If you’re looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that brings together tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and noodles in a spicy garlic sauce, these Quick Spicy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Bowls are exactly what you need. Marinated chicken thighs are stir-fried until golden and juicy, then tossed with vibrant broccoli florets and chewy noodles in a sweet-spicy sauce made with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and chili crisp for that addictive kick. The whole meal comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something better than takeout but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe is the layers of flavor—the chicken marinates while you prep everything else, the vegetables stay crisp-tender, and the sauce coats every bite with that irresistible combination of sweet, savory, and spicy that keeps you coming back for more.
Complete Ingredient List (Serves 4)
This version is easy to scale up for meal prep or larger families.
For the Marinated Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste or 2 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra tender chicken)
For the Spicy Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste or 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1½ teaspoons chili crisp or chili oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Noodle Bowls
- 12 ounces noodles (banh canh, lo mein, udon, or rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- ½ white or yellow onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 20-30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: About 30-40 minutes
Servings: 4
Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame oil, garlic paste, and red pepper flakes. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 20-30 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Make the Spicy Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic paste, chili crisp, rice vinegar, and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes without moving it, allowing it to develop a golden crust on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy at the edges. Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and crisp-tender. Add the sliced onion and bell pepper if using, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until softened but still crisp.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the spicy garlic sauce over everything. Using tongs or two spatulas, toss everything together for 1-2 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and everything is heated through. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce.
Serve
Divide the noodle bowls among 4 serving bowls. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Spicy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Bowls
Don’t skip the marinating step—it makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful. Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more forgiving meat that won’t dry out. Cut all your ingredients before you start cooking—stir-frying moves fast and you won’t have time to prep once you begin. Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should be crisp-tender with a slight bite. Use fresh minced garlic instead of jarred for the best flavor. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less chili crisp to suit your preference. For extra protein, add a beaten egg to the pan after the vegetables and scramble it before adding everything back in.
Variations and Customizations
Add snap peas, carrots, mushrooms, or baby corn for more vegetables. Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for variety. Make it vegetarian with extra-firm tofu marinated the same way. For a peanut sauce version, add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter to the sauce. Add fresh ginger to both the marinade and sauce for extra zing. Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version. Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch. Make it gluten-free by using tamari and gluten-free noodles.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving)
These noodle bowls are packed with lean protein from the chicken (about 25-30 grams per serving), complex carbohydrates from the noodles for sustained energy, and fiber and vitamins from the broccoli and vegetables. The garlic provides immune-boosting properties, while the chili adds metabolism-boosting capsaicin. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s satisfying and nutritious. You can lighten it by using less oil and more vegetables.
Why This Works So Well for TikTok and Pinterest
Quick Spicy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Bowls are incredibly photogenic with glossy noodles coated in sauce, vibrant green broccoli, golden chicken pieces, and colorful garnishes. The stir-frying action and the moment when the sauce gets tossed with everything makes for satisfying video content, and the “perfect weeknight” hook resonates with busy viewers looking for fast dinner solutions. For Pinterest, focus on overhead shots of the finished bowls with chopsticks, close-ups showing the glossy sauce coating the noodles, or styled shots with Asian-inspired props. The 30-minute timeline and restaurant-quality flavor make this recipe highly shareable.
Serve these flavorful noodle bowls with extra chili crisp on the side, some steamed edamame, or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired dinner. Once you try them, you’ll understand why these quick, spicy noodle bowls have become such a favorite for weeknight dinners and meal prep.