that hold onto the delicious sauce beautifully.
- Onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and a little bite when stir-fried.
- Carrots (julienned): Bring color and a satisfying crunch.
- Broccoli florets: Offer a vibrant green hue and fresh earthiness.
- Cabbage (sliced): Adds body and softness that balances the textures.
- Additional garlic and fresh ginger: Infuse the vegetables with aromatic warmth.
- Green onions (sliced): Fresh garnish that delivers mild onion flavor and color contrast.
- Sesame seeds: For toasty crunch and that final nutty flourish.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce
Start by mixing soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the kitchen starts to fill with the inviting aroma.
Step 2: Thicken the Sauce
Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry while keeping the sauce simmering. This step is crucial as the sauce transforms into a luscious, velvety glaze, stirring continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until it has thickened just right. Once done, remove the sauce from the heat and set it aside—it’s about to work its magic.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper before tossing them in a quarter cup of the freshly made teriyaki sauce. Let them sit covered in the fridge for at least 15 minutes; this marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it deeply with flavor, which makes a huge difference in the final dish.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a roomy wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes. This quick cooking locks in the juices, giving you perfectly tender, flavorful bites.
Step 5: Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, toss in the onion and carrots first, stir-frying them for a couple of minutes until they begin to soften. Then add broccoli, cabbage, additional garlic, and ginger, continuing to stir-fry until the vegetables are crisp-tender. This layering keeps the veggies vibrant and full of texture.
Step 6: Cook the Noodles
While the vegetables cook, prepare the udon noodles according to the package instructions—usually boiling until just al dente. Drain them well and rinse briefly under cold water to avoid clumping, so they remain perfectly separated and ready to soak up the sauce.
Step 7: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the noodles and the remaining teriyaki sauce, tossing everything together. Stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes until every noodle and chicken piece is evenly coated and heated through, achieving that glossy, irresistible finish we all crave.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Plate your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe with freshly sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve it immediately while it’s hot and aromatic for the best dining experience.
How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this dish spectacularly. Sliced green onions add a fresh crunch and mild sharpness, while toasted sesame seeds bring nutty warmth and texture contrast. Feel free to add a few sprigs of fresh cilantro or a wedge of lime for an extra zing that brightens the whole plate.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. A crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables balance the richness, while miso soup offers comforting warmth. Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt is another fantastic, easy side that complements these flavorful noodles perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with the garnishes, creating a beautiful contrast between the glossy sauce and fresh greens. You can also layer the dish in a clear glass bowl for an appealing visual effect, or wrap portions in lettuce leaves for an interactive, hand-held meal perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate can help the noodles avoid becoming soggy. When ready to eat, simply combine and reheat, and you’ll get almost fresh-like results.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately from the noodles and vegetables if possible. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles and chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra sauce to keep things moist. Stir frequently until heated through, ensuring the sauce re-coats the noodles and the vegetables retain their bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, just be mindful not to overcook it since it tends to dry out faster than thighs. Marinating properly will help keep it juicy and flavorful.
What if I don’t have mirin?
If mirin isn’t available, you can substitute with a mixture of rice vinegar and a little sugar, or simply use a sweet white wine or dry sherry for a similar effect, tweaking sweetness to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth or water instead of any chicken-based products. The teriyaki sauce and veggies will remain just as delicious.
Are udon noodles the only noodles I can use?
Not at all. While udon noodles give a wonderful chewy texture, you can substitute with lo mein, rice noodles, or spaghetti in a pinch — just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is mild by default. If you enjoy spice, consider adding red pepper flakes, a dash of sriracha, or fresh chili slices during cooking or as a topping.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe enough for anyone looking to whip up something quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and once you try it, you’ll likely want to make it again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this tasty, colorful delight!
Print
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe featuring tender chicken thighs marinated and stir-fried with a homemade teriyaki sauce, fresh vegetables, and udon noodles. This dish combines sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying mix of textures, perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup prepared teriyaki sauce (reserved from above)
Vegetables and Noodles
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen udon noodles
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup sliced cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: While whisking constantly, add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan. Continue to simmer and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Pour 1/4 cup of the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate.
- Stir-fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add onion and carrots and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add broccoli florets, sliced cabbage, minced garlic, and grated ginger, stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare udon noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Finish: Return cooked chicken to the pan with vegetables. Add cooked noodles and remaining teriyaki sauce. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to evenly coat and heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the chicken teriyaki noodles. Top with sliced green onions and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer than 15 minutes can enhance the flavor even more.
- Use fresh ginger for best flavor, but ground ginger can be substituted if needed.
- Feel free to swap udon noodles with other thick noodles like ramen or lo mein.
- Adjust vegetable choices based on preference or seasonality.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha when stir-frying.
