This quick chicken stir-fry with noodles is perfect for busy days! It’s colorful, tasty, and ready in just 15 minutes. You’ll love the mix of fresh veggies and tender chicken!
I always keep chicken and noodles in my kitchen for last-minute meals. Just toss everything together in a pan, and I’m set for a yummy dinner. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder! 🥡
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: For this recipe, any cooked noodles work well. I love using rice noodles for their chewy texture, but egg noodles or lo mein are great too. If you’re gluten-free, you can try rice noodles or even zucchini noodles!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and are a healthy choice. If you’re looking for an alternative, feel free to use chicken thighs for more flavor, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver!
Vegetables: Broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrots bring color and crunch. If you’re out of these veggies, snap peas, bell peppers of any color, or bok choy work nicely. You can also use frozen stir-fry mixes to save time.
Garlic & Ginger: These ingredients add a delicious aroma and flavor. If you don’t have fresh, jarred minced garlic and ginger can work too. Just use less since they’re more concentrated!
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly in a Stir-Fry?
Getting tender chicken in your stir-fry is easier than you think! Here are some simple tips:
- Slice the chicken thinly against the grain. This helps it cook quickly and stay tender.
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding the chicken. This gives a nice sear.
- Avoid crowding the pan. If there’s too much chicken, it can steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if needed.
After cooking, remove the chicken promptly to avoid overcooking while you stir-fry the veggies!
Easy 15-Minute Chicken Stir Fry Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 8 oz (225g) cooked noodles (e.g., egg noodles, rice noodles, or lo mein)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty chicken stir fry takes about 15 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need about 5 minutes to prep your ingredients and another 10 minutes to cook everything up. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them in a colander and set them aside. This is the best time to get everything else ready!
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breasts. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and fully cooked. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a bit more oil. Now, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Add the broccoli, red bell pepper, and carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are crisp-tender. You want them to be vibrant and still have a nice crunch!
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, and add the prepared noodles. Stir everything well to combine. Then, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and sugar or honey. Toss everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s heated through.
6. Final Seasoning & Serve:
Taste the stir fry and add salt and pepper to your liking. Once it’s perfect, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if you wish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Protein in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different proteins may require different cooking times.
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can customize this stir fry with any vegetables you have on hand! Bell peppers, snap peas, zucchini, or even mushrooms all work well. Just ensure that the veggies are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in the microwave or on the stove. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or broth for moisture when reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and replace soy sauce with tamari, which is gluten-free. The oyster sauce is optional, so make sure to substitute it with a gluten-free option or simply omit it.