If you are craving a vibrant, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor and textures, this Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe is here to delight you. It combines tender chicken strips, crisp fresh vegetables, and silky rice noodles all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that literally dances on your tongue. The blend of colorful bell peppers, crunchy carrots, and fragrant ginger brings such a joyful energy to the dish, making it not only a feast for your palate but also a visual treat. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony between each ingredient. From the protein-packed chicken to the medley of fresh vegetables and rich, umami sauces, every component plays a crucial role in creating unforgettable flavor and texture.
- Vegetable oil: This neutral oil is perfect for high-heat cooking, ensuring your chicken and veggies sear beautifully without burning.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites that soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when lightly softened.
- Red and yellow bell peppers: Provide vibrant color, crisp crunch, and a natural sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- Carrots: Julienned for a slight crunch and earthy undertone that complements the peppers.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with its distinctive aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for a warm, zesty note that brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Soy sauce: The salty backbone that brings umami richness to the sauce.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and a deep, savory complexity.
- Hoisin sauce: Infuses sweet and tangy layers that balance the salty soy.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a touch of acidity to lift the flavors.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon lends a wonderful nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistibly fragrant.
- Rice noodles: Soft, slippery noodles that soak up every bit of sauce perfectly.
- Water: Helps loosen the sauce and keep it silky.
- Cornstarch: Mixed into a slurry to thicken the sauce gently without lumps.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted on top for crunch and a toasty flavor boost.
- Green onions: Sliced thin to add freshness and a mild, oniony finish.
How to Make Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cooking Space
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and adding the vegetable oil. This ensures the pan is hot enough to sear your chicken properly, locking in juices and flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts to the hot oil and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces are cooked through and no longer pink. This step is key for tender, flavorful bites in your final dish.
Step 3: Set the Chicken Aside
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This prevents overcooking as you move on to the vegetables.
Step 4: Sauté the Onion
Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften, releasing its sweet aroma.
Step 5: Add the Bell Peppers
Next, toss in the red and yellow bell peppers. Stir fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften just slightly, preserving some crunch and vibrant color.
Step 6: Incorporate the Carrots
Add the julienned carrots and cook for another 2 minutes. Their natural sweetness and crunch add an essential layer of texture.
Step 7: Add Aromatics
Now, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, which will infuse the entire dish with a lively, fresh aroma.
Step 8: Mix Your Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. This perfect blend brings salty, sweet, and tangy balance to the dish.
Step 9: Add Sauce to the Vegetables
Pour your sauce mixture into the skillet and toss the vegetables gently, ensuring every piece is coated with that delicious glaze.
Step 10: Simmer and Thicken
Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add 2 tablespoons of water and stir well to combine. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with an additional tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the skillet, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens beautifully, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 11: Return Chicken to Skillet
Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet, combining everything with a toss so the sauce clings to every piece.
Step 12: Cook the Rice Noodles
While finishing the sauce and chicken, cook your rice noodles according to package instructions—usually boiling for 4 to 5 minutes until tender.
Step 13: Combine Noodles with Chicken and Veggies
Drain the noodles and add them in with the skillet mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the noodles soak up all that flavorful sauce.
Step 14: Finish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions
Sprinkle the sesame seeds across the dish for a lovely crunch and nuttiness, then top it off with the sliced green onions to brighten each bite and add fresh herbs.
Step 15: Serve Immediately
Serve your stunning Chicken Stir Fry Noodles hot off the stove, ready to impress with its fantastic balance of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of toasted sesame seeds and fresh green onions crowns this dish beautifully, adding crunch and a pop of vibrant color that makes every plate picture-perfect. For an extra zing, a wedge of lime on the side complements the flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe holds the spotlight perfectly on its own, but if you want to turn it into a full feast, light and refreshing sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli pair wonderfully without overpowering the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving it in individual bowls layered with extra green onions and sesame seeds or even laying it over a bed of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil to impart an additional fresh aroma. For a casual gathering, platter-style serving encourages sharing and communal eating, making the meal even more festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Stir Fry Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days, making a perfect quick lunch or dinner option later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers, separating servings by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Use within 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to rehydrate the noodles and sauce. Stir frequently to warm evenly without drying out the chicken or veggies. Microwave reheating works too but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles in this Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, you can swap in egg noodles, soba, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce isn’t available, try hoisin sauce mixed with a bit of soy sauce for added depth, or a vegetarian mushroom sauce which offers a similar umami punch.
Is this recipe spicy?
The basic Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe isn’t spicy, but you can easily add heat by tossing in sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili garlic sauce when adding the aromatics.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To go meat-free, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh, and use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute or extra soy sauce for flavor. The vegetables and sauce still shine brilliantly.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
After cooking, rinse the rice noodles under cold water and toss them lightly with a bit of vegetable oil before combining with the stir fry. This keeps them separated and silky.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe is such a joyful way to bring quick, wholesome comfort to your table. It’s packed with fresh flavors, textures, and colors that make every bite a celebration. Whether you’re fueling a busy weeknight or impressing guests, this recipe is destined to become a favorite go-to. Give it a try and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Print
Chicken Stir Fry Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This vibrant Chicken Stir Fry Noodles recipe combines tender strips of chicken with crisp bell peppers, carrots, and a savory homemade sauce. Tossed with delicate rice noodles and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions, this dish offers a flavorful and colorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, sliced into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, sliced
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
Others
- 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 to prepare for cooking.
- Cook the chicken: Once the oil is hot, add the sliced chicken breasts and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until fully cooked and no longer pink.
- Set chicken aside: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
- Start cooking vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and stir-fry for 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Add bell peppers: Add the red and yellow bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Add carrots: Stir in the julienned carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes to maintain their 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 combined.
- Add sauce to vegetables: Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and toss vegetables to coat evenly.
- Simmer the sauce: 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 cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry.
- Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet while stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return chicken to skillet: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together to combine flavors.
- Cook rice noodles: Meanwhile, cook rice noodles according to package instructions, usually boiling for 4-5 minutes until tender.
- Drain noodles: Drain the rice noodles thoroughly to remove excess water.
- Combine noodles and stir fry: Add the noodles to the skillet with chicken and vegetables and toss well to coat noodles evenly with the sauce.
- Add sesame seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the stir-fry and toss again to distribute them evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Top with sliced green onions for freshness before serving.
- Serve hot: Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Rice noodles cook quickly so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Feel free to swap or add other vegetables such as snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for variety.
- Adjust soy sauce and oyster sauce amounts to control saltiness according to your preference.
- For a spicier kick, add some chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies when cooking the aromatics.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce varieties.
