Description
This Garlic Noodles with Spicy Teriyaki Chicken is the ultimate fusion comfort food, combining juicy, spicy-sweet chicken thighs with rich, buttery Udon noodles. The chicken is glazed in a homemade sticky teriyaki sauce, while the noodles are tossed in a decadent mixture of garlic, butter, Parmesan, and heavy cream. With a kick of heat from red pepper flakes and a savory umami depth from oyster sauce, this meal is a flavor explosion that is better than any takeout.
Ingredients
The Spicy Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approx. 4 pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The Teriyaki Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Slurry: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
The Garlic Noodles
- 2 packs (7 oz each) “cooked” Udon noodles (vacuum-sealed packs)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon white sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Marinate Chicken
In a bowl, toss the chicken thighs with chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Set aside.
Mix Teriyaki Sauce
In a separate cup, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Sear Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs (do not crowd). Cook: Sear for 2–3 minutes per side. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for another 2–3 minutes until cooked through. Remove chicken from pan.
Thicken Sauce
Pour the prepared teriyaki sauce mixture into the same hot pan. Bring to a soft boil, then simmer for 2–3 minutes. Thicken: Stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook until the sauce is sticky and thick.
Glaze
Return chicken to the pan and coat well in the glaze. Remove from heat.
Start Noodles
In a separate large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic. Sauté: Cook gently for 2–3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and golden (toasted, not burnt!).
Make Noodle Sauce
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until combined and the cheese melts.
Toss
Add the Udon noodles to the sauce. Toss gently until the noodles are heated through and coated in the velvety sauce. Tip: If noodles are stuck together in the pack, rinse briefly under warm water first.
Serve
Plate the garlic noodles and top with the spicy teriyaki chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Fusion Flavor: The combination of Parmesan cheese and soy sauce might sound odd, but it creates a rich “umami bomb” that mimics the famous San Francisco-style garlic noodles.
Udon Prep: Look for vacuum-sealed “fresh” Udon in the Asian aisle or fridge section. Do not use dried noodles unless you boil them first. If the fresh noodles are stiff, soak them in hot water for 1 minute to loosen before adding to the sauce.
Chicken Thighs: Don’t fear the char! The high sugar content in the glaze combined with the spices creates a dark, flavorful crust that is essential to the dish.
Salt Control: Use unsalted butter for the noodles. Between the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Parmesan, there is plenty of salt already.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Fusion
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Italian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1650mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 165mg
Keywords: garlic noodles recipe, spicy teriyaki chicken, asian fusion dinner, udon noodle recipes, 30 minute meals, sticky chicken thighs, creamy garlic noodles