Feeling the urge for a warm and fulfilling meal? Chicken Fried Noodles might be just what you need. This recipe offers a delightful combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory sauce all wrapped around perfectly cooked noodles. Let’s dive into how you can make this tasty dish at home!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Fried Noodles:
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can swap in vegetables or protein according to what you have on hand.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a dish that satisfies both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinner.
- Savory and Satisfying: The mix of flavors from the sauces and seasonings packs a punch with every bite.
- One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked in a single skillet, cleanup is a breeze!
Prep & Cook Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
What You Need For Chicken Fried Noodles
- 6 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or ground black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil)
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 10 oz fresh chow mein noodles
- 2 small carrots, julienned (yields 1 cup)
- 1 Anaheim pepper or other hot pepper of your choice, sliced (Optional)
- 4 green onions, cut into 2” pieces, white part halved lengthwise
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Fried Noodles
1. Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken along with the marinating ingredients into a medium-sized bowl. Mix well with your hands so the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Prepare the Sauce
Combine all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir to mix well.
3. Cook the Noodles
Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Rinse with tap water, drain, and set aside. Cook the noodles 1 minute less than the package recommends. If you use fresh chow mein noodles, you will only need to briefly dip the noodles in boiling water for about 1 minute. Once done, drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Spread the chicken in the pan with minimal overlap. Cook until the bottom turns slightly golden, about 30 to 45 seconds. Flip the chicken to cook the other side until it turns white, about 30 to 45 seconds. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate.
5. Stir-Fry the Aromatics
Pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil and add the ginger and garlic. Stir a few times to release the fragrance.
6. Add the Vegetables
Add the carrot and cabbage. Cook and stir until the veggies just start to turn soft, about 1 minute.
7. Combine Noodles and Chicken
Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss a few times with a pair of tongs. Add the cooked chicken and pour the sauce over the ingredients. Toss everything together with the tongs to mix well.
8. Final Touches
Add the pepper and the green onions. Toss well until the sauce is absorbed. Transfer everything to serving plates and serve hot as a main dish.
Pro Tips to Perfect Chicken Fried Noodles
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and chicken will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles just right. This prevents them from becoming mushy.
- High Heat is Key: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures everything cooks quickly and gets a nice sear without becoming soggy.
- Feel Free to Experiment: Add other veggies like bell peppers or broccoli to tailor the dish to your taste.
How to Serve Chicken Fried Noodles
Chicken Fried Noodles can be served as a main dish or a side. It pairs well with various accompaniments like:
- Spring Rolls: A crunchy side that complements the soft noodles.
- Dumplings: Perfect for a hearty meal.
- A Fresh Salad: Offers a light contrast to the richness of the noodles.
Storing Your Chicken Fried Noodles
- Cool Before Storage: Let the noodles cool to room temperature before placing them in the fridge.
- Use an Airtight Container: Store in an airtight container to keep the noodles fresh.
- Refrigerate: Chicken Fried Noodles can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freeze for Later: To store long-term, freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat Gently: When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent drying out.
Keys to Recipe Success
- Prep in Advance: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook in batches if you’re making a large amount to ensure even cooking.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dish before serving. You may want to add a little more sauce or seasoning.
- Cook Quickly: Stir-frying requires quick movements. Keep everything moving to prevent burning.
Flavor Twist Ideas
- Add More Spice: Incorporate red pepper flakes or other hot sauce for extra heat.
- Try Different Proteins: Substitute with shrimp or beef for different flavors.
- Experiment with Sauces: Use teriyaki sauce or sweet chili sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Incorporate Nuts: Toss in some cashews or peanuts for added crunch.
Chicken Fried Noodles FAQ Guide
-
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! Other noodle varieties like udon or even spaghetti can work if you don’t have chow mein noodles. -
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and can be enjoyed for several days. -
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add tofu or extra vegetables for protein. -
What should I serve with Chicken Fried Noodles?
It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with sides like spring rolls or a salad.
Closing Remarks
Chicken Fried Noodles are a delightful dish that is both easy to prepare and rich in flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory noodles in one satisfying meal. Whether cooking for yourself or a crowd, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite of this delicious comfort food!

Chicken Fried Noodles
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 oz boneless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced Use either breast or thighs as per preference.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) Used for marinating chicken.
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch For coating the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt For seasoning.
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth Enhances flavor of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry) Adds depth to the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons sugar Balances flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (or ground black pepper)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil Adds nuttiness.
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil) For stir-frying ingredients.
- 4 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 10 oz fresh chow mein noodles Can substitute with other noodle types.
- 2 small carrots, julienned (yields 1 cup) Adds crunch.
- 1 Anaheim pepper or other hot pepper sliced (Optional) For heat.
- 4 green onions cut into 2” pieces, white part halved lengthwise
Instructions
Preparation
- Marinate the Chicken: Mix chicken with the marinating ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir well.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then rinse, drain, and set aside.
Cooking
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden, about 30 to 45 seconds each side, then transfer to a plate.
- Pour in remaining oil, add garlic and ginger, stir to release fragrance.
- Add carrots and cabbage; stir-fry until veggies are slightly soft, about 1 minute.
- Add cooked noodles to pan, toss with tongs, followed by the chicken and sauce. Mix well.
- Final Touches: Add pepper and green onions, toss until sauce is absorbed. Serve hot.








