If you are craving a meal that brings together the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and satisfying textures, you have to try this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish where tender chicken thighs and crisp broccoli mingle with silky noodles, all coated in a luscious teriyaki sauce that packs a punch of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re new to Asian-inspired cooking or just need a reliable weeknight winner, this recipe is simple yet impressive, making it a go-to for busy evenings or anytime you want to wow your taste buds with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each component is thoughtfully selected to bring out delightful layers of flavor, texture, and color, creating a dish that’s as visually pleasing as it is delicious.
- Broccoli florets (2-3 cups): Roasting these brings out a tender crunch and a natural sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Used both for roasting and searing, it adds a subtle fruitiness and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Juicy and tender with a bit more fat than chicken breast, they absorb the teriyaki sauce beautifully.
- Butter (1/2 tablespoon, regular or plant-based): Melts into the pan to add a silky richness while cooking the chicken.
- Fettuccine noodles (1/2 box): These wide, flat noodles hold the sauce perfectly and offer a satisfying bite.
- Teriyaki sauce (1 1/2 cups): Choose your favorite store-bought or homemade variety for a perfect balance of sweet and savory glaze.
- Sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red jalapeño slices (for garnish): These finishing touches add crunch, freshness, and a bit of heat to elevate the dish.
How to Make Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Broccoli
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. Toss your broccoli florets with half the olive oil and a pinch of kosher salt to season. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet so they roast evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 10-15 minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite and a lovely roasted aroma. This roasting step not only softens the broccoli but also deepens its flavor, making the dish more exciting than just steamed veggies.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
While the broccoli roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—you want them firm to the bite, not mushy. When perfectly cooked, drain them well so they don’t water down your sauce later. Having the noodles ready at this stage keeps the cooking flow smooth and efficient.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Rub the chicken thighs with the remaining olive oil, then season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet to medium-high and melt the butter. Place the chicken thighs in the pan and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side to get a beautiful golden crust. Lower the heat to medium and continue cooking until the thickest part reaches 160 degrees F—the chicken will finish cooking as it rests. This step locks in the juices, ensuring your chicken stays moist and flavorful.
Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute so each slice is juicy and tender. Then, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or strips depending on your preference. This makes it easier to incorporate with the noodles and sauce later and ensures every forkful has the perfect balance of protein and sauce.
Step 5: Combine All the Ingredients
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet where you cooked the chicken, along with the sliced chicken, roasted broccoli, and pour in your teriyaki sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat every strand of noodle and piece of chicken with that irresistible glaze. Use as much or as little sauce as you like, but don’t be shy—this is the heart of the Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe and what pulls all these flavors together.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles are ready to be enjoyed right away, while everything is warm and aromatic. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions—and for a little kick, add some thinly sliced red jalapeños. These finishing touches aren’t just for looks; they add a delightful crunch and freshness that make this dish truly memorable.
How to Serve Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes take your Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe from great to unforgettable. Toasted sesame seeds scattered on top bring a nutty crunch, while chopped green onions add vibrant color and a sharp, fresh bite. If you like a little heat, those thinly sliced red jalapeños provide just the right amount of spicy zing to cut through the sweetness of the sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with light sides like a crisp Asian slaw or a cucumber salad can add refreshing balance. Steamed edamame or even a simple miso soup can complement the teriyaki flavors beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal that feels complete without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative with serving: try layering the noodles and chicken in a pretty bowl, with the broccoli artfully arranged on top. Alternatively, serve the noodles in individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style presentation. For casual gatherings, place everything in a large serving dish so everyone can help themselves, adding more sauce or garnishes as they please.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your leftover Chicken Teriyaki Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the noodles separate from delicate garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s not ideal for this recipe because the noodles may become mushy upon thawing. If you must freeze, separate the chicken and broccoli from the noodles and sauce, then freeze in tightly sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or extra teriyaki sauce if the noodles seem dry. This helps revive the dish’s original texture and keeps everything moist and flavorful, bringing it close to freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat, but keep in mind that thighs stay juicier and absorb the teriyaki sauce better. Cooking times may vary slightly, so monitor carefully to avoid drying out the breasts.
Is it possible to make my own teriyaki sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy to make with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and ginger. It lets you control the sweetness and saltiness to suit your taste perfectly.
What other vegetables can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to mix in bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for added color and crunch. Just make sure to cook them until tender but still vibrant so they complement the noodles without overpowering the dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and make sure your teriyaki sauce is gluten-free or homemade with tamari instead of soy sauce. This way, you retain all the flavors without worrying about gluten.
How spicy is this dish?
The base Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add jalapeño slices or a drizzle of chili oil to amp up the heat to your preference.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—a Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe that’s as straightforward as it is delicious, perfect for anyone looking for a tasty, satisfying meal without hours in the kitchen. It’s wonderfully adaptable, packed with flavor, and truly a joy to share with family and friends. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight dinners in no time!
Print
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner/Entree
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
This Chicken Teriyaki Noodles recipe offers a quick, flavorful, and satisfying Asian-inspired dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs are seared to juicy perfection, complemented by roasted broccoli and fettuccine noodles, all tossed in a savory teriyaki sauce for an easy yet delicious meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2–3 cups broccoli florets
Proteins
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Carbohydrates
- 1/2 box fettuccine noodles
Oils & Fats
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1/2 tablespoon butter (regular or plant-based)
Seasonings & Sauces
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups teriyaki sauce (store-bought or homemade, more or less as desired)
Garnishes
- Sesame seeds (for serving)
- Chopped green onions (for serving)
- Red jalapeño slices (optional serving suggestion)
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for roasting the broccoli.
- Roast Broccoli: Toss the broccoli florets in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and kosher salt. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until tender but still vibrant.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the fettuccine noodles, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter in the pan, and sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes per side. Then, continue cooking on medium heat until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest to finish cooking.
- Rest & Slice: Transfer chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine: In the skillet, combine the cooked noodles, sliced chicken, roasted broccoli, and teriyaki sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnishing with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and optional red jalapeño slices for a little heat.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F after resting.
- Adjust teriyaki sauce quantity based on your preferred sauce-to-noodle ratio.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute fettuccine noodles with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
- Plant-based butter can be used to keep the recipe dairy-free.
- Optional garnishes like red jalapeño slices add a spicy kick but can be omitted for milder flavor.