Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Stir Fry Noodles is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, a medley of colorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all tossed together in a savory stir-fry sauce. This dish is a wonderful balance of textures, with chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and juicy chicken, making it a crowd-pleaser for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a dish to impress guests, Chicken Stir Fry Noodles is a versatile and satisfying option. The sauce, which combines soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a variety of other ingredients, is simple yet full of flavor, and can be easily adjusted to suit your taste. This recipe is quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy week, and is adaptable to various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

This guide will take you through every step of preparing Chicken Stir Fry Noodles, offering tips for success, ideas for variations, and suggestions for complementary sides and pairings.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Stir Fry Noodles

• Flavorful and Savory: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other stir-fry sauces creates a savory and aromatic flavor profile that coats every ingredient perfectly. It’s a flavor-packed dish that’s both satisfying and addictive.
• Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber and vitamins from vegetables, and carbohydrates from the noodles, this dish offers a balanced meal that can be enjoyed any time of the week.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, Chicken Stir Fry Noodles is a go-to option when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and nutritious meal.
• Customizable: This recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to use different vegetables or noodles, and to adjust the seasoning based on your personal preferences or dietary needs.
• One-Pan Meal: The stir-fry method allows you to cook everything in one pan, which makes cleanup quick and easy. The method also preserves the crispness and color of the vegetables while ensuring the chicken is cooked perfectly.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 400-450 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400-450 kcal
• Fat: 14-18g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 5-7g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Stir Fry Noodles:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
• 8 oz (225g) noodles (egg noodles, rice noodles, or any preferred variety)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any preferred cooking oil)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned or sliced thinly
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced or grated
• 2-3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons water or chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook for the recommended time until al dente. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside.

2. Marinate the Chicken

While the noodles are cooking, slice the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips. In a bowl, combine the chicken with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes. The marinade will infuse the chicken with flavor and help tenderize it.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the onion, bell peppers, and carrot. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Have all your ingredients ready to go, as stir-frying is a quick process and requires you to work efficiently.

4. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly. Then, stir-fry the chicken for another 3-4 minutes until it is fully cooked through and golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onions, bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, retaining their bright color and texture. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and add a splash of water if necessary to keep the vegetables from sticking.

6. Add Garlic and Ginger

Once the vegetables are nearly cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the ginger is fully incorporated into the vegetables. This step will release their aromatic oils, adding depth to the dish.

7. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir well to dissolve the sugar. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more sugar to taste. This mixture will be the base of your stir-fry sauce, giving the dish its savory and umami flavor.

8. Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Vegetables

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked noodles and pour the stir-fry sauce over the top. Toss everything together to ensure the chicken, vegetables, and noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring that the noodles are heated through and all ingredients are well-combined.

9. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well mixed and heated, serve the Chicken Stir Fry Noodles immediately. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Enjoy your delicious, homemade stir-fry!

Tips for Perfect Chicken Stir Fry Noodles

• Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to cook the ingredients quickly while retaining their texture. Make sure the pan or wok is preheated before adding the chicken and vegetables to achieve the best results.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Stir-frying works best when the pan isn’t overcrowded. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry.
• Adjust the Noodles: You can use any type of noodles you prefer, including rice noodles, egg noodles, or even soba noodles. The key is to cook the noodles until just al dente, so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried.
• Customize the Vegetables: This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to use whatever vegetables you like or have on hand. Snow peas, broccoli, zucchini, or baby corn all make great additions.
• Taste the Sauce: Adjust the seasoning of the sauce according to your preferences. If you like it spicier, add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili. For a more tangy sauce, increase the vinegar.

Variations of Chicken Stir Fry Noodles

• Spicy Chicken Stir Fry Noodles: For a spicier version, add chili paste or sriracha sauce to the stir-fry sauce. You can also toss in some fresh chopped chilies when cooking the vegetables to bring extra heat.
• Chicken Stir Fry with Cashews: Add a handful of roasted cashews to the stir-fry for an extra crunch. The nuttiness of the cashews complements the savory chicken and vegetables.
• Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry Noodles: Substitute the soy sauce with teriyaki sauce to add a sweet and savory element to the dish. You can also top the stir fry with sesame seeds for added flavor.
• Chicken Stir Fry with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry for a rich, earthy flavor that complements the other vegetables and the chicken. Shiitake mushrooms work particularly well in stir-fries.
• Chicken Stir Fry with Pineapple: Add chunks of fresh pineapple to the stir-fry for a sweet and savory contrast that works beautifully with the savory sauce and tender chicken.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Stir Fry Noodles is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored for later. Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent the noodles from drying out.

If you want to freeze the stir fry, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Chicken Stir Fry Noodles can last up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up in a pan or microwave.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Stir Fry Noodles

Pair this tasty stir fry with complementary sides for a full meal experience:

• Steamed Rice: Serve the stir fry over a bed of steamed jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Spring Rolls: Crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls make a great appetizer or side to complement the savory flavors of the stir fry.
• Asian Cucumber Salad: A cool, tangy cucumber salad with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili flakes is a refreshing contrast to the hot and savory stir fry.
• Miso Soup: A light miso soup can serve as a perfect starter to your stir fry meal, providing a savory and umami-rich complement.

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Conclusion

Chicken Stir Fry Noodles is a delicious, versatile, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something flavorful and filling. With tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and savory noodles, this stir fry will satisfy your cravings for something both comforting and healthy. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, Chicken Stir Fry Noodles will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy this dish as a meal on its own or with complementary sides for a well-rounded dinner.