If you have been searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome meal that you can whip up any night of the week, look no further than this Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe. Combining tender slices of chicken breast with crisp vegetables, silky rice noodles, and a luscious, savory sauce, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It comes together quickly and showcases a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will make you want to reach for the leftovers again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet essential ingredients is all it takes to create this mouthwatering dish. Each component plays its part in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this recipe truly special.
- 8 ounces rice noodles: These delicate noodles soak up sauce beautifully and provide the perfect tender bite.
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced: Lean and juicy, chicken breast offers a satisfying protein base.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking to achieve a tasty sear.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a pop of sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Brings crunch and a dose of green goodness.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Provides a subtle sweetness and crunchy texture.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Used as a fresh, mild garnish that brightens the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and pungent, it elevates the stir-fry’s flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds a warm, zesty kick.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Deep umami richness forms the salty backbone of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Enhances savoriness with its slightly sweet, briny notes.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Introduces a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives a subtle tang to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that rounds out the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Thickens the sauce for perfect coating.
- 1/4 cup water: Used to create a smooth, glossy consistency in the sauce.
How to Make Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Rice Noodles
Start by cooking the rice noodles according to the package directions. This typically involves soaking or boiling them until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Once they’re perfectly cooked, drain and set them aside so they’re ready to catch all those incredible flavors later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until smooth. This blend is your flavor powerhouse, balancing salty, sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that bring everything together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok. Add the thinly sliced chicken and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you cook the veggies.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Toss in the sliced red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re crisp-tender — the ideal texture that keeps each bite lively and fresh. Then stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant to awaken the senses.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the drained rice noodles and pour in your prepared sauce. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, letting the sauce thicken over 2 to 3 minutes as it coats every strand of noodle and piece of chicken. This step is where the dish truly comes alive with color, fragrance, and flavor.
How to Serve Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe with a scatter of fresh green onions. Their mild oniony flavor and bright green hue add a fresh, crisp contrast that makes every forkful even more delightful. For a hint of crunch and a nutty twist, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is quite complete on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider pairing it with a light cucumber salad or a simple bowl of miso soup. These sides bring refreshing contrasts and keep the meal balanced without overshadowing the star dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe straight from the pan for a casual family feast, or plate it elegantly in shallow bowls with a lime wedge on the side for a zesty squeeze. Wrapping the stir-fry in butter lettuce leaves can make for a fun, interactive dinner experience that friends and kids love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making for a delicious next-day meal that tastes even better.
Freezing
If freezing, freeze the stir-fry in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months. It’s best to leave rice noodles slightly undercooked before freezing to avoid a mushy texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This ensures the noodles regain their charm and the chicken stays tender without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of rice noodles?
Absolutely! While rice noodles give a lovely texture and subtle flavor, you can substitute with wheat noodles, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to prevent clumping or overcooking.
What vegetables work best in this stir-fry?
Beyond red bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, zucchini, or baby corn all make fantastic additions. Feel free to mix and match based on what’s fresh or what you have on hand.
How can I add some heat to the dish?
For a little kick, sprinkle in red pepper flakes as you stir-fry or drizzle chili oil over the finished dish. Fresh chilies finely sliced also work brilliantly if you enjoy a spicier profile.
Is this Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and check that your oyster and hoisin sauces don’t contain wheat. Rice noodles themselves are naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth and vegan substitutes for oyster and hoisin sauces for a delicious vegetarian or vegan spin on this recipe.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough giving this Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe a try. It’s a deliciously balanced dish bursting with vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and comforting flavors that make every meal feel like a special occasion. There’s something truly satisfying about the way the tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and silky noodles come together with that luscious sauce. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
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Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chicken Stir-Fry with Rice Noodles recipe featuring tender chicken breast, crisp vegetables, and a savory Asian-inspired sauce. This quick and easy dish combines the perfect blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces with fresh ginger and garlic, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Protein and Noodles
- 8 ounces rice noodles
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
Oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the red bell pepper, broccoli florets, and julienned carrot for 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger with the vegetables and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the flavors bloom without burning.
- Combine Chicken and Noodles: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained rice noodles. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
- Toss and Finish Cooking: Toss everything together carefully to mix the ingredients well. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the noodles and chicken.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute other vegetables such as snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini based on preference or seasonal availability.
- For added heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil into the stir-fry.
- Ensure the rice noodles don’t overcook to maintain their texture; drain and rinse with cold water if needed.
- You can adjust the sauce quantities to taste if you prefer a more or less saucy dish.
