Name: Delicious Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs; 8 oz lo mein or yakisoba noodles; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ginger, grated; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp cornstarch; 1/4 cup water; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; 1 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola)

I’ve always been drawn to bold, comforting flavors that come together in just one bowl, and these Chicken Teriyaki Noodles hit every note. The glossy, sticky sauce clings to each strand of noodle, the chicken is tender and savory, and the whole dish is brightened up with fresh scallions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like your favorite takeout, but better—and it comes together fast enough for a weeknight dinner.

What I love most about this dish is how it balances sweet and salty with just a hint of umami depth. The noodles soak up every bit of the teriyaki sauce, and when paired with juicy bites of chicken, it’s the ultimate fork-twirling comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this recipe never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

This meal is quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. It uses pantry staples and requires minimal prep, making it a go-to for busy evenings. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—add veggies, switch the noodles, or go meatless if you like. It’s both cozy and exciting, with the kind of flavors that keep you coming back for seconds.

What Kind of Noodles Should I Use?

For the best results, I recommend using lo mein noodles or yakisoba, which hold up beautifully to the thick teriyaki glaze. If you don’t have those on hand, spaghetti or even udon noodles can work in a pinch. The key is choosing a noodle that can carry the sauce without becoming soggy or overly soft.

Options for Substitutions

You can swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for a different protein. For a vegetarian version, just skip the meat and add extra veggies like bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms. Gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles in place of wheat-based ones. The teriyaki sauce is very forgiving and welcomes creativity.

Ingredients for This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Chicken breast or thighs: Lean, tender, and soaks up the teriyaki sauce perfectly. Thighs give more flavor, while breasts keep it light.
Lo mein or yakisoba noodles: These are ideal for texture and sauce absorption. You want that chewy bite that carries the glaze well.
Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami base for the teriyaki sauce.
Brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a deep sweetness and helps create that sticky glaze.
Garlic: A must for a fragrant and savory backbone.
Ginger: Adds warmth and zest, boosting the flavor profile of the sauce.
Sesame oil: Just a touch gives a rich, nutty aroma that defines many Asian dishes.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into that glossy finish that clings to the noodles and chicken.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Green onions: For freshness and a burst of color.
Sesame seeds: Toasted for garnish; they add crunch and visual appeal.
Oil (vegetable or canola): For stir-frying the chicken and noodles.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by slicing your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and ginger finely, and chop the green onions. Set aside all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, water, cornstarch, and sesame oil, so you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Boil your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them lightly with a bit of oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the chicken and sauce.

Step 3: Make the Teriyaki Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch until smooth. This will be your thick, glossy teriyaki base.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure it sears nicely instead of steaming.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

Pour the teriyaki sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken, about 2–3 minutes. It should become shiny and sticky.

Step 6: Toss in the Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the pan and gently toss everything together, making sure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and mixed well with the chicken.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish by topping your dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot straight from the pan for the freshest flavor.

How Long to Prepare the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles

Prep Time: You’ll need about 15 minutes to prep everything. This includes slicing the chicken, chopping aromatics, whisking the sauce together, and boiling the noodles. Having everything ready before you start cooking makes the whole process feel seamless.

Cook Time: Cooking the chicken and bringing the sauce together takes another 15 minutes. The noodles are already pre-cooked, so tossing everything together is quick. Altogether, this dish comes together in just around 30 minutes.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Teriyaki Noodles

Use high heat for stir-frying to get a nice sear on the chicken without overcooking it.
Don’t overcook the noodles before adding them to the pan, or they’ll turn mushy.
Prep everything in advance. Once you start cooking, things move fast.
Adjust sauce thickness by adding more water if needed, or simmering a bit longer for extra glaze.
Use fresh garlic and ginger, not powder, for the best flavor punch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using too much sauce can make the dish overly salty or soggy.
Crowding the pan while cooking chicken leads to steaming instead of searing.
Skipping cornstarch will result in a watery sauce that doesn’t cling well.
Forgetting to rinse noodles can cause them to clump and overcook.
Overcooking the chicken makes it dry—remove it as soon as it’s done.

What to Serve With Chicken Teriyaki Noodles?

1. Steamed Broccoli

A simple side that balances out the richness of the noodles and adds color and crunch.

2. Asian Cucumber Salad

Refreshing, light, and tangy—perfect to contrast the savory teriyaki glaze.

3. Miso Soup

A warm, umami-packed starter that makes the meal feel complete.

4. Spring Rolls

Crispy and fresh, these make an excellent side or appetizer.

5. Pickled Radish or Kimchi

Adds a tangy, fermented bite that cuts through the sweetness of the sauce.

Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftover chicken teriyaki noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making them great for meal prep.

Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Freezer: Not ideal for freezing as the noodles can become mushy, but the chicken and sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~480
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sodium: 980mg
Sugar: 12g
Fiber: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make this dish spicy?

Add chili flakes, Sriracha, or a splash of chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even searing and safe internal temperature.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Bell peppers, snow peas, mushrooms, broccoli, and shredded carrots all pair well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and opt for rice noodles or any certified gluten-free noodle.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! It keeps well for several days and reheats nicely, making it great for lunchboxes or quick dinners.

Conclusion

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, versatile, and utterly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights but tasty enough to serve to guests. With a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you can whip up a comforting meal that feels like a restaurant favorite—only faster, cheaper, and just the way you like it.