Chicken stir fry noodles is a popular Asian-inspired dish that is quick, easy, and delicious. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or a simple yet satisfying dinner for any occasion. This dish is a combination of stir-fried chicken, fresh vegetables, and fresh noodles, all tossed in a flavorful sauce that is both sweet and savory.
Why this recipe works
One of the reasons why this chicken stir fry noodle recipe is so delicious is the combination of flavors and textures. The dish perfectly balances savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors that work harmoniously together. Adding fresh ginger and garlic gives it a slight kick of heat, balanced out by the sweetness of brown sugar and the acidity of rice wine vinegar.
The great thing about chicken stir fry noodles is that it’s versatile and can be customized to your taste preferences. You can add different vegetables, switch up the protein, or adjust the sauce to make it more or less spicy. This recipe is also perfect for those who want to add more vegetables to their diet or who are looking for a healthier meal option.
What is Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken stir fry noodles is a popular Chinese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, chicken, and vegetables, all cooked in a delicious sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil. This dish is typically made with fresh noodles, which are a type of thin, wheat-based noodle that is perfect for stir-frying.
Best ingredients for Chicken Stir Fry Noodles
- Fresh stir fry noodles: As mentioned earlier, fresh noodles are the best type of noodle to use in this recipe. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores.
- Chicken: Chicken breast is a lean protein source that is low in fat and high in protein.
- Vegetables: For this recipe, I’m using red and green bell peppers, onion, and snow peas. However, you can also use other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Garlic and ginger: I personally cannot imagine a good stir fry without these two. They add so much depth and flavour!
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe, as it adds saltiness and umami flavor.
- Brown sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the dish, and also helps to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Rice wine vinegar: Rice wine vinegar adds acidity to the dish, which helps to balance out the sweetness.
- Sesame oil: I love to add a little bit of sesame oil to a stir fry for a nutty flavor.
How to make Chicken Stir Fry Noodles
Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Prep the ingredients.
Start by slicing the chicken breast into thin strips. Next, slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Step 2: Cook the chicken.
Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the wok and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the vegetables.
In the same wok, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, snow peas, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 4: Make the sauce.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and chicken broth until smooth. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, and sesame oil.
Step 5: Add the chicken and sauce.
Add the cooked chicken back to the wok and pour the sauce. Stir-fry until the sauce has thickened and coated the chicken and vegetables.
Step 6: Add noodles and serve.
Add noodles to the wok and toss to combine with the chicken and vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and enjoy!
Storing and freezing tips
If you have leftovers or want to make this dish ahead of time, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that the chicken stir fry noodles remain fresh and flavorful.
Storing:
The chicken stir fry noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a skillet or wok and heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Freezing:
You can freeze the cooked stir fry without the noodles for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat until heated through, then add the fresh noodles and coat in a sauce.
Top tips for the best Chicken Stir Fry Noodles
- Use fresh stir fry noodles: Fresh noodles have a better texture and taste compared to dried noodles. Look for them in the refrigerated section of your local Asian grocery store.
- Prep all ingredients beforehand: Since stir-frying happens quickly, it’s best to have everything prepared and within reach before you start cooking.
- Cut chicken into even slices: Slicing the chicken into even pieces will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that signature seared flavor and texture. Make sure your skillet or wok is heated to a high temperature before adding the ingredients.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet or wok: Overcrowding the pan will lead to steaming instead of searing, which will result in soggy vegetables and chicken. Work in batches if needed.
- Add the ingredients in the right order: Add ingredients that take longer to cook first, such as the chicken, followed by the vegetables and aromatics.
- Use cornstarch to thicken the sauce: Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it a glossy appearance. Make sure to mix it well with broth to avoid lumps.
FAQ
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles such as spaghetti, ramen noodles, or udon noodles. However, the texture and taste may differ from the original recipe.
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can use other types of meat such as beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze chicken stir fry?
You can freeze the cooked stir fry without the noodles for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a skillet or wok over medium heat until heated through, then add the fresh noodles and stir-fry.
What vegetables can I use for chicken stir fry?
You can use a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, bok choy, or cabbage. Just make sure to cut them into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Can I make chicken stir fry with frozen vegetables?
Certainly! Using frozen vegetables in chicken stir fry is a great option if you don’t have access to fresh vegetables or if you’re looking for a more convenient option. However, keep in mind that frozen vegetables may release more water when cooked, which can affect the overall texture of the dish. To prevent this, make sure to thaw the vegetables completely and pat them dry before cooking. You can also add the vegetables to the wok in small batches to prevent them from cooling down the wok and causing excess moisture.
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