Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is a tasty and easy dish with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and flavorful noodles. It’s quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy meal. You can also add your favorite veggies or protein to make it your own. Here’s how to make this delicious dish!
Why We Love The Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe
We love Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles because it’s simple, flavorful, and easy to customize. You can make it in less than 30 minutes, and it’s full of fresh veggies and delicious flavors. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a casual dinner, it’s a meal that everyone will enjoy. Plus, you can swap in different veggies or proteins to make it your own!
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 carrot, julienned (cut into thin strips)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- Optional: green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles: Follow the instructions on the package to cook the rice noodles. Once done, drain them and set them aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok. Add the sliced chicken until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Sauté the garlic, bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot for about 4-5 minutes until tender but still a bit crunchy.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, and grated ginger.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Then, add the rice noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss everything together until it’s well mixed and heated through. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or chili flakes. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- Swap the chicken: You can use shrimp, beef, tofu, or pork instead of chicken.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add mushrooms, snap peas, or any other veggies you enjoy in stir fry.
- Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or sriracha sauce for some heat.
Cooking Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken so it stays tender.
- Rice noodles are delicate, so handle them gently when mixing with the other ingredients.
- If you want extra flavor, let the sauce sit for a few minutes before adding it to the stir-fry.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this dish independently, or pair it with a light side like a cucumber salad or steamed dumplings.
- You can also drizzle a little extra soy sauce on top or sprinkle with crushed peanuts for a crunchy texture.
Tips
- If you don’t have rice noodles, you can substitute with regular noodles or even zucchini noodles for a healthier version.
- Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking to add flavor.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
How to Make a Balanced Stir Fry Sauce
The stir-fry sauce is what ties all the flavors together in this dish. A good sauce balances sweet, salty, and tangy flavors that work well with the Chicken, veggies, and noodles. Here’s how you can make the perfect sauce for your stir fry:
- Soy Sauce: Start with soy sauce as the base. It adds a salty and savory flavor, making the sauce rich and tasty. You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce to cut down on the salt.
- Oyster Sauce: Add a spoonful of oyster sauce to make the sauce more flavorful. It has a slightly sweet and savory taste, making the stir-fry taste even better.
- Sesame Oil: A little sesame oil goes a long way. It gives the sauce a nutty, aromatic flavor that makes the stir fry smell amazing.
- Sweetener: Add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the salty flavors. This sweetness helps tone down the saltiness and brings all the flavors together.
- Rice Vinegar: A small splash of rice vinegar adds tanginess to the sauce. This helps balance the richness of the other ingredients and gives the sauce a fresh kick.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and minced garlic are key to the stir fry’s flavor. Ginger adds a zesty kick, while garlic gives a fragrant base to the sauce.
- Adjust the Balance: After mixing the ingredients, taste the sauce. If it’s too salty, add a little more honey or sugar. If it’s too sweet, add a bit more rice vinegar. Adjust until it tastes just right!
Once your sauce is balanced, pour it over the stir-fry and let everything cook together for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
The Secret to Tender Chicken in Stir Fry
To make sure your Chicken stays juicy and tender in the stir fry, follow these tips:
- Cut the ChickenChicken Thinly: Slice the ChickenChicken into thin pieces. This helps it cook faster and more evenly, keeping it tender. Thin slices also absorb the flavors of the sauce better.
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the ChickenChicken for 15-20 minutes before cooking. You can use a simple marinade with soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. The cornstarch helps keep the ChickenChicken moist while it cooks.
- Cook on High Heat: Stir-fry the ChickenChicken over medium-high heat. This helps it cook quickly, develop a nice golden-brown crust, and stay juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this can make the chicken steam instead of sear.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, rest for a few minutes before adding it to the stir-fry with the noodles and veggies. This helps the juices settle and keeps the ChickenChicken moist and tender.
Following these steps, you’ll have perfectly tender Chicken in every stir fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use gluten-free noodles for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free rice noodles or any other gluten-free noodle of your choice.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for stir fry because they are tender and flavorful. Just make sure to cook them through before adding the noodles.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir fry is best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply cook everything when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I add other proteins to this dish?
Yes, you can add shrimp, beef, or tofu in place of or in addition to the chicken for variety.
5. How do I make this stir fry spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle some sriracha sauce over the finished dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is an easy and delicious dish perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick to make, full of fresh ingredients, and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you stick to the original recipe or mix it with your favorite veggies and proteins, it will surely be a hit. Enjoy!
