If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that dazzles with both flavor and simplicity, look no further than One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles. This soul-soothing meal brings juicy chicken, sweet-savory glaze, slurpable noodles, and crisp-tender veggies together in one pan, making it the ultimate answer for family nights or effortless entertaining. Every bite delivers that magical blend of garlicky goodness, honeyed charm, and silky noodles, all made with minimal cleanup and everyday ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can layer so much taste and color into One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles. Each element plays a starring role, keeping things lively and well balanced from the very first forkful.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These turn out perfectly juicy and soak up every bit of the sweet garlic sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps brown the chicken for flavor depth.
- Garlic: The aromatic base that gives the sauce serious personality—fresh garlic is best here.
- Honey: This brings irresistible sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Delivers salty-savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
- Rice vinegar: Just a splash adds zing and balances the honey’s sweetness.
- Sesame oil: A little goes a long way for that signature toasty, nutty aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little subtle heat—feel free to adjust!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps things saucy and infuses everything with extra savory goodness.
- Spaghetti or lo mein noodles (uncooked): Either option works beautifully and soaks up all the surrounding flavor.
- Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant green color and a satisfying crunch.
- Large carrot (julienned): For sweet pops of color and a gentle crunch.
- Green onions (sliced): Sprinkled in for freshness and a little bite.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A finishing touch for extra texture and a hint of nuttiness.
How to Make One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a roomy skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, add your chicken pieces and let them develop that irresistible golden-brown crust, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes. This step not only locks in moisture but also lays the foundation for deep, savory flavor.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
Time for that garlicky punch! Toss in your minced garlic and sauté it until it’s just fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir frequently to avoid burning. You’ll smell when it’s ready – your kitchen will start to smell absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 3: Build the Honey Garlic Sauce
Now comes the magic: pour in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and, if using, the red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the chicken and marry the flavors. Let these mingle for a moment so the sauce begins to gloss over the chicken and aromatics.
Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Noodles
Add in all your chicken broth, then bring it to a simmer. Next, nestle your dry noodles directly into the pan, stirring to coat them in that addictive sauce. Cover and let everything bubble away for 5 minutes – the noodles will begin to soften and soak up all those fantastic flavors.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
Uncover and stir in the broccoli florets and julienned carrot. Continue cooking uncovered for another 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is tender (but still vibrant) veggies and perfectly cooked noodles with a glossy, slightly thickened sauce.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Sprinkle in your sliced green onions, giving everything a final toss. If you like, shower the top with sesame seeds just before serving. That’s it – One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles is ready to dazzle right out of the pan!
How to Serve One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
Garnishes
A handful of green onions and a shower of toasty sesame seeds bring color, crunch, and that finishing touch you’ll love. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime can take things up a notch, balancing all those sweet and savory notes.
Side Dishes
This dish is really a full meal in itself, but if you want to round out the spread, think simple: a crisp Asian-style slaw, steamed edamame, or quick-pickled cukes work beautifully. A light cucumber salad or miso soup on the side can cool things down and let the bold flavors shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles family-style in a big, shallow bowl for easy sharing. For a fun twist, try portioning it into individual noodle bowls with chopsticks, or even pack it into meal prep containers for a week’s worth of lunches. It’s also stunning with extra fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili threads for a chef-inspired touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles are a true blessing for quick lunches or lazy evenings. Simply let everything cool to room temperature, then pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making your next meal even more scrumptious!
Freezing
While the noodles and veggies are best fresh, you can absolutely freeze portions of this dish if you need. Store it in a tightly sealed container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for the tastiest results.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen things up. The microwave also works in a pinch—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between intervals until warmed through. Add a scatter of fresh green onions after reheating to recapture that just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works perfectly well in One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t overcook and dry out. Cut it into similar bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
What kind of noodles are best?
Both spaghetti and lo mein noodles hold their own in this one-pot wonder. The key is to use an uncooked noodle so it can simmer and absorb all those gorgeous flavors right in the pot. Soba, rice noodles, or even whole wheat pasta can work for a twist.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
It’s easier than you think! Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu (pan-seared for texture) or tossed-in chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sweet, garlicky sauce is still the star.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Opt for your favorite gluten-free noodles like brown rice pasta or gluten-free spaghetti. Don’t forget to use gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce for the full gluten-free experience.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely. One of the joys of One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles is its flexibility. Snap peas, bell peppers, mushrooms, or baby corn can all jump into the mix—just slice them small so they cook quickly and evenly.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those rare recipes I keep on repeat, and I can’t wait for you to give One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles a whirl in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a whole crew, this dish delivers cozy, craveable flavor with barely any fuss. Go on—treat yourself to a bowlful of weeknight magic!
Print
One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory garlic, and sweet honey with Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Other:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces spaghetti or lo mein noodles (uncooked)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 large carrot (julienned)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare Sauce: Add garlic, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Add Noodles: Pour in chicken broth and stir in uncooked noodles. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- Finish Dish: Add broccoli and carrots, cook uncovered until noodles are tender and sauce thickens. Stir in green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast or tofu for the chicken thighs.
- For extra flavor, try drizzling with sriracha or lime juice before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
