Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that comes together in a flash, this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is your new best friend in the kitchen. It perfectly balances tender chicken, crisp veggies, and those satisfyingly chewy ramen noodles, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re craving an easy weeknight dinner or something to impress friends without fuss, this recipe shines with its bold flavors and textures, making Chicken Ramen Stir Fry an absolute staple you will want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. The simplicity of these essentials means anyone can whip up a feast that feels both special and wholesome.
- Ramen noodles (2 packages, 6 oz each): The star carb that soaks up all that delicious sauce while keeping the dish delightfully chewy.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 lb): Juicy and tender, these pieces bring hearty protein and a rich flavor punch.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Perfect for stir-frying without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color that brightens every bite.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Provide fresh, crisp texture and a subtle sweetness.
- Carrot (1, julienned): Offers a lovely earthy crunch and vivid hue.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with aromatic depth you can’t resist.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, minced): Brings a warm, zesty kick that lifts the flavors beautifully.
- Green onions (3, sliced – whites and greens separated): Whites add pungency during cooking; greens provide a fresh, mild finish.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Delivers essential umami and saltiness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): Adds a rich hint of sweetness and depth.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that ties all the flavors together.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the savory notes with subtle sweetness.
- White pepper (1/4 tsp): Gives a gentle heat without overwhelming the palate.
How to Make Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Step 1: Boil the Ramen Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of water to a rolling boil for the ramen noodles. Cooking them just until slightly underdone, about 2 minutes, ensures they won’t get mushy when tossed later with the sauce and stir-fried ingredients. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce
While the water is heating, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl. This simple, flavorful sauce is the heart of your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry, creating a perfect sweet-savory balance that coats everything beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, stir-frying until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t clean the pan yet because you’ll use it for the veggies next.
Step 4: Stir Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same pan. Quickly stir-fry the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot for 2 to 3 minutes until they are crisp-tender, providing a wonderful crunch and freshness to balance the tender chicken and noodles.
Step 5: Add Aromatics
Now toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry everything together just for about 30 seconds — the moment they start to release their intoxicating fragrance is when you know this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is coming together beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the drained ramen noodles. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry everything for 2 to 3 minutes, letting the noodles soak up the sauce while the chicken and veggies get beautifully coated and heated through.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top as a fresh, crisp garnish. Serve your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry hot and enjoy the delightful contrast of colors, textures, and bold flavors.
How to Serve Chicken Ramen Stir Fry
Garnishes
Fresh green onions bring a bright pop of color and mild oniony bite that wakes up the taste buds. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a subtle nuttiness and attractive crunch if you want an extra layer of texture.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a refreshing, complementary bite that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Chicken Ramen Stir Fry in individual lettuce cups for a fresh handheld option perfect for gatherings. Alternatively, plate it over a bed of steamed rice noodles or rice for more volume and an exciting textural contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic lunch or dinner option throughout the week.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies and delicate textures, freezing this dish isn’t ideal—it can affect the firmness and flavor of the bell peppers and snap peas. It’s best to prepare and consume this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry fresh to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. A quick splash of water or a few drops of soy sauce can help revive the moisture and flavor without drying it out. Microwaving works too but may soften the vegetables more.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful, chicken breast will work fine if you prefer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender.
Do I have to discard the ramen seasoning packets?
Yes, it’s best to discard those because they contain a lot of salt and artificial flavors. Instead, this recipe’s homemade sauce provides a fresher and more balanced taste for your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce to keep that rich, savory flavor. The stir-fry sauce is versatile enough to accommodate these swaps.
Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
Definitely! Add some sliced fresh chili, a splash of chili oil, or sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes while stir-frying the aromatics to give your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry a spicy kick.
How can I make the noodles less sticky?
After draining, rinse the noodles briefly with cold water to remove excess starch and then toss them lightly with a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking before adding them to the stir-fry.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent but comes together so easily, making it perfect for any night of the week. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and satisfyingly chewy noodles combine into a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food right here!
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Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. This vibrant stir fry offers a balance of textures and aromas, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 packages (6 oz each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
Sauces and Oils
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
Instructions
- Boil Ramen Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add ramen noodles and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly undercooked. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Set this savory sauce aside to be added later.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the chicken pieces and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrots, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the vegetables. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the drained ramen noodles and pour the prepared sauce over all the ingredients.
- Final Stir-Fry: Toss and stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until the noodles absorb the flavors and the dish is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top and serve the chicken ramen stir fry hot for a delicious and colorful meal.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles as the sauce provides ample flavor.
- Do not overcook the noodles initially; slightly undercooking helps prevent mushiness after stir-frying.
- Feel free to substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option.
- For extra heat, add a dash of chili flakes or a squirt of sriracha sauce in the stir-fry.
- Vegetables can be substituted or added to taste, such as broccoli, mushrooms, or baby corn.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken ramen stir fry, quick chicken stir fry, ramen noodle recipe, Asian stir fry, easy weeknight dinner
