The ultimate quick and nourishing meal, this Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is bursting with bold Asian flavors. It’s ideal for busy nights when you want something warm, hearty, and full of crisp veggies. The dish brings together tender slices of chicken, vibrant bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and leafy greens, all coated in a rich soy-based sauce.
Best of all, it’s customizable with whatever vegetables you have on hand and works with many types of noodles. This is a pantry-friendly dinner you can whip up in minutes, and one that’s sure to satisfy both your craving for flavor and your need for speed. Serve it piping hot from the wok and enjoy every slurp-worthy bite.
Full Recipe:
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150–180g (5–6 oz) chicken breast, thinly sliced
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1 tsp cornstarch (optional)
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1 tsp oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
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2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin)
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce
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½ tsp sesame oil
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½ tsp sugar (optional)
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1½ tbsp Chinese cooking wine or Mirin
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¼ tsp white or black pepper
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3 tbsp water
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100g (3.5 oz) dried rice noodles (rice sticks)
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1 tbsp oil
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1 garlic clove, finely chopped
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1 small onion, sliced
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½ bunch choy sum, stems and leaves separated
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½ red bell pepper, sliced
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1 carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally
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5–7 mushrooms, sliced
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Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Mix sliced chicken with cornstarch and oil in a bowl and set aside.
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Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
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Just before cooking, soak the rice noodles in hot water per package instructions. Drain.
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
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Add garlic and onion, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
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Add chicken, cook for 1 minute until it turns white.
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Toss in carrots, choy sum stems, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
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Add mushrooms and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Add noodles, choy sum leaves, and the sauce. Toss for 1 minute until greens are wilted and sauce is absorbed. Avoid overcooking.
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Serve immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 427 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
Introduction to Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is a versatile, quick, and delicious meal that can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and fridge. This dish is a fantastic example of how a simple stir fry can turn into a satisfying and balanced meal in just under 20 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and chewy rice noodles makes for a perfect one-pan meal that is both healthy and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a fast weeknight dinner or a way to use up leftover veggies, this stir fry is sure to impress.
Why This Recipe Works
One of the standout features of Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is how adaptable it is. You can swap in whatever vegetables you have in your fridge or pantry, making it a great way to clear out leftovers or use up what’s about to go bad. The stir fry sauce is simple yet flavorful, offering a savory, slightly sweet profile that complements the chicken and vegetables beautifully. Additionally, this dish is light on noodles, which means you get more veggies and lean protein, creating a well-balanced meal.
Tips for Making the Best Stir Fry
To ensure your stir fry turns out perfectly, here are a few essential tips:
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Cook the noodles just right: Rice noodles can become mushy if overcooked, so it’s important to soak them in hot water just before adding them to the stir fry. Follow the package instructions carefully and avoid cooking them for too long in the wok or skillet.
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Use high heat: Stir frying is all about high heat, which helps to quickly cook the ingredients while retaining their texture and flavor. Make sure your wok or skillet is preheated before adding the oil.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re cooking for multiple people, it’s better to cook the stir fry in batches rather than overcrowding the pan. This ensures everything cooks evenly and doesn’t steam.
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Prep your ingredients first: Since stir frying is a quick cooking method, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This includes slicing the chicken, chopping the vegetables, and preparing the sauce in advance.
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Use fresh, crisp vegetables: The freshness of the vegetables plays a key role in the texture and flavor of the stir fry. Veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, and leafy greens work great in this dish.
Health Benefits of Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
This dish not only delivers on flavor but also provides several health benefits. It is packed with lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. The vegetables add a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
Rice noodles are a gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, making this recipe a great option for those with gluten sensitivities. Additionally, by focusing on vegetables and using minimal oil, this stir fry is relatively low in calories and fat, making it a great option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
How to Customize Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles
This recipe is highly customizable, and you can tweak it based on your dietary needs and preferences. Here are a few ideas for customization:
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Switch up the protein: While chicken is a popular choice, you can easily swap it out for other proteins like beef, shrimp, or tofu. If you’re using tofu, opt for firm tofu and press it to remove excess moisture before stir frying.
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Add different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, baby corn, or snow peas. The more colorful your dish, the more nutritious it will be.
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Make it spicy: If you like heat, consider adding chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the stir fry. A dash of sriracha or chili paste in the sauce will also elevate the spiciness of the dish.
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Vegan version: For a plant-based version, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, and substitute the oyster sauce with a vegan alternative like mushroom-based vegan oyster sauce or tamari for a soy-based sauce.
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Noodle variety: While rice noodles are a classic choice, you can also use other types of noodles such as soba, udon, or egg noodles. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle you choose.
The Perfect Stir Fry Sauce
The stir fry sauce is an essential component of this dish, and it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients. It’s made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese cooking wine, and a touch of sugar to balance out the flavors. This combination creates a savory and slightly sweet sauce that coats the noodles and veggies, adding a deep umami flavor to the entire dish.
If you prefer a homemade approach, you can make your own stir fry sauce using ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and hoisin sauce for added complexity. You can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spiciness to your liking, ensuring that the sauce complements your preferences perfectly.
Meal Prep and Leftovers
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles makes for an excellent meal prep option. The dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, just add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles and prevent them from drying out. This makes it a great dish to prepare in advance for busy workdays or school lunches.
Since the stir fry is loaded with veggies and lean protein, it makes for a complete meal that doesn’t need much added on the side. However, you can pair it with a light soup, such as miso soup or a simple vegetable broth, for a more filling meal.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry is delicious on its own but can be paired with various side dishes for a more extensive meal. Consider serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables for a fresh contrast to the savory stir fry. For a more filling option, serve it with steamed jasmine rice or a side of crispy spring rolls.
Conclusion
Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles is the ultimate quick meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a customizable dish that can be adapted to suit your dietary needs and preferences, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Whether you stick to the classic version with chicken or experiment with different proteins and vegetables, this stir fry is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. The best part? It’s healthy, satisfying, and takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that’s perfect for any occasion.