Let me introduce you to a delightful, fuss-free midweek dinner option: the Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. This recipe combines tender slices of chicken, vibrant vegetables, and bouncy ramen noodles with a savory homemade sauce. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Swap vegetables and adjust seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
- Flavor-Packed: The homemade sauce is bursting with umami taste that complements the chicken and veggies beautifully.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with adults and kids alike, thanks to its mild yet flavorful profile.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing beats a recipe with simple, everyday ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the taste and texture that makes this Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry so irresistible.
- Ramen Noodles: Discard the seasoning packets; we’re keeping it fresh and homemade.
- Chicken Breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and a succulent bite.
- Assorted Vegetables: Think bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms—these add crunch and color!
- Soy Sauce: Provides that classic salty umami flavor that ties everything together.
- Hoisin Sauce: A touch of sweetness and depth; swap with oyster sauce if preferred.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh and aromatic, these are the backbone of our stir-fry flavor.
- Sriracha: Optional, for those who like a little heat!
Variations
The beauty of the Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is its versatility. Feel free to tweak the recipe based on what you have on hand or to suit dietary needs. Here are some scrumptious ideas.
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add tofu or extra veggies for a plant-based feast.
- Spicy Kick: Amp up the heat with more sriracha or a dash of chili flakes.
- Low Carb: Substitute the ramen with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
How to Make Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ramen Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen and cook the noodles for 3 minutes until just tender. Reserve some pasta water before draining, as it can be helpful later for adjusting sauce consistency. Set the noodles aside.
Step 2: Make the Homemade Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients except the reserved pasta water or chicken broth. This flavorful blend will tie together all the elements of your stir fry.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Chicken
Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add olive oil and stir-fry the chicken slices in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until they’re fully done and browned, then remove and set aside.
Step 4: Sauté the Veggies
In the same wok, add a bit more oil if necessary. Toss in your assortment of colorful veggies and stir-fry them for 3-4 minutes until they reach a delightful crisp-tender state.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the wok along with the homemade sauce. Stir fry briefly until the sauce starts to thicken before adding the cooked noodles. Toss everything until well coated, adding pasta water or chicken broth to achieve your preferred saucy consistency.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
- Heat Technique: Always heat your wok before adding ingredients to ensure perfect stir frying.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding so each piece gets that lovely caramelized edge.
- Time Management: Prep all your ingredients beforehand since stir frying happens fast!
- Sauce Thickening: Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as you combine everything.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Garnishes
Top your stir fry with fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor and texture. A light drizzle of sriracha will also complement the dish beautifully if you enjoy heat!
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry pairs wonderfully with a crisp Asian-inspired salad or some simple steamed edamame for a full meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in beautiful bowls for a comforting, cozy feel, or display on a large platter and let everyone dig in family-style. Presentation is everything, and this dish deserves to shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making for an even tastier meal!
Freezing
Though freezing can alter the texture of the noodles, you can freeze leftover stir fry for up to a month. Just ensure it’s packed in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
FAQs
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Can I use dried noodles instead of instant ramen?
Yes, dried noodles work perfectly. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as per the package instructions.
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What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
Oyster sauce is an excellent substitute, providing a similar sweetness with a slightly brinier taste.
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How do I keep chicken moist in a stir fry?
Thinly slice the chicken and cook it in batches at high heat. This method ensures moisture retention and prevents overcooking.
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What other proteins can I use?
Feel free to substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, or even tofu for a delicious twist!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a game-changer for quick and flavorful meal prep. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or treat yourself to a homemade comfort bowl, this recipe won’t disappoint. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a household favorite!
Print
Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Enjoy a quick and flavorful Chicken Ramen Stir Fry that combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and hearty ramen noodles all coated in a savory homemade sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe offers a balanced blend of textures and bold flavors in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
– 9 ounces ramen noodles (3 packages, discard seasoning packets)Chicken
– 2 chicken breasts, thinly slicedSeasonings
– Salt and Pepper to tasteCooking Oil
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)Vegetables
– 4 cups assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, etc.)Homemade Sauce
– 1/3 cup water– 2 teaspoons corn starch
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (can substitute oyster sauce)
– 1 tablespoon ginger paste or grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
– 1 teaspoon sriracha
– 1/2 cup chicken broth or pasta water (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ramen Noodles: Discard the seasoning packets. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, until just tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Make the Homemade Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together water, corn starch, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame seeds, and sriracha. Set aside.
- Stir Fry the Chicken: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, stir-fry the sliced chicken until fully cooked and browned. Remove the chicken from the wok and set aside.
- Sauté Veggies: In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil if needed. Add assorted vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender and cooked to your preference.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour the homemade sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir-fry for 1 minute until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the cooked ramen noodles and toss until well coated and heated through. If desired, slowly add up to 1/2 cup of pasta water or chicken broth for a saucier consistency.
- Serve: Dish out the stir fry onto plates or bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the balanced flavors and textures.
Notes
- Heat your wok well for about 5 minutes before adding ingredients to ensure proper stir-frying and prevent steaming.
- If your chicken slices are thicker, you can leave them in the pan longer while stir-frying vegetables to ensure they cook through.
- Avoid overcrowding the wok to allow proper browning and caramelization. Cook ingredients in batches if necessary, then combine at the end.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 76 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
