Chicken noodles are a classic, comforting dish loved across the globe. Whether you’re making it Indo-Chinese style or leaning more towards a classic stir-fry, this dish is both flavorful and filling. This recipe creates a perfect balance of savory chicken, stir-fried vegetables, and silky noodles tossed in a delicious sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 250 grams boneless chicken (cut into thin strips)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
For the Noodles:
- 200 grams egg noodles (or any preferred variety)
- Water (for boiling)
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon oil (to prevent sticking)
For Stir-frying:
- 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or sesame oil preferred)
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 small carrot (julienned)
- 1 small capsicum (sliced thin)
- 1/2 cup cabbage (shredded)
- 2 green onions (chopped, greens and whites separated)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Steps
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken. Combine chicken strips with soy sauce, vinegar, pepper, and cornflour in a bowl. Mix well and let it sit for 15–20 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb flavor and stay tender while cooking.
2. Boil the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt and a dash of oil. Then, add the noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually around 3–4 minutes). Do not overcook; the noodles should be al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep them from sticking.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and stir-fry until fully cooked and lightly browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in chopped garlic and grated ginger and sauté for 30 seconds. Then add onions and the white parts of the green onion. Stir-fry for a minute until slightly translucent.
Now add carrots, capsicum, and cabbage. Cook the vegetables on high heat for about 2–3 minutes. They should be slightly cooked but still retain some crunch, adding texture to the noodles.
5. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, chili sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined. This sauce is what brings all the flavors together.
6. Combine Everything
Add the cooked chicken back to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce and mix well. Now add the cooked noodles. Toss everything together using tongs or two forks, making sure the sauce coats the noodles evenly.
Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green part of the green onions on top. Serve hot as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Chicken noodles are best enjoyed fresh but can also be refrigerated and reheated.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Noodles
- High heat stir-frying: Always cook the vegetables and chicken on high heat for the best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook noodles: Overcooked noodles become mushy. Drain them when they are just tender.
- Use a wok: A large wok helps in tossing the noodles and ingredients evenly.
- Add egg (optional): For extra protein and flavor, you can scramble an egg and mix it in with the noodles.
- Add sesame oil (optional): A few drops of sesame oil at the end enhances the flavor with a nutty aroma.
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Noodles: Add more chili sauce or a bit of red chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or more vegetables like mushrooms, broccoli, and baby corn.
- Peanut-style Noodles: Add a spoonful of peanut butter or peanut sauce to give the dish a creamy, nutty twist.
- Thai-inspired: Use fish sauce and a touch of lime juice for a Southeast Asian twist.
Conclusion
Chicken noodles are a versatile dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. With simple ingredients and a bit of prep, you can enjoy a restaurant-style meal right at home. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.
Let your creativity flow—add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or even swap in a different protein. The base recipe is flexible and foolproof, making it perfect for home cooks of all levels. Happy cooking!
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