Slurp-Worthy Chicken Teriyaki Noodles: A Weeknight Dinner Delight

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles offer a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a luscious teriyaki sauce. This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying weekend meal. It’s also easy to adapt to your preferences, allowing you to add your favorite vegetables or adjust the level of sweetness and spice. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a delicious and successful dish every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of sweet and savory teriyaki sauce with tender chicken and noodles is irresistible.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables and protein sources.
* **Family-Friendly:** A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will enjoy.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses readily available ingredients that won’t break the bank.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients required for this delicious Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe:

**For the Chicken:**

* **Chicken Breasts:** 1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
* **Soy Sauce:** 2 tablespoons. Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, grated. Fresh ginger provides a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and savory note.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Sesame oil adds a nutty and fragrant aroma.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and thicken the sauce.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.

**For the Teriyaki Sauce:**

* **Soy Sauce:** 1/2 cup. Again, low-sodium is recommended.
* **Mirin:** 1/4 cup. Mirin is a sweet Japanese rice wine that adds depth of flavor. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with rice vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of sugar.
* **Sake (Optional):** 2 tablespoons. Sake adds a subtle fruity and umami flavor. If you don’t have sake, you can omit it.
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons, packed. Brown sugar adds sweetness and a molasses-like flavor.
* **Honey:** 1 tablespoon. Honey adds sweetness and a glossy finish.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon, grated. Enhances the ginger flavor in the sauce.
* **Garlic:** 1 clove, minced. Adds a savory note to the sauce.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce.
* **Water:** 2 tablespoons. To dissolve the cornstarch.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a nutty aroma to the sauce.

**For the Noodles:**

* **Noodles:** 1 pound. You can use your favorite type of noodles, such as:
* **Udon Noodles:** Thick and chewy Japanese noodles.
* **Soba Noodles:** Thin buckwheat noodles.
* **Ramen Noodles:** Thin and curly wheat noodles.
* **Spaghetti:** A readily available and versatile option.
* **Linguine:** Similar to spaghetti but slightly wider.
* **Egg Noodles:** Rich and flavorful noodles made with eggs.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1 tablespoon. For cooking the noodles.

**For Garnish (Optional):**

* **Sesame Seeds:** Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and visual appeal.
* **Green Onions:** Sliced green onions add a fresh and vibrant flavor.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** Adds a touch of spice (adjust to your preference).

## Equipment Needed

* Large Skillet or Wok
* Large Pot for Boiling Noodles
* Mixing Bowls
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Whisk
* Cutting Board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed steps to create your own delicious Chicken Teriyaki Noodles.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

1. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Marinating the chicken helps to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor.

**Step 2: Cook the Noodles**

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions. Be careful not to overcook the noodles; they should be al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
4. Toss the noodles with a tablespoon of vegetable oil to keep them from clumping.

**Step 3: Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce**

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin (or rice vinegar with sugar), sake (optional), brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This cornstarch slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.

**Step 4: Cook the Chicken**

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even browning. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 5: Make the Teriyaki Sauce**

1. Pour the teriyaki sauce mixture into the same skillet that you cooked the chicken in. This will allow the sauce to pick up any flavorful bits left behind from the chicken.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for another minute to ensure the sauce is fully thickened.

**Step 6: Combine Everything**

1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the teriyaki sauce.
2. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the sauce.
3. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are well coated with the teriyaki sauce.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

1. Serve the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles immediately.
2. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and red pepper flakes (optional). Enjoy!

## Tips and Variations

* **Add Vegetables:** Stir-fry your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms, along with the chicken. Add them to the skillet after cooking the chicken and before adding the teriyaki sauce.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the teriyaki sauce for a touch of heat. You can also use a few drops of chili oil or sriracha.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into cubes. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same marinade as the chicken and then stir-fry until golden brown.
* **Use Different Noodles:** Experiment with different types of noodles, such as ramen, udon, soba, or even spaghetti.
* **Add Protein:** Add shrimp, beef, or pork instead of or in addition to chicken.
* **Adjust Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of brown sugar and honey in the teriyaki sauce to suit your taste.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free soy sauce and tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Choose gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles.
* **Make Ahead:** The teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken can also be marinated ahead of time. Cook the noodles and chicken just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with:

* **Edamame:** Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt.
* **Seaweed Salad:** A refreshing and flavorful salad.
* **Miso Soup:** A traditional Japanese soup.
* **Spring Rolls:** Crispy and savory spring rolls.
* **Gyoza:** Pan-fried dumplings filled with meat and vegetables.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover Chicken Teriyaki Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the noodles in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on using 1 pound of chicken breasts and 1 pound of noodles, without garnishes)

* Calories: Approximately 500-600
* Protein: 40-50g
* Carbohydrates: 60-70g
* Fat: 15-20g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**

A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. They will also be more tender.

**Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?**

A: Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?**

A: Absolutely! Broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas are all great additions.

**Q: How long can I store leftovers?**

A: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?**

A: Yes, the teriyaki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Q: What if I don’t have mirin?**

A: You can substitute mirin with rice vinegar mixed with a teaspoon of sugar.

**Q: Can I freeze Chicken Teriyaki Noodles?**

A: Freezing is not highly recommended as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, use an airtight container and consume within 1 month. Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken to make this even faster?**

A: Yes! Using leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great way to speed up the process. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the sauce towards the end of cooking to heat it through.

## Conclusion

Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this detailed recipe and helpful tips, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that your whole family will love. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a slurp-worthy experience!