Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles – A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Dinner

Skip the takeout and whip up this delicious chicken stir fry with noodles in just 20 minutes! Made with fresh ingredients, a savory homemade sauce, and tender ground chicken, this dish is a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal after a long day or looking for a healthy, budget-friendly alternative to takeout, this stir fry has you covered.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy

With just 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Better Than Takeout

Enjoy a homemade stir fry with fresh, high-quality ingredients—no MSG, excess oil, or mystery additives.

Family-Friendly

This stir fry is mildly spicy but easily customizable. Add extra veggies or adjust the heat level to suit everyone’s taste.

Well-Balanced Meal

This dish provides lean protein, healthy carbs, and colorful vegetables in every bite.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60ml) chicken stock or substitute water for a lighter version
• ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce, use low-sodium if preferred
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, skip if making a vegetarian version
• ½ teaspoon sriracha, adjust to taste for spice level
• 1 teaspoon grated garlic, fresh garlic for the best flavor
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger, adds warmth and zest
• ½ teaspoon cornstarch, helps thicken the sauce

For the Stir Fry:

• 8 ounces (225g) dry ramen noodles, or substitute rice noodles for a gluten-free option
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, adds an authentic nutty flavor
• 1 pound (450g) ground chicken, substitute with ground turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option
• ½ cup diced onion, yellow or white onions work best
• ½ cup diced carrots, adds sweetness and color
• ½ cup snap peas, halved, for a crisp texture
• ¼ cup sliced green onions, for garnish and fresh flavor
• Sesame seeds for garnish, optional but highly recommended

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch. Set aside.

Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent them from sticking together.

Stir Fry the Chicken & Vegetables

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until no longer pink. Stir in diced onions and carrots and cook for another 4-5 minutes until softened.

Add Sauce & Noodles

Lower the heat and pour in the prepared sauce (whisk again if cornstarch has settled). Add snap peas and cooked noodles, stirring until evenly coated in the sauce.

Garnish & Serve

Remove from heat and stir in sliced green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Stir-Frying

• High heat ensures the best texture and flavor for the ingredients
• Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming instead of stir-frying
• Don’t overcook the noodles since they will continue to soften once mixed with the sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to whisk the sauce before adding it—cornstarch settles, so always mix it again
• Overcooking the vegetables—stir-frying should be quick to maintain texture and color
• Adding too much sauce—start with less and adjust to taste

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-chopped veggies to cut down on prep time
• Cook the noodles ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to use

Serving Suggestions

What to Serve With Chicken Stir Fry

• Steamed jasmine rice for an extra serving of carbs
• Egg rolls or spring rolls for a takeout-style meal
• A light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast

Presentation Ideas

• Serve in a large bowl with chopsticks for an authentic feel
• Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and sliced green onions on top for a polished look

Beverage Pairings

• Green tea for a refreshing and healthy pairing
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
• A cold beer, like a light lager, to balance the flavors

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This stir fry will stay fresh for up to 2 days.

Reheating Methods

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can make the noodles mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use A Different Protein?

Yes, this recipe works great with ground turkey, beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

What If I Don’t Have Ramen Noodles?

You can use rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch.

Is This Recipe Spicy?

It has a mild kick from the sriracha, but you can adjust the heat level by adding more or less.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles instead of ramen
• Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for tofu or mushrooms and skipping the oyster sauce

Flavor Twists

• Add crushed peanuts or cashews for crunch
• Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter for a nutty depth of flavor
• Toss in bell peppers or baby corn for extra veggies

Seasonal & Holiday Versions

• Add pumpkin or butternut squash for a fall-inspired stir fry
• Use asparagus and fresh peas in the spring for a lighter touch

More Delicious Recipes to Try

Looking for more tasty dishes? Check out these must-try recipes:

Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe – A delicious appetizer perfect for date nights

Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers – A fun and romantic twist on a classic salad

Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs – A flaky and savory snack for any occasion

For more great recipes, follow along on Pinterest: Cooking with Callie

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