I make this meal on busy weeknights. I like food that cooks fast and cleans up fast. Spicy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Bowls Delight You! fit right into that habit. I can start the noodles, stir the pan, and have dinner in under 25 minutes.
I cook a bit more for the next day. Leftovers heat well and make quick lunches. This dish keeps well in the fridge for two days. It has heat, garlic, and bright green broccoli that make a plain noodle bowl feel like a full meal.
This dish mixes sliced chicken, garlic, broccoli, and noodles in a simple pan sauce. It tastes spicy, savory, and a bit garlicky. People often make it for weeknight dinners or quick weekend lunches. The meal works with many noodle types and with small changes to the spice level. For an easy comfort swap, try the baked buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe for a different take on a fast, filling dinner.
Why make this recipe
This recipe saves time and worries. You cook noodles and then the chicken and veg in one pan. The sauce needs only a few pantry items. You can change the heat level by adding more or less chili paste. It fits a meal plan and works for leftovers. It also uses common fridge items so you do not need a long shopping list. If you want a simple party snack idea, see this buffalo chicken dip for another quick option.
How to make this recipe
Start by cooking the noodles. Then brown garlic and chicken in a hot pan. Add broccoli and stir until tender-crisp. Mix in the sauce and toss the noodles back in the pan. Expect a quick stir-fry where each piece gets sauce and heat. The cooking links the flavors fast so the garlic and chili coat the noodles and chicken. This version cooks fast and keeps the broccoli bright. The whole process moves from boiling to sautéing to tossing in less than half an hour.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, sliced; 2 cups broccoli florets; 8 oz noodles (your choice); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp chili paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste. The chicken gives protein and soaks up the sauce. Broccoli adds color, bite, and vitamins. Garlic and chili paste give the main flavor and heat. Soy sauce adds salt and dark flavor. Use good oil for a clean pan cook like in other simple dishes such as buttered lobster pasta which also relies on quality fat.
Directions
Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and chili paste, mixing well. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes: Cook noodles just until tender so they do not get mushy when tossed. Browning the chicken adds flavor. Keep the broccoli crisp for contrast. Toss quickly so the sauce coats everything evenly.
How to serve this recipe
Serve hot in bowls for a quick family meal. Garnish with a squeeze of lime or a few sesame seeds if you want. Offer extra chili paste on the side for people who like more heat. This meal works as a main with a simple salad or as part of a larger spread for casual guests. For a dinner with a mild side, try a soft bread or a simple apple side like the classic recipes at classic chicken Normandy. This version is easy to plate and easy to wrap into containers for on-the-go lunches.
How to store this recipe
Cool the bowl to room temperature for no more than an hour. Put into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay good for two to three days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to two months, but note broccoli texture may change. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Do not leave it out at room temperature for many hours to keep it safe.
Tips to make this recipe
Cut the chicken thin and even so it cooks fast and stays moist. Mince garlic fine so it cooks quickly and mixes well. Add chili paste slowly and taste as you go. Use high heat to brown the chicken and low heat to finish the sauce. Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie meat to save time. For more real-world tips on handling cooked chicken in fast meals, see comforting shredded chicken recipes for related ideas.
Variation
Swap noodles for rice, rice noodles, or udon for a different feel. Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a quick swap. Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots if you want more veg. Lower the heat by using less chili paste or swap it for sweet chili sauce. The recipe is flexible, but keep the garlic and soy base to keep the main flavor. If you need strict limits on ingredients, the list is short, so there are not many forced changes without changing the dish a lot.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes. Thaw or add a minute to the cook time so it warms through.
Q: Is this spicy?
A: It can be. Add less chili paste to make it mild.
Q: Can I prep ahead?
A: Cook noodles and chop veg ahead. Finish in the pan when ready.
Q: How to make it gluten-free?
A: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger pan and cook chicken in batches for even browning.
Conclusion
This meal works when you need a quick, spicy dinner that feels like home. It cooks fast, cleans up fast, and fits busy nights or planned leftovers. If you want a different spicy noodle idea, try Spicy Peanut Butter Noodles for a nutty twist. For a seafood noodle bowl with heat, see Spicy Shrimp Ramen Bowls. For more bowl ideas and inspiration, check the Asian Noodle Bowls roundup.
Print
Spicy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Bowls
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights, featuring chicken, garlic, broccoli, and noodles in a spicy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 8 oz noodles (your choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add broccoli florets and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in soy sauce and chili paste, mixing well.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Cook noodles just until tender to avoid mushiness. Browning the chicken adds flavor and keep the broccoli crisp for contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
