Honey Garlic Chicken Udon
Highlighted under: QuickFix Kitchen
A delightful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken and udon noodles tossed in a flavorful honey garlic sauce.
This Honey Garlic Chicken Udon is a perfect weeknight meal that combines the sweetness of honey with the savory flavors of garlic and soy sauce. The tender chicken and chewy udon noodles create a satisfying dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A sweet and savory flavor combination that delights the taste buds.
- Quick and easy to make for busy weeknights.
- Comforting and filling, perfect for any season.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Honey Garlic Chicken Udon combines the distinct sweetness of honey with the savory depth of soy sauce, creating a harmonious balance that excites the palate. Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the tender chicken and the chewy udon noodles, making it a dish that appeals to both children and adults alike. The addition of fresh vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers enhances the flavor profile, providing a burst of color and nutrition.
The honey garlic sauce is not just a dressing; it's a game-changer. The garlic adds a robust aroma and depth, while the ginger introduces a subtle warmth. Together, these ingredients create a sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and noodles, ensuring that every component is flavorful and satisfying.
Quick and Convenient Weeknight Meal
With our busy lives, it's essential to have quick and easy recipes on hand, and Honey Garlic Chicken Udon fits the bill perfectly. This dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. The straightforward steps and minimal prep time mean that you can enjoy a homemade meal without the stress of elaborate cooking.
Additionally, this recipe is versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or protein sources to suit your family's tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you're using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu, the honey garlic sauce adapts beautifully, ensuring that you can whip up a delicious meal with whatever you have on hand.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is Honey Garlic Chicken Udon delicious, but it also offers a variety of nutritional benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth, while the udon noodles provide carbohydrates for energy. The inclusion of colorful vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers boosts the dish's vitamin content, adding fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients to your meal.
This dish can easily fit into a balanced diet. By controlling the amount of honey and soy sauce, you can tailor the sweetness and sodium levels to your liking, making it suitable for a range of dietary needs. Enjoy this comforting meal guilt-free, knowing it nourishes your body while satisfying your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Udon
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Udon!
Instructions
Cook the Udon Noodles
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the broccoli and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Combine Everything
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat. Add the cooked udon noodles and toss everything together until heated through.
Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Enjoy your meal!
Cooking Tips
To achieve the best texture for your udon noodles, avoid overcooking them. Follow the package instructions closely and ensure you drain them immediately after cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy. A quick rinse under cold water can help stop the cooking process, keeping them perfectly springy.
When cooking the chicken, ensure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding the meat. This will help to sear the chicken and lock in its juices, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. If your pan is overcrowded, consider cooking the chicken in batches to achieve a nice golden brown color.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Garlic Chicken Udon is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal by adding sides or garnishes. Serve it alongside a light cucumber salad or some crispy spring rolls for a complete feast. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha can also add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with steamed rice or a side of miso soup. The combination of these dishes can create a wonderful Japanese-inspired dinner that is both satisfying and comforting.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats well, making it a perfect meal prep option. To maintain the texture of the noodles, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth, stirring frequently until warmed through.
Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the udon noodles chewy. Instead, opt for stovetop reheating for a more enjoyable texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Honey Garlic Chicken Udon again without losing any of its charm!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute udon noodles with lo mein or soba noodles.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms.
→ How spicy is this dish?
This dish is not spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a kick if desired.
Honey Garlic Chicken Udon
A delightful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken and udon noodles tossed in a flavorful honey garlic sauce.
Created by: Sandra
Recipe Type: QuickFix Kitchen
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Udon
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups udon noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
How-To Steps
In a large pot of boiling water, cook the udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the broccoli and bell pepper, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Pour the honey garlic sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat. Add the cooked udon noodles and toss everything together until heated through.
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 60g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 20g
- Protein: 30g