- Heat oil in a large non-stick wok or wide pan. Add ginger, garlic, and onions. Fry for 2 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Add chicken pieces and spices (red chili powder, coriander powder). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is mostly browned.
- Add julienned carrots and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes to soften the vegetables.
- Pour in soy sauce and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients.
- Add cooked noodles or spaghetti. Toss everything together for 3-4 minutes until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste, if needed.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
- Calories:550 kcal25%
- Energy:2301 kJ22%
- Protein:30 g28%
- Carbohydrates:60 mg40%
- Sugar:10 mg8%
- Salt:800 g25%
- Fat:20 g20%
Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh
Chicken Noodles Recipe – Quick & Easy Indo-Chinese Stir-Fry
Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just need a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right spots. This Chicken Noodles recipe is my go-to for those nights. It’s a super flavorful Indo-Chinese stir-fry that comes together in under 30 minutes – seriously! I first made this when I was craving something comforting and a little bit spicy, and it’s been a family favorite ever since.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t your average noodle dish. It’s a beautiful blend of Indian spices and classic Chinese stir-fry techniques. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s totally customizable – you can adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies. Honestly, what’s not to love?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this deliciousness:
- 2 tbsp light cooking oil
- 1 tbsp finely chopped ginger
- 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
- 1 large onion
- 1 large chicken breast (about 250-300 gms)
- ½ tsp red chilli powder (adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- ½ cup julienned carrots
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 3 tbsp soya sauce
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 400 gms noodles/spaghetti
- Finely chopped green onions for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Let’s talk ingredients for a sec! A few things make this recipe special.
- Soya Sauce: This is key to that authentic Indo-Chinese flavor. It adds a lovely umami depth that really makes the dish sing.
- Noodles: You can use either wheat noodles (like hakka noodles) or spaghetti. I often use spaghetti when I’m in a pinch, and it works beautifully! Wheat noodles will give you a more traditional texture, though.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is best, always! The aroma and flavor of freshly grated ginger and garlic are unbeatable. Don’t even think about using the pre-minced stuff – trust me on this one.
- Chicken: I prefer using chicken breast for this recipe as it cooks quickly. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavour.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking!
- Heat the oil in a large non-stick wok or wide pan over medium-high heat. Add the ginger, garlic, and onions. Fry for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned. Your kitchen should already be smelling amazing!
- Add the chicken pieces and spices (red chilli powder, coriander powder). Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the chicken edges start to brown. We’re not cooking it all the way through here, just getting some nice color.
- Now, toss in the julienned carrots and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, just until the vegetables start to soften slightly. You want them to still have a bit of crunch.
- Pour in the soya sauce and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure all the ingredients are nicely coated.
- Add the cooked noodles or spaghetti. Toss everything together for 3-4 minutes, until well combined and heated through. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Finally, garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Seriously, this is the best part!
Expert Tips
Want to take your Chicken Noodles to the next level? Here are a few of my secrets:
- Wok Hei (Smoky Flavor): If you have a gas stove, try to get a little bit of char on the ingredients. That smoky flavor, called “wok hei,” is what makes restaurant-style stir-fries so good.
- Preventing Sticky Noodles: To prevent the noodles from sticking together, make sure your pan is hot enough and you’re using enough oil. You can also toss the cooked noodles with a little bit of oil before adding them to the stir-fry.
- Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 74°C (165°F).
Variations
This recipe is a blank canvas for your creativity! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Vegan Adaptation: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or mushrooms. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before stir-frying.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soya sauce and gluten-free noodles (rice noodles work great!).
- Spice Level Adjustment: If you like it extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped green chillies. My friend, Priya, loves adding a whole chopped green chilli – she’s a spice queen!
- Festival Adaptations: This is a fantastic quick weeknight meal, especially during busy festival seasons when you don’t have a ton of time to cook.
Serving Suggestions
These noodles are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with:
- A side of vegetable spring rolls
- A refreshing cucumber salad
- A spicy mango chutney
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave. Note that the noodles may become a little softer upon reheating.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping? Yes, but the noodles might absorb some of the sauce during storage. You might want to add a little extra soya sauce when reheating.
- Can I use leftover cooked chicken in this recipe? Absolutely! Just add the cooked chicken in the last few minutes of cooking to warm it through.
- What is the best type of oil to use for stir-frying? Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good choices. They have high smoke points, which is important for stir-frying.
- Can I add other vegetables like bell peppers or beans? Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite veggies.
- How can I make the noodles less sticky? Make sure your pan is hot enough, use enough oil, and toss the cooked noodles with a little oil before adding them to the stir-fry.
Enjoy! Let me know in the comments how your Chicken Noodles turn out. I can’t wait to hear from you!