Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Welcome to a delightful journey of flavors with this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake recipe! This dish combines tender chicken, al dente noodles, and a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, all baked together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is easy to prepare and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil the Noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the egg noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-10 minutes).
- Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of sesame oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and add it to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for another 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Add the Reserved Marinade: Pour the reserved marinade over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Sesame Sauce
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, cornstarch, water, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until it thickens. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Noodle Bake: In the same large pot used for the noodles, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed chicken and vegetables, and the honey sesame sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Layer in the Baking Dish: Transfer the noodle mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Bake
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the noodle mixture.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for garnish.
- Dish Up: Serve hot and enjoy your Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake! This dish is perfect as a standalone meal but can also be paired with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Tips for Success
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms, to suit your taste.
- Make it Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance. Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply remove the plastic wrap and bake as instructed.
- Add Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the chicken marinade or sauce.
- Leftover Ideas: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
The Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake is not only a delicious and satisfying dish but also a wholesome option that can be customized to meet your dietary needs. With its sweet and savory flavors, cheesy goodness, and colorful vegetables, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the delightful flavors and the smiles around the table as you serve up this comforting noodle bake!
Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, and corn)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, chicken mixture, frozen mixed vegetables, and honey sesame sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle sesame seeds evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and the top is slightly golden.
7. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.