There’s a vibrant street food scene that I often miss, filled with sizzling woks and the enticing aroma of stir-fried dishes. During a recent culinary adventure in my own kitchen, I unearthed a deliciously simple solution to my cravings: Chicken Chow Fun, or stir-fried flat rice noodles with chicken. This dish not only satisfies those late-night takeout dreams but also brings a healthy, homemade twist that is sure to impress your family or guests.
As I began gathering ingredients—succulent chicken, crisp bell peppers, and fragrant ginger—the excitement was palpable. It reminded me of those lively evenings shared with friends, where the clinking of chopsticks and laughter filled the air. With just a handful of ingredients and a quick stir-fry, this hearty meal comes together effortlessly. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a fast weeknight dinner, you’ll love how easily it translates into a crowd-pleaser.
So, roll up your sleeves and join me as we dive into this flavorful adventure of Chicken Chow Fun, where comfort food meets convenience!
Why love Chicken Chow Fun so much?
Flavor-packed goodness: This Chicken Chow Fun bursts with delicious flavors thanks to the perfect blend of sauces that create a mouthwatering experience.
Quick and easy: With minimal prep time and a simple cooking process, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Customizable delight: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins—this dish adapts beautifully to your preferences!
Healthy twist: Compared to takeout options, this homemade version is lighter, fresher, and allows you to control the ingredients for a healthier meal.
Crowd-pleasing dish: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this Chicken Chow Fun is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Chicken Chow Fun Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless chicken thigh/breast – 250 g for tender, juicy bites.
• Light soy sauce – 1 tsp adds a savory depth to the marinade.
• Baking soda – ¼ tsp helps tenderize the chicken for a juicy texture.
• Sesame oil – 1 tsp infuses a lovely nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
For the Noodles
• Flat rice noodle (fresh/boiled) – 300 g is the star of our Chicken Chow Fun, soaking up all the flavorful sauces.
For the Vegetables
• Ginger – 2 slices, finely chopped to bring a warming spice to the stir-fry.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, finely chopped for a fragrant aroma.
• Bell pepper, red – ½, thinly sliced for a sweet crunch.
• Bell pepper, green – ½, thinly sliced to add a touch of bitterness and color.
• Spring onion – 3-4, cut into 2” pieces for a fresh onion flavor.
• Bean sprouts – 150 g provides a crunchy texture and freshness.
For the Sauce
• Oyster sauce – 1 tbsp gives a rich, umami hit.
• Light soy sauce – 1 tbsp for added seasoning.
• Dark soy sauce – 1 tsp to deepen the color and flavor of the dish.
• Sugar – 1 tsp balances the savory notes.
• Rice vinegar – 1 tbsp adds a tangy brightness.
• Water – 2 tbsp to help combine the sauce with the stir-fry.
For Cooking
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp needed for stir-frying and achieving that delightful golden-brown finish.
Gather these ingredients and prepare to create a mouthwatering Chicken Chow Fun that will make your kitchen come alive with flavor!
How to Make Chicken Chow Fun
-
Marinate the chicken with light soy sauce, baking soda, and sesame oil in a bowl for at least 15 minutes, letting those flavorful ingredients soak in for a juicy bite.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. This ensures a good sear for the chicken and adds that beautiful golden-brown color.
-
Add the marinated chicken to the pan, cooking while stirring frequently until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
-
Incorporate ginger and garlic into the pan, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
-
Toss in the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers, spring onion, and bean sprouts, then stir fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but retain a lovely crunch.
-
Whisk together oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and water in a bowl. This sauce will bring everything together in a burst of flavor.
-
Pour the sauce over the stir-fried ingredients and gently add the boiled flat rice noodles. Mix everything together, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated with the delightful sauce.
-
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, tossing everything continuously until heated through and the noodles are perfectly seasoned.
Optional: Garnish with additional spring onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken Chow Fun Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to explore these ideas and make this dish your own with delightful twists and swaps!
-
Vegetable Medley: Replace bell peppers with your favorite stir-fry vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
-
Protein Swap: Use shrimp, beef, or tofu instead of chicken for a different protein punch that still delivers on taste.
-
Gluten-Free: Substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari and ensure your rice noodles are certified gluten-free for a deliciously safe option.
-
Spicy Kick: Add sliced red chili or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the stir-fry to crank up the heat. This extra kick can elevate the flavors and get your taste buds dancing!
-
Herb Boost: Toss in fresh herbs like Thai basil or cilantro just before serving for a fragrant finish that brightens the dish nicely.
-
Sauce Variety: Experiment with homemade hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce in place of oyster sauce for a different flavor profile that still complements the noodles beautifully.
-
Nutty Addition: Include toasted peanuts or cashews for a delightful crunch and added creaminess that will make each bite unforgettable.
-
Coconut Twist: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flair to the sauce, creating a unique twist on your traditional Chicken Chow Fun experience.
Let your creativity shine as you transform this mouthwatering dish into something uniquely yours!
What to Serve with Chicken Chow Fun?
Creating a feast out of your kitchen is a joy, and pairing dishes enhances the experience wonderfully.
-
Crispy Spring Rolls: These delightful appetizers add a crunchy texture and satisfying bite, balancing the softness of the noodles.
-
Garlic Green Beans: The bright, sautéed green beans provide a fresh contrast and subtly enhance the savory flavors of the Chicken Chow Fun.
-
Wonton Soup: A light and fragrant soup makes a perfect starter, warming up your palate for the stir-fried goodness that follows.
-
Steamed Dumplings: Soft and flavorful, they complement the hearty noodles while providing an additional delicious dimension to your meal.
-
Thai Iced Tea: A sweet and creamy drink keeps things refreshing, perfectly offsetting the rich umami notes of the Chicken Chow Fun.
-
Mango Sticky Rice: This popular dessert adds a lovely finish—a sweet and creamy treat that beautifully contrasts the savory dish, leaving you craving more.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken Chow Fun
Fridge: Store any leftover Chicken Chow Fun in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and ready for quick meals.
Freezer: You can freeze the Chicken Chow Fun for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and omit the bean sprouts before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the dish’s moisture, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Avoid sogginess: If storing, keep the noodles and sauce separate from the vegetables until you’re ready to enjoy your Chicken Chow Fun to preserve the dish’s delightful crunch.
Make Ahead Options
These Chicken Chow Fun are ideal for meal prepping, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in soy sauce, baking soda, and sesame oil up to 24 hours in advance—this not only infuses flavor but also keeps the chicken juicy. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them crisp and ready to use. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply stir-fry the marinated chicken, toss in the prepped veggies, and follow the final steps to add the sauce and noodles. This way, you’ll have a delicious, homemade Chicken Chow Fun ready in no time, just as delightful as when freshly made!
Expert Tips for Chicken Chow Fun
-
Marinade Magic: Ensure the chicken is well-marinated for at least 15 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness. This key step elevates your Chicken Chow Fun.
-
Heat Matters: Use medium-high heat. Too low, and the chicken may steam instead of sear, losing that beautiful crispy texture you want.
-
Veggie Crunch: Add vegetables just before the noodles. This way, they stay vibrant and crisp rather than overcooked and mushy in your stir-fry.
-
Timing is Everything: Toss the noodles in at the right moment—once everything is fully cooked—to keep them from becoming soggy and to soak up the flavors properly.
-
Balance Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding it to ensure harmony between sweet, salty, and tangy notes, providing a well-balanced Chicken Chow Fun experience.
Chicken Chow Fun Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Chicken Chow Fun?
Absolutely! I recommend using boneless chicken thighs for the juiciest bites, but boneless chicken breasts work just as well if you prefer a leaner option. Look for fresh cuts that are not discolored or slimy to ensure a tasty meal.
How should I store leftover Chicken Chow Fun?
After enjoying your delicious Chicken Chow Fun, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it cools down first to preserve its flavors and texture.
Can I freeze Chicken Chow Fun?
Very! You can freeze Chicken Chow Fun for up to 2 months. To prevent sogginess, I recommend omitting the bean sprouts before freezing. Place the dish in a freezer-safe container, and be sure to label it with the date for easy reference when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
How can I revive frozen Chicken Chow Fun?
To bring your Chicken Chow Fun back to life, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to heat it up, pour it into a heated pan over medium heat with a splash of water. Stir frequently for about 5-7 minutes until heated through, and it’ll be just as delicious as the first time!
What if my Chicken Chow Fun turns out too wet?
If you find that your Chicken Chow Fun is too saucy, don’t worry! Simply cook it for a few extra minutes over medium-high heat, allowing some of the moisture to evaporate. You can also add a bit more noodle or bean sprouts to absorb the excess sauce.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind for Chicken Chow Fun?
Absolutely! If you have food allergies, be mindful of the soy sauce and oyster sauce, as they can contain gluten and shellfish. For a gluten-free version, simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, this dish can easily be made vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or extra veggies, so feel free to customize it to fit your dietary needs!
Savory Chicken Chow Fun: Easy Fried Rice Noodles at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Marinate the chicken with light soy sauce, baking soda, and sesame oil in a bowl for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the marinated chicken to the pan, cooking while stirring frequently until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate ginger and garlic into the pan, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the thinly sliced bell peppers, spring onion, and bean sprouts, stir fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Whisk together oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, and water in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the stir-fried ingredients and gently add the boiled flat rice noodles. Mix everything together.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.