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, familiar yet subtly exotic? This recipe is your answer! Imagine tender chicken, glazed in a luscious teriyaki sauce, nestled amongst perfectly cooked noodles, all ready in under 30 minutes.

Teriyaki, a cooking technique originating in Japan, has become a global phenomenon. The word “teriyaki” itself describes the glossy sheen (teri) imparted by the sauce, which is typically made with soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. While traditionally used with grilled meats, its application to noodles creates a delightful fusion dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. My take on Chicken Teriyaki Noodles elevates this classic with a few simple additions, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

What makes this dish so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, the satisfying chew of the noodles, and the tender, flavorful chicken. It’s a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love, and it’s also impressive enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – feel free to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to your liking. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with this incredible recipe!

this Recipe

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 (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 (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 vegetable oil
• For the Vegetables (Optional):
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• For Garnish:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

Marinating the Chicken:

This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring it stays tender during cooking. Don’t skip it!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sake (or dry sherry), 1 tablespoon of mirin, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 clove of minced garlic.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the chicken mixture. The cornstarch helps to create a slight coating on the chicken, which will help the sauce cling to it better and also contribute to a nice, slightly thickened texture.
3. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that all the chicken pieces are well coated with the marinade.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag.
5. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 1-2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will become. You can even marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.

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 (or dry sherry), 2 tablespoons of sugar (brown sugar preferred), 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1 clove of minced garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar and honey.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water to create a slurry. This slurry will help to thicken the sauce.
4. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly.
5. Continue to simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the teriyaki sauce aside.

Cooking the Chicken:

Make sure your pan is hot before adding the chicken to get a nice sear!

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown color. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Cooking the Noodles:

Follow the package instructions for the best results. If using spaghetti, cook al dente!

1. Cook the Yakisoba noodles according to the package directions. If you are using spaghetti, linguine, or udon noodles, cook them according to the package directions until they are al dente.
2. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.

Cooking the Vegetables (Optional):

Feel free to use any vegetables you like! This is a great way to customize the dish.

1. If you are using vegetables, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the same skillet or wok that you used to cook the chicken.
2. Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, onion, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots to the skillet.
3. Cook the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute, or until fragrant.

Assembling the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles:

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

1. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables (if using).
2. Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
3. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet.
4. Toss everything together to coat the noodles, vegetables, and chicken evenly with the teriyaki sauce.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until everything is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

Serving:

Garnish is key! It adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

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

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a little heat.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, or bok choy.
• Use different protein: You can substitute the chicken with beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
• Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce to your liking.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and teriyaki sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat, simply cook the noodles and vegetables and assemble the dish.

Enjoy your homemade Chicken Teriyaki Noodles! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s both delicious and easy to make. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and proteins to create your own unique version. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory, slightly sweet teriyaki glaze clinging to perfectly cooked chicken to the satisfying slurp of tender noodles, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious – a winning combination for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a comforting and flavorful meal. The best part? It’s easily customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

Think of it: the aroma filling your kitchen as the teriyaki sauce simmers, coating the chicken in a glossy, irresistible sheen. Imagine the satisfying feeling of twirling those noodles around your fork, each strand infused with the rich, umami flavor of the sauce. This isn’t just cooking; it’s creating a moment of pure culinary joy.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with your serving suggestions and variations. For a complete meal, consider adding steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers to the noodles. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions adds a touch of elegance and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a dash of chili flakes for a spicy kick.

For a lighter option, you can swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Tofu, pan-fried until golden brown, absorbs the teriyaki sauce beautifully, creating a delicious vegetarian alternative. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a delicate sweetness that complements the savory sauce perfectly. You can also experiment with different types of noodles. Udon noodles offer a chewy texture, while soba noodles provide a nutty flavor. Even spaghetti or linguine can work in a pinch!

And don’t forget about the sauce! While the recipe provides a fantastic base, you can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to your liking. Add a little honey for extra sweetness, soy sauce for more saltiness, or cornstarch for a thicker consistency. The possibilities are endless!

This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to explore your culinary creativity and create a dish that you and your loved ones will adore. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Let me know if you have any questions, I’m always happy to help. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chicken Teriyaki Noodles!