If you’re looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering, and satisfying dinner that comes together in no time, this Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s packed with colorful veggies, tender chicken strips, and perfectly sauced rice noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something to impress at your next gathering, this recipe delivers that ideal balance of savory, sweet, and tangy elements with just the right amount of crunch and chew. Let’s dive into the goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients each play a critical role in making this Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe a delicious success. From fresh veggies adding crunch and color to sauces that bring deep umami and bright notes, every component works in harmony.
- Vegetable oil: Provides the perfect base to stir fry chicken and veggies without overpowering flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Lean and tender, sliced thin for quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth as it softens during the stir fry.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: Bring vibrant color and a mild sweetness that awakens the palate.
- Carrots: Julienned for a delicate crunch and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a zesty warmth that brightens the entire dish.
- Soy sauce: Gives that essential salty, savory backbone to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth and complexity.
- Hoisin sauce: Contributes a subtle sweet and tangy flavor to balance out the soy.
- Rice vinegar: Brightens and lifts the sauce with its mild acidity.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon heightens the aroma and gives a nutty finish.
- Rice noodles: Soft and silky, they soak up every drop of the luscious sauce.
- Water and cornstarch: For creating a perfectly thickened, glossy sauce that clings to every ingredient.
- Sesame seeds: Add a toasty crunch and visual appeal.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, sharp garnish that completes the dish.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. The key is to cook the chicken quickly so it stays tender and juicy. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep things organized for the next steps.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until it begins to soften and release its natural sweetness. Next, add the red and yellow bell peppers, cooking them for another 2 to 3 minutes until they start to get tender. Then, introduce the julienned carrots, stirring for 2 more minutes. These vibrant vegetables not only bring beautiful color to the dish but layer in crunchy texture and fresh flavors.
Step 3: Infuse Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until you can smell that wonderful fragrant aroma filling your kitchen. These aromatics are crucial in making the sauce pop with flavor, delivering a spicy, savory base.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce and Thicken
Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. Pour this sauce mixture into the skillet, coating all the vegetables evenly. Bring the mix to a gentle simmer, then add water to help loosen everything up. Meanwhile, whisk cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry and slowly pour it into the skillet while stirring continuously. This step thickens the sauce over 1 to 2 minutes, giving it that glossy, clingy texture you want on every noodle strand.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together to blend the flavors. Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package directions until tender, usually around 4 to 5 minutes. Drain them well, then add the noodles directly to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly so the noodles soak up the sauce, veggies stay tender-crisp, and chicken remains juicy.
Step 6: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and toss to combine, adding a toasty crunch throughout. Finally, crown the dish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh burst of flavor and a lovely pop of green color. Serve the Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe piping hot and enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions really elevate this dish visually and texturally. You could also add a few red pepper flakes if you like a gentle kick of heat or fresh cilantro leaves for an herbaceous note.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides such as steamed edamame, a cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing, or even some crunchy spring rolls for extra fun and texture contrasts. Keep sides fairly light to let the noodles shine as the star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner, serve straight from the wok on a beautiful platter to showcase all those bright colors. For a special occasion, plate the noodles in individual bowls topped with extra green onions and sesame seeds, perhaps paired with small dipping sauces like chili oil or soy sauce on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles might absorb more sauce as they sit, so give it a quick stir or splash of water before reheating.
Freezing
Although freezing is possible, rice noodles tend to become mushy once thawed. If you want to freeze, consider storing the chicken and vegetables separately from the noodles. Thaw and reheat the components gently to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the noodles and chicken stir fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the noodles gummy. A quick toss on the stove brings back that freshly cooked magic.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles in this Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, you can swap in egg noodles, soba, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, simply replace chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth if adding any liquid and make sure sauces align with your dietary preferences.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild by default but extremely adaptable. Add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a dash of hot sauce to heat things up to your liking without altering the main flavors.
Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely! Slice all your vegetables and chicken around 1 day in advance and store them covered in the fridge. This prep will speed up the cooking process and make weeknight dinners a breeze.
What’s the secret to keeping the chicken tender?
Cutting chicken into thin strips and stir-frying quickly over high heat locks in moisture and ensures juicy bites. Don’t overcook it or the texture will get rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, tweaking it with your favorite veggies or sauces. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect harmony of textures and tastes that only a well-made stir fry can deliver!
Print
Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Stir Fry Noodles recipe features tender strips of chicken breast stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, and carrots, all tossed in a savory homemade sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, highlighting the delicious combination of Asian-inspired sauces and perfectly cooked rice noodles.
Ingredients
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 -inch piece fresh ginger, grated
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Other Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to become hot.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breasts to the hot oil and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Cook onions: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until it starts to soften and become translucent.
- Add bell peppers: Add the red and yellow bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but remain slightly crisp.
- Add carrots: Stir in the julienned carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes to maintain some crunch.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined.
- Add sauce to veggies: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and toss the vegetables to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer with water: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add 2 tablespoons of water and stir well to combine.
- Make cornstarch slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Thicken sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Return chicken: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss everything together to combine evenly.
- Cook noodles: Meanwhile, cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, usually boiling for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Drain noodles: Drain the noodles well to remove excess water.
- Combine noodles with stir fry: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat the noodles thoroughly in the sauce.
- Add sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir fry and toss again to distribute them evenly throughout the dish.
- Garnish: Top the stir fry with sliced green onions for added freshness and flavor.
- Serve hot: Serve the chicken stir fry noodles immediately while hot for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or fresh chili slices during the garlic and ginger step.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with tofu or shrimp to customize the protein.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables; they should retain a slight crunch.
- Rice noodles cook quickly, so watch them closely to avoid mushiness.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
