Whip up a vibrant and flavorful meal in minutes with this easy chicken stir fry with noodles. It’s a delicious, healthier alternative to takeout, packed with colorful vegetables and tender chicken. Incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables into your diet, as found in dishes like stir-fries, provides essential phytonutrients and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases, according to Harvard Health. This recipe brings together savory ingredients for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, all prepared simply in your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a quick, satisfying dinner!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles
This fantastic chicken noodle stir fry is about to become your new weeknight favorite.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick, delicious meal on the table fast.
- Healthier Weeknight Alternative: Enjoy a wholesome meal with fresh ingredients instead of relying on takeout.
- Highly Customizable Recipe: Easily swap proteins or vegetables to suit your family’s preferences.
- Bursting with Savory Flavor: The balanced sauce perfectly coats every bite of chicken and noodles.
- Minimal Cleanup: Most of the cooking happens in one pan, simplifying your post-dinner routine.
Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles Ingredients
To make this delightful chicken stir fry with noodles, you will need a few simple, fresh ingredients. Tender chicken and crisp vegetables combine with a savory sauce and comforting noodles for a complete meal.
- 12 oz rice noodles
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized strips
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper (or 1/2 red and 1/2 green), sliced
- 1 cup broccoli, chopped
- 4 oz shiitake or portobello mushrooms, sliced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp corn starch
- Few drizzles of sesame oil
Notes & Substitutions
You can use chicken thighs for a juicier texture. Feel free to use ramen noodles, egg noodles, or even spaghetti as alternatives. Swap in other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or green beans. For a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium soy sauce. A dash of red pepper flakes or a touch of pure maple syrup can boost the flavor profile.
Equipment
You don’t need many special tools to create this amazing dish.
- Large wok or skillet (12-inch or larger)
- Medium pot for noodles
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or tongs
How To Make Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles
Follow these simple steps to create a perfect chicken stir fry with noodles. Preparing your ingredients ahead of time makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook them on medium heat for about 2 to 4 minutes, depending on their thickness, or until they are barely tender. Drain the noodles thoroughly and toss them with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Season the sliced chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until it is just cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers, chopped broccoli, and sliced mushrooms to the same skillet. Sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the grated ginger and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the vegetables cook, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch in a small mixing bowl until smooth.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken and prepared noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the whisked sauce mixture over everything. Stir-fry for an additional 3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through, the noodles are well-coated, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Right before serving, drizzle with sesame oil for added aroma and flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve your easy chicken and noodles stir fry immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles
Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips for your delicious chicken noodle stir fry.
- Use High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to sear ingredients quickly and achieve that desirable slightly smoky flavor. This searing and browning is due to the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process that enhances flavor, as explained by culinary experts. You can learn more about the Maillard reaction in stir-frying.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook ingredients in batches if necessary to ensure everything browns properly instead of steaming.
- Chop Uniformly: Cut all your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Prevent Soggy Noodles: Drain noodles very well after cooking and toss with oil to keep them from sticking or clumping.
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce and the finished dish, then adjust salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your preference.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serve this delightful chicken stir fry hot with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or in the microwave until warmed through.
Flavor Variations
- For Heat: Add a dash of sriracha, a pinch of red chili flakes, or a little bit of your favorite hot sauce.
- For Sweetness: Include a teaspoon of honey, maple syrup, or a touch of brown sugar in the sauce mixture.
- For Zest: Finish your perfect chicken noodle stir fry with a squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving.
Protein & Vegetable Swaps
- Proteins: Easily swap chicken for shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or firm tofu cubes.
- Vegetables: Experiment with snap peas, shredded carrots, baby bok choy, water chestnuts, or even thinly sliced cabbage.
Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles Nutrition
This chicken stir fry offers a satisfying and balanced meal, packed with protein and beneficial nutrients from fresh vegetables. It’s a flavorful dish that fits wonderfully into a healthy eating plan. Please note that nutritional information is an approximation and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 588 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 80 g |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 877 mg |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What kind of noodles are best for chicken stir fry with noodles?
Rice noodles, like the ones used here, are excellent for their chewy texture. You can also use egg noodles, ramen noodles, or even thin spaghetti.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How do I prevent my stir fry from being watery?
The key is to use high heat and avoid overcrowding your pan. Cook ingredients in batches if necessary to allow moisture to evaporate rather than accumulate.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Whisk together all the sauce ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This saves time on busy nights.
What other vegetables can I add?
You can customize your stir fry with bell peppers of any color, carrots, snow peas, green beans, baby corn, or bok choy.
Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles: Final Thoughts
This easy chicken stir fry with noodles is your perfect solution for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal. It’s packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, all coming together in one pan. Give this simple recipe a try and transform your weeknight dinners. We’d love to hear how your stir fry turned out, so share your experience and creations in the comments below!
Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles
Equipment
- Medium size pan
- Large wok or skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
Main
- 12 oz rice noodles
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken breasts sliced into bite-sized strips
- salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper or 1/2 red and 1/2 green, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli chopped
- 4 oz shiitake or portobello mushroom sliced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger peeled and grated
- 0.5 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce NOT low-sodium
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp corn starch
- sesame oil few drizzles
Instructions
Main
- Bring a medium pan of salted water to a boil, then add noodles and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until barely tender. Drain the noodles and stir in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper, then stir-fry for about 3 minutes until just cooked through; remove and set aside.
- Add bell peppers, broccoli, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the ginger and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken stock, soy sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch.
- Return the chicken and noodles to the skillet, add the broth mixture, and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until the chicken is hot and fully cooked.
- Right before serving, drizzle with sesame oil and season to taste with salt and pepper as desired.