Description
A quick and flavorful Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Noodles recipe featuring tender chicken breast, fresh zucchini, and perfectly cooked instant ramen noodles tossed in a savory and slightly spicy stir fry sauce. This easy one-pan dish is ideal for a fast weeknight meal packed with umami and a hint of heat.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Stir Fry
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large chicken breast, sliced thin against the grain
- Generous pinch of salt
- 2 small zucchinis (or 1 large zucchini), halved and sliced
- 8 oz instant ramen noodles (2 to 3 packets)
- 3/4 cup water or no salt stock
Stir Fry Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 – 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tsp black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp rice wine, sherry, or leftover red wine (optional)
- 2 tsp sweet soy sauce (optional)
To Serve
- 1 tbsp sesame oil or chili oil
- 2 stalks chopped green onions (or 1 large stalk), reserve about 1/4 for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Measure and prep all ingredients before starting as the cooking process moves quickly. Slice the chicken breast thinly against the grain, halve and slice zucchini, chop garlic, and chop green onions.
- Make Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp honey, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 2 – 3 cloves chopped garlic, 2 tsp black or balsamic vinegar, 1 tbsp rice wine or optional wine, and 2 tsp sweet soy sauce if using. Stir well to combine and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the sliced chicken with a generous pinch of salt. Stir fry for about 1 minute until just cooked through.
- Add Sauce and Zucchini: Pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the chicken, then add the sliced zucchini. Stir to evenly coat and combine.
- Add Ramen Noodles: Break the ramen noodle blocks in half and push the chicken and zucchini to one side of the skillet. Place the noodles directly onto the skillet surface on the cleared side.
- Steam Noodles: Pour ¾ cup water or stock over the noodles and immediately cover with a lid. Let steam for about 2 minutes until noodles soften.
- Flip and Separate Noodles: Remove the lid, flip the noodles to cook the other side, and gently break apart softened noodles using tongs or a spatula. Cook uncovered for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Mix the noodles through the chicken and zucchini so they are well coated with the stir fry sauce. Cook an additional 1 to 2 minutes only if you prefer softer noodles. The stir fry should be fairly dry with no excess liquid.
- Add Green Onions: Toss most of the chopped green onions into the stir fry during the last few seconds of cooking. Reserve about ¼ for garnish.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the ramen noodles hot, drizzled with 1 tbsp sesame or chili oil and topped with the reserved green onions.
Notes
- Use water or no salt stock to adjust saltiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity for desired spiciness.
- Rice wine or sherry is optional but adds depth of flavor.
- If you want less sugar, substitute honey with brown sugar or omit sweet soy sauce.
- Cook noodles just enough to keep a slight bite if preferred.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.