If you’re searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that comes together with minimal fuss, you absolutely must try this One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe. It’s a harmonious blend of tender chicken, silky noodles, and a sweet-savory sauce that’s bursting with garlic and honey goodness. What’s truly delightful is how everything cooks in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while locking in all those cozy, irresistible flavors. This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave something both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe plays a crucial role, combining to create a dish that’s balanced in taste, texture, and color. The ingredients are straightforward but pack a punch once they come together.
- Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb): Bite-sized pieces provide juicy protein and a tender texture that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for browning the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic heart of this recipe, giving that irresistible savory depth.
- Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a natural, gentle sweetness that balances the savory and salty flavors.
- Soy sauce or tamari (1/4 cup): Brings umami and saltiness; tamari is a great gluten-free option.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Creates the flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the noodles and chicken.
- Egg noodles (8 oz): Absorb the sauce and provide a satisfying, tender bite; any pasta you like works well here.
- Dried thyme (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle herbal notes that complement the garlic and honey.
- Dried rosemary (1/2 tsp): Enhances the dish with a fragrant, piney aroma.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp, optional): For thickening the sauce to a luscious consistency.
- Water (1 tbsp, optional): Used to create the cornstarch slurry.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of fresh color and brightness as a garnish.
How to Make One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in flavor and adds a delicious texture. Season with salt and pepper as they cook. When browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to rest for now.
Step 2: Infuse with Garlic
In the very same pot (no need to dirty another dish), add the minced garlic. Cook it briefly for about a minute just until the kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma. Garlic lightly sautéed like this becomes wonderfully fragrant and forms the base for the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the honey, soy sauce, and chicken broth, along with the dried thyme and rosemary. These herbs lend a subtle earthiness that balances the sweetness of the honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to marry and the liquid to heat through.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Now it’s time to add the uncooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir well so the noodles are fully coated with that irresistible sauce. Cover your pot and let the noodles cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the noodles absorb the flavorful liquid, becoming tender and perfectly saucy.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker sauce that clings to every noodle and piece of chicken, mix the cornstarch with water to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the pot and cook for another minute or two until the sauce thickens to your liking. This step is totally optional but highly recommended for a luxuriously glossy finish.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the browned chicken to the pot and stir it all together. Let everything simmer for an additional 3 to 5 minutes so the chicken warms through and the sauce fully coats the noodles and meat. That’s where the magic happens — the tender chicken sucking up that honey garlic goodness.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
If you have fresh parsley on hand, sprinkle some chopped leaves over the dish for a pop of green and a hint of freshness. Serve the One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe hot, straight from the pot, and get ready to fall in love with every comforting bite.
How to Serve One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that brightens this dish with its vibrant color and slight peppery bite. You can also add a sprinkle of red chili flakes if you like a bit of heat or some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch. These little touches make the presentation pop and add exciting layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
While this One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe is a complete meal on its own, pairing it with simple sides can elevate your dinner. Consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli to add freshness and balance. Roasted vegetables or a crunchy cucumber salad can also complement the richness of the honey garlic sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your meal extra special, consider serving this dish in shallow bowls for a cozy, rustic feel or plating it on large dinner plates with a neat pile of noodles topped by chicken and garnishes. For casual gatherings, offer it family-style right in the pot to encourage sharing and conversation. Either way, the dish’s beautiful golden sauce and inviting aroma are sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles continue to soak up sauce, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen everything back up.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the noodles might change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavors remain just as delicious. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
Reheat the dish over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of broth or water if needed to prevent sticking and revive the saucy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through. Either method maintains the tempting honey garlic flavor and comforting warmth you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a fantastic choice for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender when cooked. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces like the breasts, and you’ll get wonderful flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and double-check that your noodles or pasta are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this delicious meal without worry.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Of course! While egg noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, feel free to experiment with pasta shapes you prefer or already have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure the pasta becomes perfectly tender.
How can I make the sauce thicker if I don’t have cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can simmer the sauce uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken naturally, or mix a small amount of flour with water to create a slurry and add it instead. Just remember to stir well to avoid lumps.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas can add color, nutrients, and texture. Add quick-cooking veggies during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay crisp and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe is one of those gems that effortlessly combines ease and amazing flavor, perfect for anyone who loves a satisfying, homemade dinner without hours in the kitchen. I hope you give it a try soon and find it as comforting and delightful as I do—there’s nothing like the cozy taste of honey garlic mingling with tender chicken and silky noodles in one perfect pot.
Print
One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This One-Pot Honey Garlic Chicken & Noodles recipe offers a deliciously simple and comforting meal featuring tender chicken simmered in a flavorful honey garlic sauce with savory herbs and tender egg noodles. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Noodles & Thickening
- 8 oz egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1 tbsp water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant, to build aroma and flavor for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients well, then bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the uncooked egg noodles to the pot. Stir to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Cover and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is preferred, mix the cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir this into the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 3-5 minutes to heat through and combine flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired. Serve the dish hot and enjoy this comforting meal.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat; chicken breasts work well too.
- Substitute gluten-free tamari for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of honey according to your preferred sweetness level.
- If the sauce reduces too much during cooking, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
