Easy Chicken Stir Fry with Rice Noodles (30 minutes)
This recipe is a delicious and quick weeknight meal that’s packed with flavor and protein.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz rice noodles (vermicelli or pad thai work well)
- 3 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, or 1/2 red and 1/2 green, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 4 oz mushrooms (shiitake, portobello, or white button work well), sliced
- 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (not low-sodium)
- 2 Tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Sesame oil (optional)
- Scallions, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Cooking Guide:
- Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 3-5 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little sesame oil (optional) to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Marinate the chicken: Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until just cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add the bell pepper, broccoli, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, and cornstarch.
- Assemble the stir-fry: Pour the sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked chicken and rice noodles back to the pan. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Serve immediately garnished with chopped scallions and a drizzle of sesame oil (optional).
Tips:
- Chicken prep: Thinly sliced chicken cooks quickly and evenly in the stir-fry. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. Just be sure to cut them into similarly sized pieces.
- Vegetables: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Other options include snap peas, carrots, baby corn, or shredded cabbage.
- Protein options: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
- Sauce variations: For a spicier stir-fry, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. You can also substitute oyster sauce for the ketchup in the sauce.
- Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.