Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: a symphony of sweet, savory, and umami flavors dancing together in a single bowl. Have you ever craved a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, quick to prepare yet bursting with complex tastes? Then look no further! This recipe delivers an unforgettable culinary experience that will have you reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, has captivated taste buds worldwide. The word “teriyaki” itself describes the glossy sheen (“teri”) imparted by the sweet and savory soy-based sauce. While traditionally used with grilled meats, its application to noodles creates a delightful fusion that’s both familiar and innovative. The beauty of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles lies in its versatility. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner solution, a fantastic lunchbox option, and even an impressive dish to serve guests.

People adore this dish for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, coated in a luscious teriyaki glaze, perfectly complements the satisfying chewiness of the noodles. The sweetness of the sauce is balanced by the savory soy sauce and a hint of ginger, creating an irresistible combination. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! With readily available ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in under 30 minutes. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your senses and leave you craving more!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake (or dry sherry)
• 1 tablespoon mirin (or sweet rice wine)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For the Teriyaki Sauce:
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (or sweet rice wine)
• 1/4 cup sake (or dry sherry)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (brown sugar preferred for richer flavor)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water (slurry)
• For the Noodles:
• 1 lb Yakisoba noodles (or spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Vegetables (optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Marinating the Chicken:

This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken. Don’t skip it!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sake, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 minced clove of garlic.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the chicken mixture. This will help the chicken to brown nicely and thicken the sauce later on.
3. Mix everything well, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!

Preparing the Teriyaki Sauce:

Homemade teriyaki sauce is so much better than store-bought. It’s easy to make and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking.

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of mirin, 1/4 cup of sake, 2 tablespoons of sugar (brown sugar is my favorite!), 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 minced clove of garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
4. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring constantly.
5. Continue to simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the teriyaki sauce aside.

Cooking the Chicken:

Now it’s time to cook the chicken to perfection!

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and nicely browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking the Vegetables (Optional):

Adding vegetables makes this dish a complete and healthy meal. Feel free to use your favorite veggies!

1. If you’re using vegetables, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet or wok.
2. Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, broccoli florets, shredded carrots, and 2 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Cooking the Noodles:

Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente for the best texture.

1. Cook the Yakisoba noodles according to the package directions. If you’re using spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles, cook them until al dente.
2. Drain the noodles well.
3. In the same skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat.
4. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss them with the sesame oil to prevent sticking.
5. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly heated through.

Assembling the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles:

This is where all the magic happens! Get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.

1. Add the cooked chicken and vegetables (if using) to the skillet with the noodles.
2. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the chicken, vegetables, and noodles.
3. Toss everything together well, ensuring that the chicken, vegetables, and noodles are evenly coated with the teriyaki sauce.
4. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and everything is heated through.

Serving:

Time to plate and enjoy your hard work!

1. Serve the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles immediately.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
3. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the perfectly seared chicken, glazed in that sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, to the satisfying slurp of perfectly cooked noodles, every bite is a little piece of culinary heaven. I truly believe this will become a staple in your household, and here’s why: it’s quick, it’s easy, and most importantly, it’s absolutely delicious.

Think of it: you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. No more ordering takeout when you’re short on time and craving something satisfying. This recipe is your answer! The balance of sweet, salty, and umami is simply irresistible, and the tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles create a textural symphony that will leave you wanting more.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. Or, drizzle some sriracha over the finished dish for an extra layer of heat.
* Veggie Power! Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrients and crunch. They’ll soak up the delicious teriyaki sauce beautifully.
* Protein Boost! Swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even steak for a different protein profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Noodle Nirvana! Experiment with different types of noodles! Udon, soba, or even spaghetti will work in a pinch. Just be sure to cook them according to package directions.
* Garnish Galore! A sprinkle of sesame seeds and some thinly sliced green onions add a pop of color and flavor. You could even add some toasted seaweed flakes for a touch of the ocean.
* Make it a Meal Prep Masterpiece! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply divide the noodles and chicken into containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
* Elevate with Eggs! Top your bowl of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles with a perfectly cooked fried egg. The runny yolk adds richness and flavor that takes this dish to the next level.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. The possibilities are endless!

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. Once you’ve tried this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you thought, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Happy cooking! I am sure you will love this recipe as much as I do.