Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes

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The sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot skillet, the aroma of garlic mingling with soy sauce, and the pop of vibrant veggies—this Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is everything you need for a quick, satisfying dinner. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’re dining at your favorite noodle spot, but in the comfort of your own kitchen. With ramen noodles soaking up an irresistible sauce, tender chicken, and colorful veggies, this dish is a weeknight winner.

I stumbled upon this creation during one of those “what’s in my pantry” nights. With a packet of ramen and some leftover chicken in the fridge, inspiration struck, and it’s been on repeat ever since. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or your friends, this recipe is proof that you can whip up something delicious in no time. Let’s dive into the details of why this dish deserves a spot on your menu this week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
  • Simple Ingredients: No need for a trip to specialty stores—all you need are basic pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors and fun texture of ramen noodles.
  • Versatile: You can customize this stir fry with your favorite vegetables, proteins, or even make it vegetarian!
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A mix of salty soy sauce, sweet honey, and the zing of garlic and ginger creates a sauce that’s good enough to drink. (But maybe don’t.)
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup required—because who has time for a sink full of dishes?

What sets this chicken ramen stir fry apart is the combination of tender noodles with crispy veggies and juicy chicken, all soaked in a deliciously sticky sauce. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes—comforting, flavorful, and satisfying. Plus, you can tweak it to suit whatever you have on hand, making it a no-fuss recipe that fits your needs.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients to create bold flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
  • Ramen noodles: Any brand works, but avoid the seasoning packet—our homemade sauce is way better!
  • Vegetable oil: For stir-frying; you can use canola oil or avocado oil as alternatives.
  • Soy sauce: Regular or low-sodium, depending on your preference.
  • Oyster sauce: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness to the sauce. If you need a substitute, hoisin sauce works well.
  • Honey: Perfect for balancing out the savory flavors of the sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced for that unmistakable burst of flavor.
  • Ginger: Freshly grated is best, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
  • Vegetables: I love using broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, but feel free to swap in snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
  • Green onions: Thinly sliced for garnish and added freshness.
  • Sesame seeds: Optional, but they add a lovely nutty crunch.

If you’re looking to make this gluten-free, simply opt for gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles instead of ramen. Don’t have oyster sauce? No problem! Soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar can mimic the flavor profile nicely.

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or wok: A heavy-bottomed skillet or wok works best for even cooking and quick stir-frying.
  • Pot: To boil the ramen noodles.
  • Tongs or spatula: For stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
  • Knife: A sharp knife for cutting chicken and veggies.
  • Cutting board: Keep one handy for chopping your ingredients.

If you don’t own a wok, no worries—a large skillet works just as well. Just make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. And if your knives aren’t super sharp, give them a quick sharpen to make slicing those veggies a breeze!

Preparation Method

chicken ramen stir fry preparation steps

  1. Start by cooking your ramen noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the noodles are cooking, prepare your chicken. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
  4. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet and toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Throw in your vegetables. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. If you’re using harder vegetables like carrots, give them a head start before adding softer veggies like bell peppers.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add this sauce to the skillet and stir well, coating the veggies evenly.
  7. Return the chicken to the skillet and mix it with the sauce and veggies. Let it heat through for about 2 minutes.
  8. Add the cooked ramen noodles to the skillet. Use tongs to toss everything together, ensuring the noodles soak up all that tasty sauce.
  9. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some handy tips to make sure your chicken ramen stir fry turns out perfectly every time:

  • Prep in advance: Chop your veggies and mix your sauce before you start cooking. Stir-frying happens quickly, so you won’t have time to prep during the process.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your skillet or wok is too small, cook the chicken and veggies in batches to avoid steaming instead of stir-frying.
  • Cook noodles to al dente: You’ll be tossing them in the sauce later, so keep them slightly firm when boiling.
  • Use high heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to sear the ingredients and lock in flavor. Don’t be afraid to crank up the heat!
  • Taste as you go: Adjust the sauce to your liking—add more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.

And if you forget to defrost the chicken? No problem! Just put it in a bowl of cold water to thaw while you prep the rest. Easy-peasy!

Variations & Adaptations

  • Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for tofu or just load up on your favorite vegetables.
  • Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
  • Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free soy sauce and swap ramen noodles for rice noodles or zucchini noodles.
  • Seasonal veggies: In summer, try snap peas and cherry tomatoes; in winter, go for mushrooms and kale.
  • Change the protein: Use shrimp, beef strips, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a different twist.

One of my favorite adaptations? Adding a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce for a tangy flair—it’s a game-changer!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is best enjoyed fresh and hot, but if you have leftovers, here’s what to do:

  • Serving: Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation, or plate it up with a squeeze of lime and extra sesame seeds for a pop of flavor.
  • Pairing ideas: Pair with a side of steamed dumplings, spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad for a complete meal.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Avoid microwaving to keep the texture intact.

Pro-tip: The flavors intensify overnight, so don’t be afraid to make this ahead for meal prep!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This recipe packs protein, veggies, and satisfying carbs into one easy meal. Here’s a rough breakdown:

  • Calories: Approximately 450 per serving.
  • Protein: Packed with lean chicken, this dish is a great source of protein to fuel your day.
  • Veggie goodness: Get your daily dose of vitamins and minerals with the colorful mix of vegetables.
  • Low sugar: The honey adds just enough sweetness without overloading on sugar.
  • Customizable: Easily adapted to suit dietary needs like gluten-free or low-carb diets.

With wholesome ingredients and balanced flavors, this stir fry is as nutritious as it is delicious!

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that feels like a treat but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is the answer. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find yourself craving, and with so many ways to customize it, you’ll never get bored.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! Share your adaptations in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Absolutely! Frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them slightly and pat them dry before adding them to the skillet.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! If you have leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken, shred it and add it to the stir fry during the final step when combining everything.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the veggies and sauce ahead of time. Cook the dish fresh for best results, but leftovers also reheat beautifully!

Can I freeze this dish?

While freshly made is best, you can freeze the stir fry. Store in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet for the best texture.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can substitute oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or use soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.

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Easy Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe Ready in 20 Minutes

A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring ramen noodles, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies in a sticky, savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!

  • Author: paula
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 packets ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil (or canola/avocado oil)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce as a substitute)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or ground ginger)
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet and sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Add the sauce to the skillet and stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet and mix with the sauce and vegetables. Heat through for 2 minutes.
  8. Add cooked ramen noodles to the skillet and toss everything together using tongs.
  9. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

[‘Prep veggies and sauce ahead of time for smoother cooking.’, ‘Cook noodles to al dente to avoid sogginess.’, ‘Use high heat for stir-frying to lock in flavors.’, ‘Adjust sauce to taste by adding more soy sauce or honey.’]

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 900
  • Fat: 15
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Carbohydrates: 45
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 30

Keywords: Chicken Ramen, Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Asian Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Easy Recipe

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