If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and perfectly sauced noodles, this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delicious harmony of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce coating silky udon noodles, creating a comforting yet exciting meal that everyone’s sure to love.

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet crucial for capturing the authentic taste, satisfying textures, and appealing colors of this dish. Each one plays a unique role in building layers of flavor and freshness without complicating the cooking process.

Soy sauce: The salty, umami base for the teriyaki sauce, giving it depth and richness.
Water: Balances the soy sauce and helps simmer the sauce to perfection.
Mirin (sweet rice wine): Adds a subtle sweetness and a touch of acidity to brighten the sauce.
Brown sugar: Provides caramel notes that deepen the sauce’s flavor.
Honey: Enhances sweetness and lends a glossy finish to the sauce.
Garlic (minced): Infuses a pungent, aromatic background.
Fresh ginger (grated): Offers a zesty freshness with a hint of spice.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, clingy consistency.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Tender, juicy pieces that soak up the teriyaki marinade beautifully.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
Vegetable oil: For stir-frying chicken and vegetables to golden perfection.
Udon noodles (fresh or frozen): Thick, chewy noodles that hold the sauce well and satisfy the appetite.
Onion (sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
Carrots (julienned): Bring vibrant color and gentle crunch.
Broccoli florets: Introduce a fresh, green burst and healthy bite.
Sliced cabbage: Offers a mild flavor with crispness that blends into the noodle mix.
Garlic (extra minced): For extra fragrance during veggie stir-fry.
Fresh ginger (extra grated): Adds a lively kick alongside the vegetables.
Green onions (sliced): To sprinkle on top for freshness and color.
Sesame seeds: A final nutty, toasty garnish that completes the dish.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by whisking together the soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this lovely mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This step is where all those complimentary flavors begin to meld into the signature teriyaki tang you’ll adore.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

While continuously whisking, slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. After about 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll notice the sauce thickening beautifully, turning silky and rich. Remove it from the heat and set it aside—it’s the heart of your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Season the bite-sized chicken thighs with salt and pepper for a simple but essential boost. Pour a quarter cup of the teriyaki sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated. Let it rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This marination develops the flavors and guarantees tender, juicy bites.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until each piece is golden and thoroughly cooked, about five minutes. Cooking the chicken separately ensures it gets that perfect sear before joining the other ingredients.

Step 5: Stir-fry the Vegetables

Using the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and julienned carrots first and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they soften and start releasing their natural sweetness. Then add the broccoli florets, sliced cabbage, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Keep stir-frying for a few more minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant colors and fresh flavors.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

While your veggies cook, prepare the udon noodles according to package directions until they reach just al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to prevent sticking, ensuring your noodles stay separated and ready for the final toss.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with your sautéed veggies. Add the drained noodles along with the remaining teriyaki sauce. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 1 to 2 minutes, making sure every noodle and piece of chicken is generously coated with that luscious sauce and heated through.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe to plates and crown with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These final touches add freshness, crunch, and a nutty aroma that make this dish irresistible. Serve immediately and watch it disappear!

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly sliced green onions bring a mild sharpness and bright color, while toasted sesame seeds add a pleasant crunch and a toasty, nutty flavor. Feel free to add a drizzle of toasted sesame oil or sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, elevating the dish with additional depth.

Side Dishes

This dish stands strong on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed edamame, pickled cucumbers, or a crisp Asian slaw. Light, fresh sides provide a nice contrast and keep the meal balanced without overwhelming the bold flavors of the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe in lettuce wraps or inside steamed bao buns. Alternatively, piling the noodles on a large platter family-style invites everyone to dig in and enjoy the communal spirit of sharing. Garnish with edible flowers or fresh herbs like cilantro for a fancy presentation that wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Teriyaki Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop further, making the next-day meal even tastier. Just be sure to cool the food before sealing to preserve the best texture and taste.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the dish, separate the noodles and sauce from the vegetables and chicken for best results. Pack them in freezer-safe containers and use within 2 months. Freezing helps extend the life of your delicious meal but be aware that the texture of the noodles might soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave covered with a moist paper towel to keep moisture locked in. Adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce can help revive the sauce’s silkiness. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating while preserving the natural bite of the noodles and texture of the chicken and vegetables.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. If using breasts, keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.

What type of noodles works best for this recipe?

Udon noodles are ideal thanks to their thick, chewy texture that holds the sauce well, but you can use other types like rice noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

Is mirin essential in the sauce?

Mirin adds a delicate sweetness and acidity unique to teriyaki sauce. If you don’t have it, a mixture of dry sherry or a bit of honey with a splash of rice vinegar can be a decent substitute.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap chicken for firm tofu or mixed vegetables and use a vegetarian-friendly soy sauce. Just be sure to adjust marinating and cooking times to the new ingredients.

How spicy is the dish?

The Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is mild by default, highlighting savory and sweet flavors. You can add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha if you prefer a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and convenience that fits perfectly into busy weeknights or leisurely dinners with friends. It’s approachable for cooks of any skill level but yields such a rewarding, flavorful dish that you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to meal!