If you’re craving a dish with a flavorful punch and a comforting twist, the Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender, juicy pieces of chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze with perfectly cooked ramen noodles, this dish captures the vibrant essence of Hawaiian-inspired cooking right in your own kitchen. It’s quick to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and endlessly satisfying — the perfect dinner to lift your weeknight routine or impress friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each adding their own magic to create the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and umami that makes this recipe shine. Together, they build a dish with inviting textures and unforgettable flavors.
- 1¼ lb raw chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: The star of the dish, chicken soaks up the sauce beautifully while staying tender.
- 1 Tbsp oil: Provides the perfect sear on the chicken for that golden-brown crust.
- 1½ tsp minced garlic: Brings aromatic depth and a touch of sharpness that wakes up your palate.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich sweetness that balances the savory notes and caramelizes the sauce.
- ½ cup soy sauce: Offers salty, umami goodness that is crucial for that signature Huli Huli flavor.
- 2 Tbsp sherry: Introduces subtle sweetness and complexity with its lightly fruity depth.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Infuses a gentle warmth and brightness that complements the garlic perfectly.
- 6 Tbsp ketchup: Provides tangy sweetness along with that classic glaze consistency we all love.
- 2 (3-oz) packages ramen noodles, any flavor: The quick-cooking noodles create a soft, chewy base to soak up the sauce.
- Green onions, sliced: Adds freshness and a crisp bite to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Start by opening your ramen noodles and setting aside the flavor packets — those won’t be needed in this recipe. Boil the noodles for about 3 minutes until tender but still springy. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside so you can toss them with the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
While your noodles cook, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they start to develop a gorgeous golden-brown color. This step locks in the chicken’s juices and creates a flavorful base before adding the sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Now, it’s time to create that iconic Huli Huli glaze. Add minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sherry, ground ginger, and ketchup directly to the skillet with the chicken. Stir everything together so the chicken gets fully coated and the sugar starts to melt. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Finally, toss your cooked ramen noodles into the skillet and mix everything together until the noodles are completely coated in the savory-sweet sauce. This is where all the flavors come together for that perfect bite each time. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.
How to Serve Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle more sliced green onions or fresh cilantro on top to add a burst of freshness that cuts through the sweetness perfectly. For an extra pop of heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. Toasted sesame seeds also make a lovely toasted crunch and enhance the nutty undertones of the dish.
Side Dishes
This Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe pairs wonderfully with sides that complement the sweet and tangy flavors. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed or roasted vegetables like snap peas or broccoli, or even a fresh pineapple salsa can brighten the meal and keep it feeling lively and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the noodles in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or finely chopped macadamia nuts for a classy island-inspired touch. Another fun twist is stacking the chicken and noodles alongside grilled pineapple slices to emphasize the tropical vibe. You can even turn it into a noodle salad by chilling the noodles first and tossing with some crunchy vegetables and a squeeze of lime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Huli Huli Chicken Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen over time, making it a delicious lunch or dinner option that reheats beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze your leftovers by placing the noodles in a freezer-safe container. Just know that the texture of the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing, but the flavors will remain vibrant. Consume within one month for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving directly for too long to keep the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in the Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While ramen noodles work perfectly for their quick cooking and texture, you can swap in rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti based on what you have on hand or your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
The traditional Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat with chopped chili peppers, hot sauce, or chili flakes to suit your tastes.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable-based sauces. The sauce flavors will still shine through and make a fantastic noodle dish.
What makes it Huli Huli style?
The term “Huli Huli” refers to a Hawaiian method of cooking chicken with a special sweet and savory glaze, often involving a mix of soy sauce, sugar, and ketchup. This recipe brings those flavors together with noodles, making it a fun, accessible twist.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can chop the chicken and mix the sauce ingredients in advance to speed up cooking. Noodles are best cooked fresh, but if necessary, you can prepare them a few hours ahead and toss with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe inspires you to bring a bit of island sunshine into your kitchen. It’s a dish that’s at once comforting and exciting, with bold flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try — I’m sure it will become a trusted favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
Print
Huli Huli Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Huli Huli Chicken Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender, caramelized chicken with sweet and tangy Huli Huli sauce served over perfectly cooked ramen noodles, topped with fresh green onions for a delightful Hawaiian-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1¼ lb raw chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1½ tsp minced garlic
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sherry
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 6 Tbsp ketchup
Noodles and Garnish
- 2 (3-oz) packages ramen noodles, any flavor
- Green onions, sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Open the ramen noodle packages and discard the flavor packets. Boil the noodles in water for 3 minutes until just tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown Chicken: While the noodles cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown evenly on all sides.
- Prepare Sauce: Into the skillet, add minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, sherry, ground ginger, and ketchup. Stir to combine all ingredients well. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked and drained ramen noodles to the skillet. Toss everything together to ensure that the noodles are coated thoroughly with the Huli Huli chicken sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions over the dish as a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving warm.
Notes
- Discarding the ramen flavor packets prevents overwhelming the dish with unnecessary salt or flavors that conflict with the Huli Huli sauce.
- Sherry can be substituted with mirin or a mild dry white wine if preferred.
- For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the sauce preparation.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
