Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s quick to prepare, packed with zesty flavor, and bursting with fresh crunch and color, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe. Tender sliced chicken mingles with springy noodles and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a lively lemon-garlic sauce you’ll want to lick from the bowl. It’s a weeknight dinner that comes together in 30 minutes, but tastes like you’ve spent the day in the kitchen—comforting, fresh, and impossibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe is how it transforms humble everyday ingredients into something vibrant and delicious. Each one brings a special touch—whether it’s brightness, crunch, or heartiness—so don’t skip a thing!
- Rice noodles or egg noodles (8 oz): These create the soft, slurpable base that soaks up all the gorgeous sauce.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb), thinly sliced: Make sure your chicken is sliced thin for quick, even cooking, and unbeatable tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): A neutral, healthy fat that allows the other flavors to shine while keeping everything silky.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp—the name of the recipe says it all! This is what gives the dish its vivid aroma.
- Lemon (zest and juice of 1 large): The ultimate game-changer—zest for perfume, juice for zing.
- Soy sauce (1 tbsp): Adds that essential savory depth to balance the bright lemon.
- Honey (1 tbsp): A little sweetness ties all the flavors together for a rounded dish.
- Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): For people who like a gentle kick, but skip if you prefer mellow.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Their natural sweetness and crunch make every bite a treat.
- Snap peas or green beans (1 cup, trimmed): Choose whichever you have for that satisfying, just-cooked crunch.
- Green onions (1/4 cup, chopped): These brighten the finished bowl with both flavor and color.
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped): Choose your favorite herb for a final burst of freshness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): They pull every other flavor forward and make your bowl truly irresistible.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preparing your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking together. Set aside while you focus on the star of this Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe—the irresistible chicken and veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the pieces are golden on the edges and cooked through. You’ll get maximum flavor if you let them sear without stirring for the first couple of minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Sizzle
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, throw in your minced garlic. Sauté for about a minute, letting that delicious aroma waft through your kitchen. This step is essential to make sure the garlic flavor is gentle and sweet, not sharp.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let everything simmer for around two minutes. This transforms the pan into a sunshiny, savory-sweet sauce that’s pure magic over noodles.
Step 5: Add Veggies
Now, add the shredded carrots and snap peas (or green beans). Give everything a good toss and cook for another two to three minutes until the veggies are just tender but still have their crunch. You want them to taste fresh, not soggy!
Step 6: Finish with Noodles and Herbs
Add those silky noodles back into the pan and toss thoroughly to coat every strand in sauce. Take the time to combine everything well so the noodles soak up that bright lemon garlic flavor. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed, then sprinkle on the chopped green onions and fresh herbs before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t hold back on garnishes! A handful of chopped green onions and fresh parsley or cilantro make this Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe both inviting and flavor-packed. For a little extra pop, add some lemon zest or even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds if you have them on hand.
Side Dishes
Pair this bowl with a crisp cucumber salad or a simple miso broth for the perfect meal. A side of edamame or even steamed dumplings would also complement the tangy, savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try setting up a noodle bowl bar with extra toppings like crushed peanuts, chili oil, or lime wedges. Serve the Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe in gorgeous deep bowls so everyone can admire the colorful tangle of noodles, veggies, and herbs. For a family-style meal, pile everything onto a large serving platter at the center of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe stores wonderfully. Pop any remaining noodles and chicken into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors become even more vibrant as they mingle, making lunch the next day a true delight.
Freezing
This dish is at its absolute best freshly cooked, but you can freeze individual portions if needed. Store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind, the noodles may soften a bit upon thawing, but the bold lemon garlic flavor will still shine.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the noodles and heat gently in a skillet over medium-low until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. Don’t forget to freshen things up with a sprinkle of new herbs before serving!
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Absolutely! Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but you can swap in any gluten-free pasta you love. Just adjust the cooking time as needed and double-check that your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.
What other vegetables work in this recipe?
This recipe is super flexible. Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or even baby spinach all work beautifully—use whatever’s in your fridge. Just adjust cooking time so your veggies stay crisp-tender.
Is it okay to use leftover chicken?
Yes! Leftover roast or grilled chicken works perfectly in the Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe. Just slice and add it along with the garlic so it warms and soaks up the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely. Swap the chicken for firm tofu or your favorite plant protein. Keep all the other components the same and prepare for an equally delicious meal packed with lemon-garlic flavor.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat comes only from the optional red pepper flakes, so you’re completely in control. For those who love spice, add a little more—or leave it out entirely for a gentle, warming bowl.
Final Thoughts
I can’t tell you how many times this Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe has come to my rescue on busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s simple, bright, and always feels a bit special. Make it once and you’ll find yourself craving those vibrant flavors again and again—give it a try, and your dinner routine will thank you!
Print
Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Garlic Chicken Noodle Bowl recipe is a delicious and healthy meal that comes together quickly. Tender chicken, flavorful garlic, and bright lemon combine with fresh veggies and noodles for a satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 8 ounces rice noodles or egg noodles
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Veggies:
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans, trimmed
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, then drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden. Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes. Simmer.
- Add Veggies: Stir in carrots and snap peas, cook until tender. Add noodles, mix well.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and pepper, top with green onions and herbs. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can use quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli.
- For added richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
- This recipe works well with leftover chicken, too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
