Chinese Chicken Noodles is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It’s a perfect combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles, all cooked in a savory sauce. Whether you’re craving something comforting or looking to impress your family or friends, this dish is a great option. In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to prepare Chinese Chicken Noodles, from the ingredients to the cooking process.
Ingredients for Chinese Chicken Noodles
To start making Chinese Chicken Noodles, it’s essential to gather all the ingredients beforehand. This ensures a smooth cooking process. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Noodles:
- 250 grams of Chinese egg noodles or any other noodles of your choice
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or sesame oil)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 bell pepper, sliced thinly (any color)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup spring onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded (optional)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
Garnishing:
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Extra chopped spring onions for garnish
Preparing the Chicken
The chicken is the star ingredient in this dish, so it’s important to cook it perfectly. Start by slicing the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips. This helps the chicken cook evenly and quickly.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix the sliced chicken with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. The soy sauce adds flavor, while the cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a silky texture when cooked. Let the chicken marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Stir-fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is fully cooked through and browned. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure the chicken pieces sear properly. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Preparing the Noodles
For the noodles, you can use Chinese egg noodles or any noodles you prefer. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked noodles:
Step 3: Boil the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, usually around 4-5 minutes. Once they are tender but firm to the bite, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This will stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from becoming mushy.
Step 4: Toss the Noodles
After draining the noodles, heat a little bit of oil in a separate pan. Toss the noodles in the oil for about 1-2 minutes to prevent them from sticking together. This step helps them stay separated and gives them a nice texture.
Preparing the Vegetables
The vegetables add a burst of color, texture, and flavor to the dish. Here’s how to prepare them:
Step 5: Slice the Vegetables
Prepare all your vegetables by washing them thoroughly. Julienne the carrot, slice the bell pepper, and chop the onion. Mince the garlic finely and cut the broccoli into small florets. If you’re using cabbage, shred it into thin strips. Having all your vegetables prepped and ready to go will make stir-frying easier.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same wok or skillet you used for the chicken, add a little more oil. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, and cabbage (if using). Stir-fry the vegetables for about 3-4 minutes, until they are tender yet still crisp. Be sure to keep them moving in the pan to avoid burning.
Step 7: Add the Spring Onions
Once the other vegetables are cooked, add the chopped spring onions and stir-fry for an additional minute. Spring onions give the dish a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness.
Making the Sauce
Now that the chicken, noodles, and vegetables are ready, it’s time to make the sauce. The sauce is what ties all the ingredients together and gives the dish its signature flavor.
Step 8: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, white pepper, rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Stir the sauce well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 9: Pour the Sauce into the Wok
After the vegetables and chicken are cooked, pour the prepared sauce into the wok. Stir well to combine everything. The sauce will thicken as it heats up, coating the vegetables and chicken with a delicious, glossy layer. Let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
Assembling the Dish
Step 10: Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Vegetables
Add the cooked noodles to the wok with the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together gently to ensure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce and evenly mixed with the chicken and vegetables. You can use tongs or chopsticks for this. Stir-fry the mixture for 1-2 minutes to ensure that everything is heated through.
Step 11: Garnish and Serve
Once the Chinese Chicken Noodles are fully mixed and heated, it’s time to serve. Transfer the noodles to a serving plate or individual bowls. Garnish with sesame seeds and extra chopped spring onions for added flavor and color. You can also add a drizzle of sesame oil on top for extra richness.
Tips for Making Perfect Chinese Chicken Noodles
To make the best Chinese Chicken Noodles, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken will enhance the flavor of your dish. Fresh ingredients also contribute to a better texture and overall presentation.
2. Cook the Chicken Separately
Cooking the chicken separately ensures that it gets a nice sear and doesn’t become overcooked when added to the noodles and vegetables. It also helps the chicken stay tender.
3. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste
You can adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar in the sauce to suit your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter dish, add a little more sugar or hoisin sauce. If you prefer more umami flavor, increase the amount of soy sauce.
4. Use the Right Noodles
If you can find Chinese egg noodles, they work best for this dish. They have a smooth texture that pairs wonderfully with the sauce. However, you can also use other types of noodles, such as ramen or udon, if you prefer.
5. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
The vegetables should be stir-fried just enough to remain crisp-tender. Overcooking them will result in a soggy texture. Make sure to keep them crunchy for the best bite.
Variations to Try
Chinese Chicken Noodles is a versatile dish, and you can experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Add More Protein
In addition to chicken, you can add shrimp, beef, or tofu to make the dish heartier. Just be sure to cook the protein separately and then combine it with the noodles and vegetables.
2. Try Different Vegetables
Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn. These vegetables can add more variety and texture to the dish.
3. Spicy Chicken Noodles
If you like a bit of heat, add a small amount of chili paste or chili oil to the sauce. You can also toss in some sliced fresh chilies while stir-frying the vegetables for an extra spicy kick.
Conclusion
Chinese Chicken Noodles is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines the savory taste of soy sauce, the crunch of vegetables, and the tenderness of chicken. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can make this dish at home anytime. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or planning to impress your guests, Chinese Chicken Noodles is the perfect dish to prepare. Enjoy your cooking, and feel free to experiment with the ingredients to suit your tastes!
Related topics
