If you are craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and comforting in every bite, this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Combining tender chicken, cozy noodles, and crisp vegetables all coated in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce, this dish is a family-pleaser that comes together effortlessly. It’s baked to perfection so the noodles soak up all those wonderful flavors, delivering a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color in this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the tender chicken breast that adds protein to the noodles that offer a soft base soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound): Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy servings.
- Spaghetti noodles (8 ounces, uncooked): Provides the comforting pasta foundation that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
- Frozen vegetable medley (10.8 ounces): Adds color, nutrients, and a bit of crunch to the bake.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): The base for the sauce, lending rich savory depth.
- Soy sauce (¼ cup): Brings umami and saltiness, balancing sweetness perfectly.
- Honey (¼ cup): The star sweetener that gives this recipe its signature honey-sesame flavor.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Enhances the caramel notes in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and brightness to cut through the sweetness.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Delivers that unmistakable toasty aroma and flavor.
- Ground ginger (½ teaspoon): Lends warmth and a hint of spice to the mix.
- Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Adds pungency and depth to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce to cling deliciously to the noodles and chicken.
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onion: Fresh garnishes that enhance texture and add a pop of color.
How to Make Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Give your 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish a good spray with nonstick cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Layer the Noodles and Veggies
Spread the uncooked spaghetti noodles evenly across the bottom of the baking dish. Then, scatter the frozen vegetable medley right on top. This layering sets the stage for the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Chicken
Next, carefully place all your chicken breast pieces on top of the noodles and veggies. This allows the chicken to cook through as it bakes and absorb the savory juices from the sauce.
Step 4: Whisk Together Your Sauce
In a medium bowl, get whisking! Combine chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch. This mix creates a silky, flavorful sauce that’s the heart of this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe.
Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over
Pour your carefully blended sauce evenly over the entire noodle, vegetable, and chicken layers. This ensures every bite is rich and bursting with flavor.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. This step steams the ingredients and starts the cooking process gently.
Step 7: Stir and Finish Baking
After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil and give everything a gentle stir to loosen the noodles that may have stuck to the bottom. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra crunch and freshness that elevates the dish to next-level deliciousness.
How to Serve Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Garnishes
The sesame seeds and green onion aren’t just for looks. They add wonderful texture and a burst of freshness that complements the rich, saucy noodles and tender chicken. Feel free to add a dash of chili flakes if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe with a light and crisp side salad or some steamed bok choy to brighten the plate and add an extra veggie boost. A side of crushed garlic roasted broccoli also pairs beautifully with the Asian-inspired flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, serve it straight from the baking dish for that cozy comfort food vibe. Alternatively, plate it elegantly in small noodle nests topped with a drizzle of extra honey sesame sauce and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This bake keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up even more sauce overnight, making the leftovers even more flavorful.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in portions wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, it’s best to freeze before adding garnishes like green onions and sesame seeds.
Reheating
Reheat your Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water and give it a quick stir to rejuvenate the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works perfectly, you can substitute with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even thicker pasta like fettuccine for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! Simply swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The honey sesame sauce remains just as delicious with these plant-based options.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can assemble the bake in advance and refrigerate it without baking for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake following the same instructions, just add a few extra minutes to account for the chill.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on the sweet and savory honey sesame flavors. You can always add chili flakes or a splash of sriracha if you want some heat.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you need a substitute, maple syrup or agave nectar work well to keep the sweetness and consistency intact while maintaining the recipe’s signature flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or anytime you want a comforting meal that’s brimming with flavor and effortless to prepare. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite dishes to cook and share. You’ll love how everything comes together in one dish, delivering a satisfying, hearty dinner that’s as tasty as it is simple.
Print
Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Description
This Honey Sesame Chicken Noodle Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make casserole combining tender chicken, flavorful Asian-seasoned noodles, and a medley of vegetables in a sweet and savory honey sesame sauce. Baked to perfection, this one-dish meal is ideal for busy weeknights and serves four generously.
Ingredients
Chicken and Noodles
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles, uncooked
- 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, for garnish
- Chopped green onion, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 13 x 9 x 2-inch rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer Noodles and Vegetables: Place the uncooked 8 ounces of spaghetti noodles evenly at the bottom of the baking dish, then spread the frozen vegetable medley on top.
- Add Chicken Pieces: Arrange the cut chicken breast pieces evenly over the noodles and vegetables for even cooking.
- Make Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and cornstarch until smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce: Pour this flavorful sauce mixture evenly over the noodles, vegetables, and chicken to ensure all ingredients absorb the seasoning during baking.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. This initial covered baking helps the noodles soften and the chicken start cooking through.
- Uncover, Stir, and Continue Baking: Remove the foil carefully, gently stir the mixture to loosen noodles from the bottom, then bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and noodles are tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for a fresh and nutty finish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti noodles with other pasta like linguine or thin egg noodles if preferred.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and pasta alternatives.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a spicy kick to the dish if desired.
