Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry Recipe

I recently whipped up this Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry for a quick weeknight dinner, and let me tell you, it was a hit! My family, always eager for something flavorful and fast, devoured it. The combination of savory chicken, tender-crisp vegetables, and those wonderfully slurpable ramen noodles coated in a delicious stir-fry sauce was simply irresistible. It’s become a new go-to in our household – easy enough for a busy evening, yet satisfying and packed with flavor that feels like a treat. If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both comforting and exciting, look no further. This Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry is about to become your new weeknight hero too!

Ingredients: Your Shopping List for Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Success

To create this incredibly flavorful and satisfying Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry, you’ll need a selection of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Let’s break down everything you’ll need to gather before you begin cooking. Using quality ingredients will truly elevate the taste of your dish, so don’t skimp on freshness!

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken thighs will offer a richer, more succulent flavor, while breasts are leaner. Cut into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. Consider organic or free-range chicken for enhanced taste and ethical sourcing.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Soy sauce is the base of our marinade and stir-fry sauce, adding umami and saltiness. Low sodium helps control the overall salt level. Tamari can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a gentle acidity that tenderizes the chicken and balances the savory notes. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes in a pinch.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Sesame oil adds a distinctive nutty aroma and flavor that is essential to Asian-inspired cuisine. Use toasted sesame oil for the most pronounced flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger adds warmth and a touch of spice. Freshly grated ginger is even better if you have it on hand (about 1 tablespoon grated).
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic is a flavor powerhouse, adding pungent aromatics to the marinade. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the other flavors.

For the Stir Fry:

• 2 packs ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets): We’re using the noodles only, not the high-sodium seasoning packets. Choose your preferred type of ramen noodle – curly, straight, or even fresh ramen noodles if available. If you are gluten-free, consider rice noodles or gluten-free ramen options.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil: For stir-frying. These oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for high-heat cooking. Peanut oil or avocado oil are also good choices.
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced: Onions provide a foundational savory flavor and texture to the stir fry. Yellow, white, or red onions will all work.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: More garlic for the stir fry itself! Freshly minced is best.
• 1 inch ginger, minced or grated: Fresh ginger is crucial for that vibrant, zesty flavor in the stir fry.
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Bell peppers add sweetness, color, and crunch. You can use any color bell pepper – yellow, orange, or green – or a mix for visual appeal and varied flavor.
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adding another color of bell pepper enhances the visual appeal and provides a slightly different flavor profile.
• 1 cup broccoli florets: Broccoli adds a healthy dose of greens and a pleasing texture. Cut into bite-sized florets. You can also use frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained.
• 1 cup sliced carrots: Carrots add sweetness, color, and a satisfying crunch. Slice into thin rounds or julienne strips.
• 1/2 cup snow peas or sugar snap peas: These add a delicate sweetness and crisp-tender texture. Snap peas can be halved or left whole, and snow peas should have their strings removed.
• Optional Vegetables: Feel free to customize your stir fry with other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Mushrooms, bok choy, spinach, zucchini, or bean sprouts would all be delicious additions.

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred): Again, low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control salt levels.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey: Adds sweetness to balance the savory and salty flavors. Brown sugar provides a slightly molasses-like depth, while honey offers a floral sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but highly recommended): Oyster sauce adds a rich umami depth and complexity to the sauce. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute with vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the sweetness and savory notes.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Cornstarch is the thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy coating that clings to the noodles and vegetables.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: For that signature nutty flavor in the sauce.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat. Adjust to your spice preference or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
• 1/4 cup water or chicken broth: To thin the sauce to the desired consistency. Chicken broth will add a richer flavor.

For Garnish (Optional):

• Sesame seeds, toasted: Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal. Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden.
• Chopped green onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• Chopped peanuts or cashews: Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: For extra heat, if desired.

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Perfection

Follow these detailed instructions to create a flavorful and satisfying Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry. Each step is designed to ensure your dish comes out perfectly cooked and bursting with taste.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken (Minimum 30 minutes, up to overnight)

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground ginger, minced garlic, and black pepper.
2. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to overnight in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodles and Vegetables

1. Cook the ramen noodles according to package directions, but slightly undercook them as they will continue to cook in the stir fry. Typically, this involves boiling them for about 2-3 minutes. Do not use the seasoning packets.
2. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
3. Prepare all your vegetables: slice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, slice the bell peppers, chop the broccoli into florets, slice the carrots, and trim the snow peas if using. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go is crucial for efficient stir-frying.

Step 3: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the stir fry sauce ingredients: soy sauce, brown sugar or honey, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, cornstarch, sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and water or chicken broth.
2. Whisk until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

Step 4: Stir Fry the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the wok or skillet is hot before adding the chicken.
2. Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok or skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the chicken instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches.
3. Stir fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Remove the cooked chicken from the wok and set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Vegetables

1. Add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok if needed.
2. Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the wok and stir fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened slightly.
3. Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli florets, and sliced carrots to the wok. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp – still slightly firm but cooked through.
4. Add the snow peas (or sugar snap peas) in the last minute of stir-frying, as they cook quickly.

Step 6: Combine Everything and Finish Stir Frying

1. Return the cooked chicken to the wok with the vegetables.
2. Pour the stir fry sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and is glossy, coating the chicken and vegetables.
4. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the wok.
5. Toss everything together to combine, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through. Stir fry for another 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry from the heat.
2. Serve immediately while hot.
3. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and chopped peanuts or cashews, if desired.
4. Offer sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who like extra spice.

Nutrition Facts: Delicious and Balanced

This Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry is not only delicious but also offers a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Please note that these are estimated values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-550 calories (estimated)

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per Serving (estimated):

• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50-60 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams

Important Notes:

• These are estimates and can vary. To get precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator app with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
• Using low-sodium soy sauce and controlling added sugars can help make this a healthier meal.
• Increasing the amount of vegetables and reducing the portion of noodles can further enhance the nutritional profile.

Preparation Time: Quick and Efficient Cooking

This recipe is designed for efficiency, perfect for busy weeknights. Here’s a breakdown of the time involved:

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes chopping vegetables, preparing marinade, and making sauce)
• Marinating Time: Minimum 30 minutes (up to overnight, optional)
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes stir-frying chicken, vegetables, and noodles)
• Total Time (excluding marinating): Approximately 40-50 minutes

Tips for Speeding Up Prep Time:

• Pre-chop vegetables: Chop your vegetables in advance, even a day or two ahead, and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• Use pre-minced garlic and ginger: While fresh is best, pre-minced options can save time.
• Marinate chicken in the morning: If you plan ahead, marinating the chicken in the morning or the night before significantly reduces prep time on cooking day.
• Assemble sauce in advance: The stir fry sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a few days.

How to Serve: Serving Suggestions for Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• As a Main Course: Serve it hot directly from the wok or skillet as a satisfying and flavorful main dish for lunch or dinner.
• With a Side of Rice: For those who prefer extra carbohydrates, serve it alongside steamed white rice or brown rice. The rice will soak up any extra sauce.
• With a Fresh Salad: To add freshness and lightness, serve it with a simple side salad. A cucumber salad, Asian slaw, or a mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette would complement the richness of the stir fry.
• As Leftovers for Lunch: Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry reheats well and makes a fantastic lunch the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
• Party Appetizer (Smaller Portions): You can serve smaller portions of Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry in bowls or even lettuce wraps as a flavorful appetizer for gatherings.

Additional Tips for Stir Fry Success

Here are five essential tips to ensure your Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry is a culinary triumph:

• Tip 1: Prepare Everything in Advance (Mise en Place): Stir-frying is a fast cooking method, so having all your ingredients prepped and ready to go is crucial. This includes chopping vegetables, marinating chicken, making the sauce, and cooking the noodles. This “mise en place” approach will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
• Tip 2: High Heat is Key: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that signature wok hei (wok breath) flavor and perfectly cooked, tender-crisp vegetables. Ensure your wok or skillet is hot before adding ingredients. If your pan isn’t hot enough, the vegetables will steam instead of stir-fry.
• Tip 3: Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the wok or skillet will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam rather than stir-fry. Cook the chicken and vegetables in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure proper searing and cooking.
• Tip 4: Stir Fry in Stages: Stir-fry ingredients in the correct order, starting with aromatics (garlic, ginger, onion), then adding harder vegetables (carrots, broccoli), followed by softer vegetables (bell peppers, snow peas), and finally the protein and noodles. This ensures everything is cooked to the perfect texture.
• Tip 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your stir fry sauce and the final dish before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed – you might want to add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for acidity, brown sugar for sweetness, or red pepper flakes for heat, according to your personal preference.

FAQ: Your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Questions Answered

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry:

Q1: Can I use different types of noodles?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe specifically calls for ramen noodles, you can easily substitute with other types of noodles. Lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, udon noodles, spaghetti, or even linguine will work well. For a gluten-free option, consider rice noodles or gluten-free ramen noodles. Adjust cooking time according to the type of noodle you use.

Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A: Yes, it’s easy to adapt this recipe for vegetarian or vegan diets. To make it vegetarian, simply substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water, cube it, and pan-fry or bake it until golden brown before adding it to the stir fry. For a vegan version, ensure you use a vegan oyster sauce substitute (made from mushrooms) or omit it altogether, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey if using honey.

Q3: How long does Chicken Ramen Stir Fry last in the refrigerator?
A: Leftover Chicken and Ramen Stir Fry can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

Q4: Can I freeze Chicken Ramen Stir Fry?
A: Freezing is not highly recommended for this dish, primarily because the ramen noodles can become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing. However, if you must freeze it, it’s best to freeze it without the noodles. Prepare the stir fry with chicken and vegetables, freeze it in an airtight container, and then cook fresh ramen noodles when you are ready to reheat and serve.

Q5: How can I adjust the spice level of this stir fry?
A: You can easily customize the spice level to your preference. For a milder stir fry, omit the red pepper flakes entirely. For a medium spice level, use the amount of red pepper flakes indicated in the recipe. For a spicier stir fry, increase the amount of red pepper flakes, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or serve with sriracha or chili garlic sauce on the side for those who want extra heat. You can also use fresh chili peppers, like Thai chilies, in the stir fry for a more intense heat.

Print