One Pot Honey Garlic Noodles

Craving a crowd-pleasing dinner that warms the soul and needs only one pan This honey garlic chicken and noodles recipe comes together in under thirty minutes and fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas Its sweet savory sauce coats juicy chicken and hearty noodles for a satisfying dish everyone asks for again and again

I remember making this after a long day when the fridge felt empty The pantry staples in this recipe saved dinner and the leftovers tasted even better the next day

Ingredients

• Olive oil: adds richness and helps sear the chicken Use extra virgin for a more pronounced flavor
• Boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs: delivers juicy bite-sized pieces Thighs offer more flavor while breast is leaner
• Garlic: gives bold aroma and depth Fresh cloves are best for a robust taste
• Small onion: brings gentle sweetness and fragrance A yellow or white onion works well
• Honey: creates the signature sticky sweetness Use pure honey for pure flavor
• Soy sauce: brings essential saltiness and umami Low sodium is just as tasty and helps control salt levels
• Hoisin sauce: deepens the sweetness and gives body to the sauce Select a reputable brand for best results
• Rice vinegar: adds brightness Opt for unseasoned to keep the flavors balanced
• Sesame oil: introduces a delicate nutty aroma Toasted sesame oil packs the most flavor
• Red pepper flakes: optional for gentle heat Use fresh flakes and start with less if sensitive to spice
• Noodles: soak up all the sauce Lo mein or spaghetti noodles work but judge texture after simmering
• Chicken broth: adds richness and helps the noodles cook up flavorful Use homemade or quality low sodium store-bought
• Cornstarch slurry: optional for thickening Let the sauce bubble after adding to reach perfect consistency
• Green onions: bring freshness and color Use crisp stalks and slice just before garnishing
• Sesame seeds: optional for a pretty finish Toast them lightly for best aroma
• Salt and pepper: balance and enhance all flavors Taste before adding since soy sauce is salty

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Place olive oil in a large skillet or wok on medium heat Once hot add chicken in a single layer Let it cook undisturbed for about three minutes until it barely releases from the pan Flip and brown the other side for about two to three minutes Then remove chicken and set aside on a plate This step locks in natural juices

Build the Flavor Base:

In the same pan drop in minced garlic and onion Stir gently and let them cook for about two to three minutes The onion will turn translucent and the garlic aromatic If anything sticks use a spatula to scrap up the golden bits That is pure flavor

Simmer the Sauce:

Pour in honey soy sauce hoisin sauce rice vinegar sesame oil and red pepper flakes Mix well and let the mixture bubble over medium heat for two minutes This melds flavors and slightly thickens the sauce The aroma should fill your kitchen

Cook the Noodles:

Add the chicken broth and nestle the uncooked noodles into the sauce Stir until the noodles are coated Cover with a lid and simmer for about eight to ten minutes Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking The noodles absorb the sauce and soften

Combine Everything:

Return the browned chicken to the skillet Toss with noodles and sauce ensuring every bite is coated Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed

Thicken the Sauce:

If you prefer a thicker sauce stir in the cornstarch slurry Increase the heat to medium high and cook one to two minutes The sauce will cling to the noodles and chicken when ready

Garnish and Serve:

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds across the top Plate hot right out of the pan for best flavor

Pin

My kids argue over who gets the last bite of chicken because the sauce is so irresistible My favorite part is the glossy honey garlic glaze it reminds me of weekend takeouts with the family and feels like a big homemade reward

Storage Tips

Once cooled transfer leftovers to an airtight container Refrigerate for up to three days For best results reheat over low heat in a pan with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and keep everything tender Avoid microwaving for too long so the chicken does not dry out

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to swap chicken thighs for breast or use tofu for a vegetarian twist You can replace honey with maple syrup for a deeper earthiness or skip the hoisin if you prefer a less sweet finish If lo mein noodles are hard to find spaghetti or linguine work well

Serving Suggestions

This dish needs only a simple side for a full meal Steamed broccoli bok choy or snap peas add crisp freshness You can also serve with a light cucumber salad or top with crushed peanuts for crunch

Pin

A Bit of Context

Inspired by familiar Asian noodle bowls this recipe is a fusion of classic flavors with everyday convenience Dishes that combine soy garlic and honey are beloved for their balance between salty sweet and savory making them popular in both home kitchens and restaurants

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, lo mein, spaghetti, or other long noodles hold up well and absorb the sauce nicely for this dish.

→ Is chicken breast or thigh better for this method?

Both work well. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breast provides a leaner option—choose according to preference.

→ How spicy does the dish turn out?

The heat is mild; the recipe uses red pepper flakes as an optional addition, allowing you to control the spice level.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth if needed.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth. The saucy, savory mixture still delivers full flavor.