Welcome to the tasty world of chicken noodles! This dish isn’t just food; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. With roots in ancient China—where noodles were made over 4,000 years ago—chicken noodles have traveled the globe, becoming a favorite comfort food everywhere.
Drawing from old recipes and modern tweaks, this chicken noodle dish bursts with flavor. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal with friends. Let’s get into how to make it!
Recipe Overview
- Prep and Cook Time: About 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 (you can easily adjust the amount)
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Equipment Needed:
- Wok (or a large frying pan)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
If you don’t have a wok, a large frying pan will work just fine.
- Make-Ahead Options: Prep the sauce and chop the veggies ahead of time to save time later.
Ingredients
Full List with Measurements
- Noodles: 300 g Hakka noodles (I recommend Ching’s Egg Hakka Noodles)
- Chicken: 150 g boneless chicken breast (about one large piece)
- Cooking Oil: 2.5 tablespoons (divided)
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 1.5 tablespoons
- Garlic: 5 cloves (finely chopped)
- Ginger: 1 inch (finely chopped)
- Green Chili: 2 (chopped; you can use Serrano if you prefer)
- Cilantro Stems: 1 tablespoon
- Scallions: 4 (chop the white and green parts separately)
- Carrot: 1 large (~200 g; julienned)
- Bell Pepper: 1 (~150 g; green or a mix)
- Onion: 1 small (~90 g; sliced thinly)
- Celery: 1 stalk (~50 g; sliced)
For The Sauce
- Dark Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (or 3 if using light soy sauce)
- Sriracha: 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Ketchup: 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Chicken Stock or Water: 2 tablespoons
Ingredient Swaps
- If you can’t find Hakka noodles, try yakisoba noodles or thin spaghetti.
Tips on Ingredients
Using fresh veggies really boosts the flavor and texture of your dish. For the best results, go for organic soy sauce and high-quality sesame oil.
Prep Notes
Make sure all your veggies are dry before chopping them! This helps keep your stir-fry from getting soggy.
Step-by-Step Method
Let’s cook! Follow these steps to make your dish a success:
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package. Once they’re done, drain and toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Prep Chicken and Veggies:
- Cut the chicken breast into thin strips. If it’s thick, slice it in half first.
- Chop all the veggies to about the same size for even cooking. Long pieces work great for stir-frying.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients. Taste it—make any adjustments. It should be bold!
- Stir-Fry Time:
- Heat your wok on high and add 1.5 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Add the chicken, sprinkle with salt, and stir-fry for about 3–5 minutes until it’s cooked and a bit brown. Then, take it out and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same wok, add the remaining oil and sesame oil, then toss in the garlic, ginger, green chili, and white parts of the scallions. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the Veggies:
- Add the carrot, bell pepper, and celery (hold off on the onion for now). Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until they soften but still have a bit of crunch.
- Combine Everything:
- Now, add the onion, then the boiled noodles and cooked chicken.
- Pour on the sauce and toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until it’s all well-coated.
- Finish Up:
- Sprinkle the green scallions on top and serve right away!
Visual/Texture Cues
As you cook, look for bright colors in your veggies. They should still have a little crunch after stir-frying.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t overcrowd the wok! If needed, cook in batches to ensure even cooking.
Pro Tips
Always prep all your ingredients before cooking. This is super important in Chinese cooking!
Variations & Customization
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Spice Level Adjustments
Feel free to adjust the sriracha or skip the green chilies for a milder dish—perfect for kids!
Seasonal Adaptations
You can add seasonal veggies like snap peas in the spring or squash in the fall.
Serving & Storage
Plating Suggestions
Serve hot from the wok in bowls, garnished with extra scallions or sesame seeds for a nice crunch.
Best Side Dishes
Pair it with a simple cucumber salad or some steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently on low heat on the stove or in the microwave, warming in short bursts.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Guidance
While it’s best fresh, you can prep components ahead of time, but avoid freezing to keep the noodles from getting mushy.
I hope this guide helps you prepare a delicious chicken noodle dish that brings warmth and joy to your table. Enjoy every single bite!
PrintChicken Noodles
Savor the comforting taste of Chicken Noodles! This quick dish marries tender chicken and vibrant vegetables with slurp-worthy noodles, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy get-togethers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- Noodles: 300 g Hakka noodles (Ching’s Egg Hakka Noodles recommended)
- Chicken: 150 g boneless chicken breast (1 large piece, sliced)
- Cooking Oil: 2.5 tablespoons (divided)
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 1.5 tablespoons
- Garlic: 5 cloves (finely chopped)
- Ginger: 1 inch (finely chopped)
- Green Chili: 2 (chopped, substitute with Serrano if needed)
- Cilantro Stems: 1 tablespoon
- Scallions: 4 (chopped, white and green parts separated)
- Carrot: 1 large (~200 g; julienned)
- Bell Pepper: 1 (~150 g; any color, sliced)
- Onion: 1 small (~90 g; sliced thinly)
- Celery: 1 stalk (~50 g; sliced)
For the Sauce
- Dark Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons (or 3 if using light soy sauce)
- Sriracha: 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- Ketchup: 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: to taste
- Chicken Stock or Water: 2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
Boil the Hakka noodles per package instructions. Drain well and toss with a teaspoon of cooking oil to prevent sticking. Set aside. - Prep Chicken and Veggies:
Slice the chicken into thin strips. Chop all vegetables to a similar size for even cooking. - Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together all sauce ingredients. Adjust seasoning to taste; it should be bold in flavor. - Stir-Fry Chicken:
Heat 1.5 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok over high heat. Add chicken, season with salt, and stir-fry for 3–5 minutes until cooked. Remove and set aside. - Sauté Aromatics:
In the same wok, add remaining oil and sesame oil. Add garlic, ginger, green chili, and the white parts of scallions. Sauté for about a minute until aromatic. - Add Vegetables:
Toss in carrot, bell pepper, and celery. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crunchy. - Combine Everything:
Add onion, cooked noodles, and chicken back to the wok. Pour in the sauce and toss for 2–3 minutes until everything is well-coated. - Serve:
Sprinkle the green scallions on top and serve immediately, enjoying the vibrant flavors!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chicken noodles hot, garnished with extra scallions or sesame seeds. Pair with a refreshing cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Chop veggies and prepare the sauce in advance to make cooking faster.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through.