Teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles is your next go-to weeknight dinner — quick, saucy, and packed with flavor. Juicy chicken, tender noodles, and crisp veggies all come together in one pan with a rich homemade teriyaki glaze.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the perfect stir fry at home — fast, easy, and way better than takeout.

Table of Contents
Nutritional Breakdown and Health Tips
Is Teriyaki Chicken with Noodles Healthy?
The short answer: yes — with smart choices. While teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles can sometimes be labeled high in sugar or sodium, it’s actually very easy to turn this into a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
Let’s break it down by major components:
Component | Health Notes |
---|---|
Chicken | High-quality lean protein (especially thighs or breast) |
Vegetables | Adds fiber, vitamins, antioxidants — don’t skip ’em! |
Noodles | Source of complex carbs — choose whole grain or rice noodles for extra fiber |
Teriyaki Sauce | Can be high in sugar/sodium — easy to make lighter at home |
A single serving made at home can be around 400–600 calories, depending on how much oil or sauce you use — far lighter than takeout!
Also, compared to deep-fried dishes or carb-heavy pasta, this stir fry packs a more balanced nutritional punch: protein, fiber, healthy fats, and satisfying carbs all in one bowl.
Ways to Make Your Stir Fry More Nutritious
Want to give your teriyaki chicken stir fry an even healthier twist? Here’s how to level it up without sacrificing flavor:
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos in your teriyaki
- Reduce sugar in the sauce by using a smaller amount of honey or a natural sweetener like monk fruit
- Add more veggies — aim for at least 2–3 cups of colorful stir fry vegetables per batch
- Swap noodles for zoodles (zucchini noodles) or shirataki noodles if you’re going low-carb
- Use avocado or olive oil instead of vegetable oil
- Top with healthy fats like sesame seeds or chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch
This dish is also perfect for meal prep — just portion into airtight containers and reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to freshen it up.
Looking for more comfort food made light? Don’t miss our Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry — it’s another fantastic low-carb option!
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
When it comes to stir frying, not all chicken cuts are created equal. The best choice for teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles is boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Why? They stay juicy and flavorful even under high heat. Thighs are forgiving—less likely to dry out—and their richer taste pairs beautifully with the sweetness of teriyaki sauce.
That said, if you’re going lean, chicken breast works too. Just be sure to slice it thin and cook quickly to avoid drying it out. Marinating your chicken in a little soy sauce and cornstarch before cooking helps lock in moisture and creates that coveted glossy coating once it hits the pan.
Want an alternative? Try tofu, shrimp, or even sliced beef. But whatever protein you pick, make sure it’s bite-sized and evenly cut so it cooks at the same speed.
Picking the Best Noodles for Stir Fry
Choosing noodles might seem simple, but the right type can elevate your stir fry from average to restaurant-quality. For authentic texture and absorbency, we recommend:
Noodle Type | Texture | Best For |
---|---|---|
Udon Noodles | Thick and chewy | Soaks up sauces well |
Lo Mein Noodles | Soft and eggy | Classic Chinese stir fry |
Ramen Noodles | Springy and quick | Great for fast cooking |
Rice Noodles | Light and gluten-free | Popular in Thai cuisine |
Soba Noodles | Buckwheat, nutty | Adds a unique flavor twist |
Udon or lo mein noodles are ideal for teriyaki stir fry — their thickness balances well with saucy chicken and vegetables. Just make sure to cook them al dente before stir frying so they don’t turn mushy.
Some noodles, like rice noodles, only need a soak in hot water before use. You can learn more about noodle prep in this chicken and green bean stir fry, which uses similar stir fry techniques.
How to Prepare Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Essential Ingredients in a Balanced Teriyaki Sauce
The heart of any teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles is the sauce — it’s where all that sweet-savory magic happens. While store-bought sauces are convenient, homemade teriyaki sauce offers richer flavor, better control over ingredients, and zero preservatives.
Here’s what you need for a basic, well-balanced teriyaki sauce:
Ingredient | Purpose |
---|---|
Soy Sauce | Salty base, umami depth |
Brown Sugar or Honey | Sweetness and caramelization |
Garlic (minced) | Pungency and aroma |
Fresh Ginger (grated) | Zesty warmth |
Rice Vinegar | Mild acidity for balance |
Sesame Oil | Nutty flavor layer |
Cornstarch + Water | Thickens sauce into glaze |
Optional add-ins: mirin or sake for extra depth, red pepper flakes for heat, or a splash of pineapple juice for sweetness and tropical tang.
Simply whisk all ingredients together in a bowl, bring to a simmer in a pan, and cook until thickened — about 3 to 5 minutes. The result? A glossy, bold, sticky sauce that clings perfectly to noodles and chicken.
Looking for a stir fry with even bolder veggie flavors? Check out our Easy Homemade Empanadas recipe for a different but equally bold flavor approach.
Sauce Customizations Based on Dietary Needs
Homemade teriyaki is super adaptable to dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Low-Sugar? Swap brown sugar for monk fruit or stevia alternatives.
- Low-Sodium? Use low-sodium soy sauce and limit added salt.
- Vegan-Friendly? Avoid honey; stick with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Making it at home also means skipping preservatives and stabilizers. Plus, the flavor payoff is huge. It’s brighter, deeper, and doesn’t have that metallic aftertaste some bottled versions do.
Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe
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Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with noodles – the perfect weeknight meal loaded with veggies and coated in a sweet-savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cups mixed stir fry vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 200g egg noodles
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add mixed vegetables and stir fry for 4-5 minutes until just tender.
- Return chicken to the pan and stir to combine.
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and cornstarch slurry.
- Pour sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring until thickened and glossy.
- Add cooked noodles and sesame oil, toss everything to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Notes
For extra heat, add a dash of chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce. Swap chicken for tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: teriyaki chicken, stir fry, noodles, asian dinner, quick meal
Looking for inspiration? Try our comforting Perfect Spinach Quiche Recipe for another cozy meal idea when you want to switch it up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles

Overcrowding the Pan or Using Wrong Oil
One of the most common stir fry blunders? Too much food in the pan at once. When you overcrowd your wok or skillet, you lose the high heat that’s essential for that delicious sear. Instead of a vibrant, caramelized stir fry, you’ll end up with a soggy, steamed mess.
Fix it: Stir fry in batches. Cook chicken first, set it aside, then do veggies and noodles separately before combining everything at the end. It keeps things crisp and colorful.
Another mistake? Using the wrong oil. Butter and olive oil have low smoke points and will burn quickly. Stir frying is a high-heat game — you need oils that can handle it.
Use these instead:
- Avocado oil
- Peanut oil
- Grapeseed oil
- Canola oil (in a pinch)
These oils won’t smoke up your kitchen or mess with the flavor of your sauce.
Ignoring Ingredient Order in Cooking Process
Stir frying is fast — you don’t have time to think while cooking, so ingredient order matters. Dumping everything in at once leads to overcooked chicken, undercooked veggies, and unevenly coated noodles.
Best order for success:
- Heat oil
- Sear marinated chicken — remove
- Sauté aromatics (garlic, ginger, green onion)
- Add harder veggies like broccoli or carrots
- Stir in noodles
- Return chicken and pour sauce
- Toss everything quickly and serve hot
This ensures that each element shines and your sauce coats every noodle just right. Also, don’t skip the prep — have everything sliced and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir fry waits for no one.
Looking for more cooking basics with bold flavor? Don’t miss our beginner-friendly Easy Homemade Empanadas — another great recipe to master from scratch.
Wrap-Up
Teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles is fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. With the right ingredients and a few pro tips, you can skip the takeout and create a bold, satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Don’t be surprised if this teriyaki chicken stir fry with noodles becomes your new favorite dinner shortcut.
Looking for inspiration? Try our comforting Chicken Stir Fry: Quick, Healthy & Irresistibly Delicious or go vegetarian with our Chicken Cabbage Stir Fry. You’ll never run out of flavor-packed options.
FAQs
Do you need to cook noodles before stir frying?
Yes — most noodles need to be either boiled or soaked before they go into the stir fry. The method depends on the type: udon, ramen, and lo mein are usually boiled until just tender, while rice noodles only need soaking in hot water. Always rinse cooked noodles under cold water to stop them from overcooking and clumping in the pan.
Can you use teriyaki sauce in a stir-fry?
Absolutely! Teriyaki sauce is perfect for stir-frying — it’s thick, flavorful, and clings beautifully to noodles and chicken. You can either use a store-bought bottle or make your own at home (we recommend homemade for better taste and control). Add it toward the end of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
Is chicken teriyaki with noodles healthy?
It can be! When made at home, chicken teriyaki with noodles is a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and carbs. Use lean chicken, plenty of vegetables, low-sodium soy sauce, and limit added sugars in the sauce. Whole grain or rice noodles also add more nutritional value.
Why do you need to soak noodles before cooking?
Some noodles, especially rice noodles, don’t require boiling. Soaking in hot water softens them just enough without overcooking. Soaking also prevents mushiness and makes sure they’re springy and ready to absorb flavor during stir frying.