Name: Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine); 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce (reserved from above); 12 ounces fresh or frozen udon noodles; 1 onion, sliced; 2 carrots, julienned; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup sliced cabbage; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 green onions, sliced; sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 30 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, savory-sweet sauce, and vibrant veggies all swirling together with chewy noodles, this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously comforting meal that feels special yet comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends. Each bite brings a harmony of flavors and textures that will have you reaching for seconds and feeling that warm satisfaction only a home-cooked favorite can provide.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows five items laid out on a white marbled surface. On the top left, there is a white bowl filled with fresh dark green broccoli florets. To the right of the broccoli, there are three bright orange carrots arranged side by side. Below the broccoli, a white bowl is filled with thick, white udon noodles piled loosely. In the middle right, a small white bowl holds light green sliced scallions. At the bottom right, a halved light green cabbage sits with its layered leaves visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Despite the rich, layered flavors of this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe, the ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward. Each component plays an essential part—from the soy sauce and mirin that craft the iconic teriyaki glaze, to the fresh vegetables that add crispness and color, and the udon noodles that carry all those delicious flavors throughout every mouthful.

Soy sauce: The salty backbone that delivers classic teriyaki flavor with depth.
Water: Helps balance the sauce’s intensity and creates the perfect consistency.
Mirin: Sweet rice wine that brings subtle sweetness and a delightful tang.
Brown sugar: Adds a rich caramel sweetness to round out the sauce.
Honey: Gives the teriyaki sauce a beautiful glossy finish and natural sweetness.
Garlic (both minced and fresh): Layers of pungent, warm garlic elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor.
Fresh ginger: Infuses a zesty, spicy kick that awakens the palate.
Cornstarch slurry: Thickens the sauce perfectly for coating every ingredient.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, tender, and forgiving in the pan, perfect for stir-frying.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
Vegetable oil: For stir-frying and getting that slight crisp exterior on the chicken and veggies.
Udon noodles: Thick, chewy noodles that soak up the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
Onion: Adds sweetness and a little crunch to the vegetable medley.
Carrots: Bring a bright, crunchy fresh contrast with their natural sweetness.
Broccoli florets: Offer color, texture, and that satisfying bite we all love.
Sliced cabbage: Adds volume and a subtle earthiness to balance the dish.
Green onions: Fresh garnish that gives a mild oniony sharpness and color pop.
Sesame seeds: Toasted bits that bring nuttiness and a lovely crunch to the finish.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Create the Teriyaki Sauce

Start by whisking together soy sauce, water, mirin, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to dissolve the sugars and meld the flavors. Then, stir in the cornstarch slurry carefully while whisking to avoid lumps. Let the sauce cook until it thickens and becomes glossy, around 2 to 3 minutes, before removing it from the heat. This sauce is the heart of your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe, so take your time to get it just right.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Season the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them with a quarter cup of your freshly made teriyaki sauce. Letting the chicken soak in these flavors for at least 15 minutes in the fridge ensures every piece absorbs that sweet-savory goodness. This simple step elevates the chicken from plain to deeply flavorful.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet until shimmering on medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry it until it has a nicely browned, caramelized exterior and is cooked through, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you work on the vegetables; this keeps the chicken juicy and prevents overcooking.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the sliced onion and julienned carrots first, cooking them for 2 to 3 minutes to soften and release their sweetness. Then add broccoli florets, cabbage, additional minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for another few minutes until the vegetables are tender but still retain a crisp bite—this vibrant mix gives your dish lovely color and an inviting crunch that balances perfectly with the noodles and sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Noodles

While your veggies are cooking, boil the fresh or frozen udon noodles according to package directions until they reach an ideal al dente texture. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Having perfectly cooked noodles is key for absorbing the teriyaki sauce and tying all ingredients together into a harmonious dish.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the stir-fried veggies, add the noodles, then pour in the remaining teriyaki sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes to heat through and ensure every strand of noodle and piece of chicken is coated with that luscious sauce. This final step brings everything together into one irresistible dish, bursting with flavor and texture.

How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Following these carefully crafted steps guarantees a beautifully balanced plate of Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe that will delight your taste buds and impress your dinner guests.

How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

A white plate filled with three main layers: at the bottom, thick, glossy brown noodles twisted and mixed, in the middle, bright green broccoli and orange carrot strips placed evenly, and on top, shiny chunks of brown glazed chicken sprinkled with white sesame seeds, all resting on a white marbled surface; in the background, wooden chopsticks lie next to a small white bowl of dark sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of fresh garnishes when serving Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe. A sprinkle of sliced green onions adds a bright, crisp contrast that wakes up the dish, while a scattering of toasted sesame seeds introduces a nutty crunch that elevates each bite. These small touches bring freshness and a refined look that make the dish as inviting to the eyes as it is to the palate.

Side Dishes

This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with light, complementary sides such as a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame can make your meal feel more complete. The crisp freshness of chilled salad or the salty snap of edamame pods balances the warm, saucy noodles perfectly, creating a wonderful yin and yang of textures and flavors on the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or a drizzle of chili oil to add another layer of texture and flavor. Alternatively, try wrapping the noodles and chicken in crisp lettuce leaves as a handheld bite, turning dinner into a playful experience. Presentation can transform this recipe from a weekday meal into a memorable occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe has cooled, transfer leftovers into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce over time, so stirring in a splash of water or broth before reheating restores the perfect consistency.

Freezing

While the dish freezes fairly well, to maintain the best texture, it’s better to freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the vegetables and noodles. Wrap each component tightly in separate containers or freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent sogginess.

Reheating

Gently reheat your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of water, broth, or reserved sauce helps keep the noodles moist and rebuilds the glossy, irresistible coating. Avoid microwaving at high heat as it can make the noodles tough.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breast is leaner and can dry out more easily, so watch the cooking time closely and consider marinating a bit longer to enhance flavor and moisture.

What type of noodles work best for this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe?

Udon noodles are ideal because their thickness and chewiness hold up well to the sauce and stir-frying. However, you could also use thick spaghetti, soba, or rice noodles if udon isn’t available.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap the honey for maple syrup or agave in the sauce. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so your protein substitute is heated through and nicely caramelized.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If you want a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch slurry slightly. To thin it out, add a bit more water or mirin until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The teriyaki sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick whisk before using, and add a little water if it has thickened too much.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is such a delightful combination of flavors and textures that it quickly becomes a weeknight staple. It’s approachable enough for cooks of all levels but impressive enough to serve to company. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to your dinner table, and who knows, it might just become your new go-to comfort meal!