Chicken Noodle Stir Fry: Easy Recipe & Quick Meal Idea

Chicken Noodle Stir Fry: Forget everything you thought you knew about weeknight dinners! Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and crisp-tender vegetables all tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that will have your taste buds singing. This isn’t your grandma’s chicken noodle soup; it’s a vibrant, flavorful explosion inspired by Asian cuisine, ready in under 30 minutes.

While the exact origins of noodle stir-fries are difficult to pinpoint, they are deeply rooted in Asian culinary traditions, particularly in China and Southeast Asia. The beauty of stir-fries lies in their adaptability, using readily available ingredients and techniques passed down through generations. This Chicken Noodle Stir Fry takes that spirit of adaptability and brings it to your kitchen, offering a delicious and convenient alternative to traditional stir-fry dishes.

So, why do people adore this dish? It’s simple: the combination of textures and flavors is irresistible. The soft noodles, the juicy chicken, the crunchy vegetables, and the savory sauce create a symphony in your mouth. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or protein. But most importantly, it’s quick and easy, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a new family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• For the Noodles:
• 1 lb fresh egg noodles (or dried egg noodles, cooked according to package directions)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (to prevent sticking)
• For the Vegetables:
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms (shiitake, cremini, or button)
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Optional Garnishes:
• Sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts
• Sriracha sauce

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s start by getting our chicken ready. This is a crucial step because marinating the chicken makes it incredibly tender and flavorful. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!

1. In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine vinegar (or dry sherry), sesame oil, ground ginger, and white pepper.
2. Mix everything together really well, making sure each piece of chicken is coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better! I usually aim for an hour, but even 30 minutes will make a difference.

Cooking the Noodles:

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get the noodles sorted. If you’re using fresh egg noodles, this will be super quick. If you’re using dried, make sure to cook them according to the package directions.

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the egg noodles and cook until they are al dente, which means they should be tender but still have a slight bite to them. This usually takes just a few minutes for fresh noodles, and a bit longer for dried.
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them immediately in a colander.
4. To prevent the noodles from sticking together, toss them with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. This also adds a lovely flavor!
5. Set the noodles aside. We’ll add them to the stir-fry later.

Preparing the Sauce:

Now, let’s whip up the sauce. This is where all the magic happens! The sauce brings all the individual components together and creates that delicious, savory flavor we’re after.

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid any lumps in the sauce.
3. Set the sauce aside. We’ll add it to the stir-fry at the end.

Stir-Frying the Chicken and Vegetables:

Alright, it’s time to get cooking! This is the fun part where we bring everything together in the wok (or a large skillet). Make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go, because stir-frying happens quickly!

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. The wok should be smoking hot!
2. Add the marinated chicken to the wok and stir-fry until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to overcrowd the wok; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
3. Remove the chicken from the wok and set it aside.
4. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and celery to the wok and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
5. Add the red and green bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
7. Add the sliced mushrooms and snow peas to the wok and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender and the snow peas are bright green.
8. Return the cooked chicken to the wok.

Bringing It All Together:

We’re almost there! Now it’s time to add the noodles and sauce and let everything meld together into a delicious, cohesive dish.

1. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the wok.
2. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
3. Add the cooked egg noodles to the wok and toss everything together to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
4. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, until the noodles are heated through and everything is well combined.

Serving and Garnishing:

Finally, it’s time to serve up this amazing Chicken Noodle Stir-Fry! Don’t forget the garnishes – they add a pop of flavor and visual appeal.

1. Remove the Chicken Noodle Stir-Fry from the heat and transfer it to a serving platter or individual bowls.
2. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts (if using).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! You can also offer sriracha sauce on the side for those who like a little extra heat.

Conclusion:

This Chicken Noodle Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! From the savory chicken and perfectly cooked noodles to the vibrant vegetables and that irresistible sauce, every bite is a delightful experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, and trust me, you’ll be happy to oblige.

But the best part? It’s totally customizable! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas – the possibilities are endless when it comes to the vegetables. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce. For a richer flavor, try using dark soy sauce instead of light.

Serving suggestions? This Chicken Noodle Stir Fry is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad. For a more complete meal, consider adding some spring rolls or dumplings. And if you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they’re just as delicious the next day for lunch. You can even pack it in a thermos for a warm and comforting meal on the go.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you’re craving something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in the fridge, making it a budget-friendly option as well.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic! I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Chicken Noodle Stir Fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? What variations did you make? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’m always eager to see how you make this recipe your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create recipes that you’ll love. So, don’t be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear all about your Chicken Noodle Stir Fry adventures.