Name: 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 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; 1/4 cup chopped scallions; 1 tablespoon oil (for cooking chicken); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds; 1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a meal that bursts with flavor yet comes together in a snap, you will absolutely love this 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, chewy udon noodles, and a mouthwatering honey garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds. Every bite brings a delightful harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, enhanced by fresh herbs and a touch of spice. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual weekend treat, this recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A silver metal colander filled with light brown cooked noodles sits on a white marbled surface. The colander has many round holes and two handles with a golden edge. Steam rises from the noodles, showing they are hot. A wooden spoon with a smooth texture is inside the colander, stirring the noodles from the right side. Some noodles hang slightly over the edge. The background is dark and blurry, making the colander and noodles the main focus. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe is all about simplicity and balance, using straightforward ingredients that build layers of wonderful taste and texture. Each component plays an important role, from the chewy udon noodles that provide substance, to the honey and garlic that bring that signature flavor punch.

8 ounces dried udon noodles: These noodles are delightfully thick and chewy, soaking up the sauce magnificently.
1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce: Adds the perfect umami depth and saltiness to the dish.
3-4 tablespoons chili paste: Gives a gentle kick of heat, adjustable depending on how spicy you want it.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brings a balanced tanginess that brightens the flavors.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Contributes fresh citrus notes that cut through richness.
2 tablespoons honey: The star sweetener that makes the sauce irresistibly sticky and luscious.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: Infuses a smoky nuttiness that rounds out the flavor profile.
6 cloves garlic, chopped: Essential for that bold, aromatic punch everyone craves.
1 tablespoon fresh chopped ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing to complement the garlic.
1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts, thighs, or ground chicken: The protein that soaks in all the flavors and keeps things hearty.
2 cups frozen stir fry veggies: Convenient and colorful, providing freshness and crunch.
1/4 cup chopped scallions: Offers a sharp, fresh bite in the sauce and as garnish.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds: These little seeds add crunch and an additional toasty aroma.
1/4 cup fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil: Bright, herbal notes to finish the dish with a fresh lift.

How to Make 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Udon Noodles

The foundation of this dish starts with cooking the udon noodles according to the package directions. Make sure to keep them just tender and avoid overcooking—they should have that perfect chewy texture that holds up well when tossed with the sauce later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, chili paste, rice vinegar, lemon juice, honey, toasted sesame oil, chopped garlic, ginger, and 1/4 cup of water. This blend delivers layers of sweet, spicy, tangy, and nutty flavors that define the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Veggies

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and season lightly with black pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Then add the frozen stir fry veggies and cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Slowly pour the sauce mixture and chopped scallions into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Bring everything to a low simmer, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan and toss gently until the sauce fully coats the chicken and noodles, locking in that signature honey garlic flavor.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat. Get ready for the most satisfying moment—serving your flavorful creation!

How to Serve 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe

A black wok filled with a colorful stir-fry noodle dish sits on a white marbled surface, steaming hot. The first layer is bright yellow noodles mixed throughout, twisted and shiny with sauce. Scattered evenly on top and within the noodles are green snap peas, small dark green broccoli florets, and bits of red bell pepper, adding bright pops of color. Mixed in are light brown cashew nuts and small pieces of cooked chicken with a golden-brown color. A wooden spoon rests inside the wok, stirring the ingredients together. In the blurred background, a blue bowl holds fresh green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds across the top for a satisfying crunch and nutty aroma. Then add a generous handful of fresh chopped cilantro or Thai basil to introduce herbal brightness that cuts through the sweet and savory sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This noodle dish is so hearty and flavorful it often works well on its own, but if you want something on the side, consider a crisp Asian cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or even steamed edamame. These sides offer refreshing contrasts that balance the richness of the noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with a fried egg or crushed peanuts for extra texture. You could also layer it in a clear glass bowl to showcase all the gorgeous colors from the veggies and herbs, making it visually irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles and chicken soak up the sauce beautifully even after resting, so the flavors develop further. Consume within 2-3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to keep the chicken and sauce separate from the noodles to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in the sauce alone for up to 2 months, then quickly reheat and add freshly cooked udon noodles when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Toss with freshly cooked noodles if you froze the sauce separately, and finish with fresh scallions or herbs for a vibrant touch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh udon noodles instead of dried?

Absolutely! Fresh udon noodles work wonderfully and often cook faster. Just be sure to adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid over-softening.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content. Either option works great in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely. Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan soy sauce or tamari. The sauce still shines beautifully with plant-based protein.

How spicy is this dish with 3-4 tablespoons of chili paste?

The spice level is moderate, offering a warming heat that complements the sweetness. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your personal taste.

Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop garlic, ginger, and scallions ahead of time and mix the sauce in advance. This makes the cooking process even quicker and smoother on busy days.

Final Thoughts

This 20 Minute Honey Garlic Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and quick to make. I encourage you to give it a try, whether for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner. Once you taste that perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken over chewy noodles, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!