Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
If you are looking for a comforting and flavorful family dinner that combines the best of Asian-inspired flavors with the ease of a one-dish meal, then this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe will become your next go-to. Imagine tender chicken pieces nestled with noodles, a vibrant medley of vegetables, all smothered in a glossy, slightly sweet, and savory honey sesame sauce that bakes into perfection. This dish is a delightful harmony of textures and tastes, making mealtime both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each item is straightforward yet essential, contributing to the dish’s comforting heart and vibrant appeal.
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked: The perfect base that bakes up soft and slightly chewy.
- 1 (10.8-ounce) frozen vegetable medley (Asian medley recommended): Adds color, crunch, and nutrition effortlessly.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Provides a rich and flavorful cooking liquid.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings umami depth and seasoning to the sauce.
- ¼ cup honey: The star sweetener that balances saltiness with a gentle floral note.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Enhances the honey’s warmth and caramel undertones.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a toasty, nutty aroma that’s synonymous with sesame dishes.
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a gentle spice that lifts the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic: Delivers savory depth and aroma.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onion, for garnish: Adds a finishing crunch and freshness.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, give your 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step ensures the bake won’t stick and comes out clean and perfect every time.
Step 2: Layer Noodles and Vegetables
Place the uncooked spaghetti noodles in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared dish. Then, top them with the frozen vegetable medley. The frozen vegetables will steam beautifully during baking, adding vibrant color and fresh flavor without extra fuss.
Step 3: Add Chicken
Scatter the chicken breast pieces evenly over the noodles and vegetables. As the chicken bakes nestled in the sauce and noodles, it soaks up every bit of flavor, coming out juicy and full of taste.
Step 4: Prepare Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth. This delicious honey sesame sauce is what transforms this bake into a mouthwatering dish that everyone will want seconds of.
Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Dish
Evenly pour the prepared sauce over the layered chicken, noodles, and vegetables. The sauce will seep through the noodles and chicken, infusing every bite with that signature sweet and savory honey sesame flavor.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the noodles to soften and the chicken to start cooking in the steamy environment.
Step 7: Stir and Bake Uncovered
After 30 minutes, remove the foil and gently stir the bake to loosen the noodles from the bottom. This step also helps even cooking and sauce distribution. Then, continue baking uncovered for another 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a final burst of flavor, texture, and color that elevates the dish beautifully. Now, it’s ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are classic garnishes, adding a lovely crunch and mild pungency. Feel free to add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for amplified nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli or snap peas to echo the Asian flavors. A crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables can also add refreshing contrast to the warm, saucy bake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. If you want to turn it into a complete meal, add a side of crispy spring rolls or an Asian slaw for texture variety that excites the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making for even tastier lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This bake freezes well if you want to prepare ahead. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to keep moisture in, or microwave portions with a damp paper towel on top to maintain the right texture without drying out the noodles or chicken.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works well, you can also use linguine, egg noodles, or even rice noodles. Just be mindful to adjust baking time if the noodle size or thickness changes significantly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and gluten-free noodles to adapt this recipe. Make sure your cornstarch and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
What type of honey works best?
Use any honey you like, but a mild-flavored honey such as clover or wildflower lets the other flavors shine while complementing the sesame sauce nicely.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just use a larger baking dish and increase the cooking time slightly while checking that the chicken is fully cooked and noodles are tender throughout.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe is truly a winner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s cozy, flavorful, and simple enough to make any day feel special. Give it a try and savor that beautiful blend of honey, sesame, chicken, and noodles that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake is a delicious one-dish meal combining tender chicken, spaghetti noodles, and a vibrant frozen vegetable medley, all smothered in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Baked to perfection, it offers an easy, comforting dinner that pleases the whole family with its flavorful Asian-inspired ingredients and simple prep.
Ingredients
Chicken and Noodles
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
Vegetables
- 1 (10.8-ounce) frozen vegetable medley (Asian medley recommended)
Sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped green onion
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Noodles and Vegetables: Spread the uncooked 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Distribute the frozen vegetable medley on top of the noodles in an even layer.
- Add Chicken: Place the 1 pound of chicken breast pieces evenly on top of the noodles and vegetables to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups chicken broth, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch until thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Pour Sauce Over Dish: Carefully pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, noodles, and vegetables, allowing it to evenly coat and seep through the layers.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the chicken to cook through and the noodles to soften.
- Stir and Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and gently stir the mixture to loosen the noodles from the bottom of the dish. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the noodles are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onion for added flavor and a fresh crunch. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use an Asian vegetable medley for the best complementary flavors.
- If chicken broth is unavailable, vegetable broth can be substituted for a lighter flavor.
- Ensure the baking dish is properly covered with foil during the first bake to keep moisture locked in for tender noodles.
- Stirring halfway through baking helps prevent noodles from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- You can adjust sweetness by varying honey or brown sugar amounts according to taste.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free pasta.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for a nuttier flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-American