Name: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 ounces dried udon noodles; 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce; 3-4 tablespoons chili paste; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 6 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger; 1/4 cup water; 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts, thighs, or ground chicken; 2 cups frozen stir fry veggies; 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking chicken); Black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup chopped scallions; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil

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If you are on the lookout for a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal, this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a perfectly balanced sauce that sings with honey sweetness and garlicky warmth, this dish is both comforting and exciting. It’s a brilliant weeknight dinner that comes together fast without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or fun, making every forkful something to look forward to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal colander filled with drained cooked noodles, showing a warm light brown color with a soft, smooth texture. The colander has round holes and two handles, sitting on a white marbled surface. Steam rises from the hot noodles, creating a light mist above. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is inside the colander, partially stirring the noodles. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to turning simple food into a stellar meal. Each component here plays a vital role: from the softness of udon noodles creating a luscious base, to the punch of fresh garlic and ginger that wakes up your taste buds, every element enhances the dish’s aroma, texture, and color.

8 ounces dried udon noodles: These thick, chewy noodles hold the sauce beautifully and add a satisfying bite.
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce: Provides rich umami depth and saltiness to the sauce.
3-4 tablespoons chili paste: Adds a gentle heat and complex flavor—adjust to your spice preference.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tanginess that brightens the entire dish.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Enhances freshness and balances the honey’s sweetness.
2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and creates a beautiful glaze on the chicken and noodles.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Adds a warm, nutty aroma that’s utterly irresistible.
6 cloves garlic, chopped: Infuses every bite with bold, savory notes.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger: Offers a zesty kick that complements the garlic perfectly.
1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts, thighs, or ground chicken: Choose your favorite cut for a tender protein star.
2 cups frozen stir fry veggies: A colorful mix to add texture, crunch, and nutrients effortlessly.
1/4 cup chopped scallions: Stirred into the sauce for a mild onion flavor and fresh green flecks.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for crunch and visual appeal.
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil: For finishing touches of fragrant herbaceousness that elevate every bite.

How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles

Start by cooking the udon noodles according to the package instructions until they are perfectly tender yet retain their signature chewiness. Draining the noodles and setting them aside ensures they’re ready to soak up all that incredible sauce in the next steps. Pro tip: rinse the noodles briefly with cold water to prevent sticking and to stop the cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce or tamari with chili paste, rice vinegar, lemon juice, honey, toasted sesame oil, chopped garlic, chopped ginger, and 1/4 cup of water. This extraordinary blend is the heart of the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe, marrying savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy notes into a rich sauce you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Veggies

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add your thinly sliced chicken seasoned with a bit of black pepper. Cook until the chicken is nearly done, then toss in the frozen stir fry veggies for a couple of minutes. This quick stir-fry keeps the veggies crisp yet tender, creating a great contrast with the soft noodles.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Pan

Slowly pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and veggies, followed by the chopped scallions. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then add in the cooked udon noodles. Toss and stir the ingredients so the noodles are luxuriously coated in that sticky, flavorful sauce—a defining moment for the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe. Cook just until heated through and combined perfectly.

How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe

A large black cast iron pan filled with steaming stir-fried yellow noodles mixed with bright green snap peas, small pieces of broccoli, red bell pepper slices, and chunks of light brown cashews, all coated in a glossy sauce. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pan, partially covered with the noodles and vegetables. In the background, a white bowl containing fresh green herbs sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes! Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for enticing crunch and nutty notes. Then, finish with a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil. Their bright herbal fragrance cuts through the richness and adds a fresh burst that makes every bite more exciting.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing the noodles with a simple cucumber salad or steamed edamame can add refreshing balance and texture contrasts. Lightly pickled vegetables also complement the sauce’s sweetness and heat, making the meal feel complete and well-rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the noodles in individual bowls topped with the garnishes neatly arranged. You can also add thin slices of red chili or a wedge of lime on the side to let your guests customize their heat and acidity. Presentation like this takes your 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe from casual to restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your noodles, place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb the sauce flavors even more overnight, making for delicious next-day meals. Just be sure to stir well before serving to redistribute the sauce evenly.

Freezing

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh because udon noodles can change texture when frozen and reheated. If you do freeze leftovers, separate the components if possible—store chicken and veggies with sauce separately from the noodles—and consume within one month for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, warm the noodles gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it seems thick. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and heat through evenly. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the noodles from getting rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use fresh udon noodles instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh udon noodles will cook quicker and have an even softer texture, but you may need less cooking time—keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Both options work great in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and ensure your chili paste and soy sauce are vegan-friendly. Adding more veggies like mushrooms or snap peas can boost texture and flavor.

How spicy is the chili paste in this dish?

The heat level depends on the chili paste brand you use. Starting with 3 tablespoons usually provides a pleasant warmth without overwhelming, but you can adjust to taste by adding more or less.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Yes, chopping garlic, ginger, and scallions, or pre-measuring the sauce ingredients can speed up your cooking. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time and reheat while combining everything else for convenience.

What type of soy sauce is best for this recipe?

Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative with a rich, smooth flavor, while traditional soy sauce provides a saltier, sharper edge. Either will work beautifully to create the authentic taste of the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe.

Final Thoughts

This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe is truly a labor of love made simple. The incredible sauce, tender chicken, and comforting noodles come together so quickly, it’s easy to make week after week. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a kitchen staple for busy nights full of flavor and warmth. Go ahead, whip this up soon and share the joy of a fast, tasty dinner with those you love!