Easy One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, flavorful dinner that cooks up quickly and leaves minimal mess, look no further than this One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles recipe. It’s a perfect blend of savory chicken, sweet honey, and garlicky goodness all simmered together with tender noodles. This dish not only bursts with flavor but also simplifies your weeknight cooking with a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, saving time on prep and cleanup.
- Sweet and savory flavor: The balance of honey and garlic creates a rich, irresistible sauce.
- Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comfort food vibes: Warm, hearty, and perfect for cozy dinners all year round.
- Versatile and customizable: Easy to adapt with veggies or different types of noodles or protein.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple essentials make this dish shine, and each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the bold taste and satisfying texture that makes this recipe special.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Tender and juicy, chicken is the hearty protein base of the dish.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness that perfectly complements the garlic and soy sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic lends a punch of flavor that elevates the sauce.
- Noodles: Egg noodles or pasta of choice soak up the delicious honey garlic sauce beautifully.
- Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami depth that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness, helping the noodles cook to perfection.
- Butter or oil: Used for browning the chicken and building flavor in the pot.
- Green onions or fresh parsley: For garnish and a fresh pop of color at the end.
Variations for One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
This recipe is incredibly flexible, so feel free to play with ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Swap the protein: Use shrimp, turkey, or tofu for a different twist.
- Gluten-free noodles: Substitute rice noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Add veggies: Toss in broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra nutrients and crunch.
- Spicy kick: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat.
- Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a heart-healthy version.
How to Make One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown on each side to lock in flavor, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This step infuses the base of the sauce with that incredible garlic aroma.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Noodles
Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey; stir well to combine. Add your noodles, then nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pot so they cook alongside the noodles.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until noodles have softened and chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top before serving to add color and fresh flavor.
Pro Tips for Making One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
- Use bone-in chicken thighs: They add extra flavor and stay juicy during cooking.
- Don’t skip browning: Browning the chicken creates a deep, rich flavor base for the sauce.
- Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic delivers the best taste, but garlic powder can be a quick substitute.
- Adjust liquid amounts: Depending on your noodles, you may need a little more or less broth for perfect texture.
- Stir gently: Stir occasionally but carefully to prevent breaking noodles.
How to Serve One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped green onions, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper add vibrant color and layers of flavor that brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the hearty, saucy noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe or plate with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the honey garlic sauce. Adding toasted sesame seeds on top also creates a lovely texture and nutty aroma.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to 3 days without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion into meal-sized containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well; just avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender within the one-pot method.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce nicely, but you can use any pasta or even rice noodles depending on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, due to soy sauce and traditional noodles, but you can substitute gluten-free soy sauce and noodles to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Veggies like broccoli, peas, or bell peppers can be added either at the start or mid-cooking to boost nutrition and color.
How long does this recipe take from start to finish?
About 25-30 minutes, making it an ideal quick and flavorful meal for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Final Thoughts
One pot, minimal effort, and maximum flavor—that’s what the One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles recipe brings to your table. It’s a winning combination of sweet and savory that quickly becomes a go-to meal when you want something both comforting and fuss-free. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with hardly any hassle!
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One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken and Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Customizable - gluten-free option available with substitutions
Description
A comforting and flavorful one-pot dinner featuring tender chicken simmered with garlic, honey, soy sauce, and noodles. This quick and easy recipe combines sweet and savory elements in a rich sauce, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, seasoned
Sauce and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
Base
- 8 oz egg noodles or pasta of choice
For Cooking
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil
Garnish
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown on each side to lock in flavor, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. This step infuses the sauce base with rich garlic aroma.
- Add Liquids and Noodles: Pour in chicken broth, soy sauce, and honey; stir well to combine. Add noodles, then nestle the browned chicken pieces back into the pot so they cook together.
- Simmer Until Tender: Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until noodles are soft and chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top before serving for color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken to build a deep, rich flavor base.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor; garlic powder can be a substitute if needed.
- Adjust the amount of broth based on noodle type to ensure perfect texture.
- Stir gently during cooking to avoid breaking noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: one-pot, honey garlic chicken, noodles, quick dinner, comforting meal, easy recipe, weeknight meal