If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that hits all the right notes, this Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. I love how the tender chicken mingles perfectly with crisp broccoli and silky noodles, all wrapped up in a savory sauce that your whole family will devour. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to become your go-to weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick Prep: The whole thing comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Balanced Nutrition: Chicken for protein, broccoli for crunch and vitamins, and noodles to keep you full.
- Flavor-packed Sauce: The combo of soy, Worcestershire, and rice vinegar gives it a tangy, savory punch.
- Family-friendly: I’ve never met anyone who didn’t ask for seconds or thirds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a part in creating that perfect blend of textures and flavors. When you pick fresh broccoli and quality chicken breast, it really elevates the final dish. Also, grabbing the right kind of rice noodles makes cooking a breeze.
- Chicken breast: I like to buy fresh, skinless breasts and cut them into bite-sized cubes for quick cooking.
- White pepper: Offers a subtle heat without overpowering the other flavors.
- Soy sauce: This is the backbone of your stir fry sauce — go for a good quality one for richer taste.
- Cornstarch: Helps the chicken get that slight velvety texture when cooked.
- Salt: Adjust to taste — keep it light at first, since soy sauce adds saltiness too.
- Oil: Neutral oil like vegetable or canola works best for stir frying.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives such an aromatic lift.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp are key — they keep a nice snap after stir-frying.
- Yellow onions: Thinly sliced for a gentle sweetness and bite.
- Dried rice noodles: Make sure to follow the package directions for perfect texture — overcooked noodles are a no-go!
- Rice vinegar: Adds a lightly tangy contrast to the savory sauce.
- Worcestershire sauce: Surprising but essential for depth and umami.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted if possible, for an extra nutty crunch on top.
- Green onions: Chopped fresh for that final burst of color and mild onion flavor.
Variations
I love playing around with this dish depending on what I have in the fridge or to suit different cravings. You should feel free to tweak it too — that’s the beauty of a stir fry!
- Swap chicken for tofu: I’ve made it vegetarian by using firm tofu cubes instead; just marinate and cook them the same way for a satisfying plant-based version.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas: For an extra pop of color and crunch, toss in some sliced bell peppers or snap peas alongside the broccoli.
- Use other noodles: If you don’t have rice noodles, thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work in a pinch — just cook and toss as normal.
- Spice it up: When I’m craving heat, a splash of chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes makes it downright addictive.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
This step is key! Toss your bite-sized chicken cubes with white pepper, soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little salt. Give it at least 30 minutes — I often marinate mine while prepping other ingredients. The cornstarch helps tenderize the chicken and gives it a nice glaze when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Rice Noodles Perfectly
Follow the package instructions carefully here — rice noodles cook fast and can go mushy if overdone. I drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside so they’re ready to toss in later.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Chicken
Heat your oil in a wide pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then add your marinated chicken cubes, spreading them out so they sear nicely. Cook for 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked through and slightly golden.
Step 4: Stir in Broccoli and Onions
Throw in the broccoli florets and sliced onions, giving them a quick toss. Cook for about 2 minutes so they stay crisp but tender. This gives you that lovely texture contrast that’s so important in a stir fry.
Step 5: Bring it All Together with Noodles and Sauce
Now add your cooked noodles along with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, white pepper, and a pinch of salt. Toss everything well so the noodles soak up all those delicious flavors. Keep stirring for another 2 minutes until everything’s piping hot.
Step 6: Finish with Sesame Seeds and Green Onions
Right before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. I love how this adds a fresh pop of color and a satisfying crunch. Serve immediately while it’s still warm—you’ll notice how the aroma fills your kitchen!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating the chicken is a game changer—it tenderizes and infuses every bite with flavor.
- Prep Everything First: Stir fries cook fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and by the stove to avoid overcooking.
- Avoid Mushy Noodles: Rinse cooked rice noodles under cold water right away to stop them from sticking or getting soggy.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps sear the chicken and keeps veggies crisp and vibrant.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish mine with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and lots of chopped green onions—they add freshness and a nice crunch. Sometimes, I toss in a few chili flakes if I want a little heat. A wedge of lime on the side gives a bright zing that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Since this stir fry is packed with protein and veggies, I usually keep sides light and simple. A crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame works wonderfully. If you want something heartier, garlic fried rice or a bowl of miso soup complements it perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve this dish in a large colorful platter with extra green onions and sesame seeds scattered on top. You can also wrap portions in lettuce leaves for a fun handheld twist that everyone loves. I once tried topping it with crushed peanuts and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an indulgent flair—fabulous for parties!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually mellow and blend beautifully overnight. Just make sure to cool completely before refrigeration to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this stir fry a couple of times with decent results, but I recommend freezing before adding the green onions and sesame seeds, as they lose their texture. To freeze, let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat is quickly in a hot pan or wok with a splash of water or broth to revive the moisture. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring every 30 seconds prevents cold spots and keeps the noodles from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of noodles for this Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe?
Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional and cook quickly, you can swap in egg noodles, soba, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type to avoid overcooking.
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How do I keep the broccoli crisp but cooked?
To maintain that perfect crunch, add the broccoli later in the cooking process and stir-fry it just for 2-3 minutes. Using fresh broccoli florets and a hot pan also helps keep them tender-crisp rather than soggy.
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Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Choose gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free (some brands are). The rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, so that part stays the same.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?
You can marinate the chicken the day before and prep your veggies in advance to save time. Cook the stir fry fresh for best texture, but leftovers keep well and reheat nicely for next-day meals.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites because it’s just so straightforward and satisfying. The flavors hit all the right savory notes, and the textures keep every bite interesting. I love sharing this one with friends who are new to stir-frying—it never fails to impress. So give it a try, and I bet it’ll be on your regular menu too!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Noodle Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and flavorful chicken broccoli stir fry noodles recipe featuring tender chicken breast, crunchy broccoli, and delicate rice noodles tossed in a savory sauce with soy, Worcestershire, and rice vinegar. This stir-fry is perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal packed with balanced protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 lb chicken skinless breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt to taste
Stir Fry
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup yellow onions, sliced
- 4 oz dried rice noodles
Sauce & Garnish
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp white pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with white pepper, soy sauce, cornstarch, and salt. Mix well to coat and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside to be added later.
- Sauté Garlic and Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. Add the marinated chicken cubes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: To the pan with chicken, add broccoli florets and sliced onions. Stir fry for 2 minutes to keep the vegetables crisp yet tender.
- Toss in Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and white pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients and evenly coat the noodles and chicken with the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. Serve the stir fry noodles warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken enhances tenderness and flavor.
- Use fresh broccoli florets for the best texture.
- Be sure not to overcook the noodles to maintain a pleasant chewiness.
- Adjust the seasoning and sauces to your taste preference.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce variants.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of total recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg