If you are looking for a quick, vibrant, and utterly delicious meal, this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining tender chicken, crisp veggies, and perfectly cooked ramen noodles tossed in a savory sauce, it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that comes together in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend lunch, this dish has that magic touch to be both comforting and exciting. The balance of the soy and oyster sauce with the freshness of ginger and garlic makes this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe a go-to recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things straightforward but bring a fantastic mix of flavors, colors, and textures that make this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe so memorable. Each one adds its own special touch, from the peppery snap peas to the rich sesame oil, building layers of taste with every bite.
- Ramen noodles (2 packages, 6 oz each, seasoning discarded): The perfect quick-cooking base that soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 lb, bite-sized pieces): Juicy and tender, these cook quickly and stay flavorful.
- Vegetable oil (2 tbsp): Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds bright color and a sweet crunch to the dish.
- Snap peas (1 cup): Their natural snap brings a fresh, lively texture.
- Carrot (1, julienned): Delivers subtle sweetness and lovely vibrancy.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the stir fry with aromatic depth.
- Ginger (1 tbsp, minced): Adds a zesty, warming spice note.
- Green onions (3, sliced – white and green parts separated): White parts for cooking, green parts for garnish and fresh sharpness.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): The salty backbone that ties all flavors together.
- Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): A rich, umami-packed component that elevates the stir fry.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Provides a toasty, nutty aroma that makes the dish irresistible.
- Sugar (1 tsp): Balances out savory and salty with a subtle sweetness.
- White pepper (1/4 tsp): Contributes gentle heat and depth without overwhelming.
How to Make Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Sauce
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil for the ramen noodles—you’re aiming for just a quick 2-minute cook to keep that perfect slight chewiness. While the water heats, whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper to create that savory-sweet sauce foundation for the stir fry. Having this sauce ready makes the final step seamless and full of flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Toss in your bite-sized chicken pieces and stir-fry them until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. The key here is to get that nice caramelization that adds extra depth. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—don’t skip this step to keep the juices locked in and your chicken tender.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil. Throw in the red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot, stir-frying them for about 2 to 3 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. This short cooking keeps the vibrant colors popping and the veggies retaining their crunch, which contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken and noodles.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Time for those beautiful aromatics to shine. Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Stir-fry quickly for around 30 seconds until fragrant—the scent will fill your kitchen and make it impossible not to dive straight into this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Drain the noodles well after cooking. Now send the chicken back to the pan along with the cooked noodles and pour in your prepared sauce. Toss everything together with the heat on high for 2 to 3 minutes to meld all those flavors and ensure everything is evenly coated and piping hot. This final quick toss is what pulls the whole dish together beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions over the top just before serving. This adds a fresh, zesty bite and a lovely pop of color that makes each plate look absolutely inviting. You could also scatter some toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra sesame oil for that finishing touch that elevates the experience.
Side Dishes
This stir fry is satisfying on its own, but you can serve it alongside simple steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli for an extra vegetable boost. A crisp cucumber salad on the side with a light vinaigrette also complements the savory depth of the Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe wonderfully, adding a cool contrast to the warm, slightly saucy noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual bowls topped with a soft-boiled egg for added richness and beauty. You could also present it in lettuce cups for a hand-held version that’s both fresh and interactive. Even garnishing with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can give a bright citrus lift that makes every bite pop with brightness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, and as the flavors marry over time, it might taste even better the next day.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the stir fry without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon thawing. Keep the chicken and vegetables with sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat with freshly cooked noodles for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat, adding a splash of water or a little more soy sauce if the dish seems dry. Toss gently until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to retain the original stir-fry crispness and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but keep in mind it tends to be leaner and can dry out faster, so cook it quickly and with care for juicy results.
Is it necessary to discard the ramen seasoning packets?
Yes, discarding the seasoning packets is best because they are often salty and don’t blend well with the fresh sauce you’re preparing, which gives much better control over the flavor.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and swap oyster sauce for a vegetarian alternative like mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce to keep it packed with umami.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe isn’t spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies to give it some heat if you like things fiery.
What type of noodles can I substitute for ramen?
You can use other thin wheat noodles or even soba, but be mindful of cooking times and textures so they don’t become mushy during stir-frying.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about a hearty, colorful stir fry that comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor, and this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe does just that. It’s perfect for any day you crave a cozy, filling meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again because it’s just that good and beautifully adaptable.
Print
Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish combining tender chicken thighs, crisp vegetables, and tender ramen noodles tossed in a savory soy and oyster sauce blend. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that delivers comforting yet vibrant flavors with a satisfying mix of textures.
Ingredients
Ramen Noodles
- 2 packages (6 oz each) ramen noodles, seasoning packets discarded
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
Sauce & Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp white pepper
Instructions
- Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a boil to cook the ramen noodles later.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and white pepper. Mix well and set aside for later use.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the chopped chicken thighs and stir-fry until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas, and julienned carrot. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are crisp-tender but still vibrant.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the vegetables. Continue stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant and well combined.
- Cook Noodles: While stir-frying the vegetables, add the ramen noodles to the boiling water and cook for about 2 minutes, slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness. Drain the noodles thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the drained ramen noodles and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes, tossing well to coat the noodles and ingredients evenly and to heat through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Discard the seasoning packets from the ramen noodles, as the homemade sauce provides all the necessary flavor.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but thighs yield juicier results.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli for variety.
- Adjust sauce ingredients to taste, especially the sugar and soy sauce for sweetness and saltiness.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil during step 7.
