The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly balanced teriyaki sauce makes these Chicken Teriyaki Noodles a standout dish. The noodles soak up the flavorful sauce, while the crisp veggies add a delightful texture.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to swap in your favorite vegetables or noodles to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz noodles (e.g., soba, udon, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrot for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over and toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce appeals to both kids and adults, making it a crowd-pleaser.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the vegetables or use gluten-free noodles to suit your dietary preferences.
- Nutrient-Packed: With lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and wholesome noodles, this recipe is both delicious and nutritious.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
- Choose the Right Noodles
- Soba, udon, or even spaghetti work well for this recipe. For a gluten-free option, try rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead
- Having your chicken, vegetables, and sauce ingredients ready to go before you start cooking makes the process seamless and stress-free.
- Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
- For a vibrant, crunchy texture, cook your vegetables just until tender-crisp. This also helps retain more nutrients.
- Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste
- If you like a sweeter flavor, add a bit more honey. For a richer, saltier taste, increase the soy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use a vegan teriyaki sauce.
2. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe reheats well. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables (without the noodles) for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy version.
- Extra Protein: Add scrambled eggs, shrimp, or even leftover grilled chicken for a protein boost.
- Nutty Twist: Garnish with crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch and flavor.
Perfect Pairings
- Side Dish: Serve with a simple cucumber salad or miso soup for a complete meal.
- Beverage: Pair with iced green tea or a refreshing lemonade.
- Dessert: End the meal with mochi ice cream or a light fruit salad.
Did You Know?
Chicken teriyaki is a staple in Japanese-inspired cuisine, and the word “teriyaki” refers to the cooking technique of grilling or broiling foods in a sweet soy-based glaze. This recipe puts a modern twist on the classic flavors by incorporating stir-fried vegetables and noodles for a wholesome, all-in-one meal.
The Origins of Teriyaki
Teriyaki is a classic Japanese cooking technique where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. While traditional teriyaki focuses on simplicity, this recipe incorporates stir-frying and noodles to create a more robust, fusion-style meal. The addition of vegetables and noodles is a nod to modern, globally influenced cooking trends that make meals more versatile and accessible for home cooks.
The Magic of Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
While store-bought teriyaki sauce works well, making your own is a game-changer. With simple ingredients like soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, you can control the sweetness, saltiness, and overall flavor profile. Homemade sauces are also free from preservatives and tailored to your dietary needs.
Ingredient Spotlight
- Chicken Breast: A lean, protein-packed choice that cooks quickly and absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots not only add vibrant color but also boost the nutritional value with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Noodles: Whether you choose soba, udon, or even spaghetti, the noodles provide the perfect base to soak up the sauce and complement the other ingredients.
- Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential for achieving the rich, authentic teriyaki flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma that elevates the dish’s depth and flavor.
Why Make This at Home?
- Healthier Option: Homemade Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are free from excessive sodium, additives, and artificial ingredients often found in takeout versions.
- Cost-Effective: Cooking at home saves money and allows you to make multiple servings for the same price as one restaurant meal.
- Customizable: Add extra veggies, swap in shrimp or tofu, or tweak the sauce to your liking.
How to Meal Prep This Recipe
This recipe is excellent for meal prep, as it reheats well and maintains its flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare Ingredients Separately: Cook the chicken, noodles, and vegetables separately. Store them in individual containers in the fridge.
- Combine Before Serving: Toss everything together in a pan with the sauce when ready to eat. This prevents the noodles from becoming soggy.
- Portion Control: Divide the prepared meal into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
Nutrition Insights
This dish offers a balance of macronutrients and a healthy dose of essential vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in:
- Protein: Lean chicken breast supports muscle growth and repair.
- Fiber: Vegetables like broccoli and carrots aid digestion.
- Complex Carbs: Noodles provide sustained energy.
You can make this recipe even lighter by using zucchini noodles or swapping soy sauce for a low-sodium version.
Fun Fact
Teriyaki-style dishes are not traditionally served with noodles in Japan; instead, they’re often paired with plain rice. The noodle variation is a Western adaptation that has gained immense popularity for its one-bowl convenience and hearty appeal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Keep them al dente, as they’ll continue cooking when tossed with the sauce.
- Crowding the Pan: Cook chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and proper texture.
- Skipping the Sauce: Make sure to coat every ingredient in the teriyaki sauce for a well-balanced flavor.
Final Serving Tip
For a restaurant-quality presentation, sprinkle the dish with toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions. Serve in a large bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the vegetables, noodles, and sauce.
Conclusion
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles is the ultimate one-pan dish that brings together the best of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and quick preparation. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, a meal-prep favorite, or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The sweet and savory teriyaki sauce paired with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles creates a harmonious balance of taste and texture.
Not only is this recipe simple and customizable, but it also embodies the comfort of home-cooked meals with a touch of restaurant-quality flair. Serve it as a standalone dish or alongside a crisp salad or soup for a complete feast. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite in your household. Happy cooking!