This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that transforms simple ramen noodles into a satisfying weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned noodles tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce, this one-pan meal is both easy to prepare and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this dish offers a comforting and customizable option that rivals your favorite takeout.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and bold flavors. It’s an excellent way to elevate plain ramen noodles by turning them into a complete meal loaded with protein and fresh veggies. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a total cooking time of under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights, college students, or anyone craving a homemade meal without the hassle. No need to order takeout—this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor using pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the base:
- 2 (3 oz) packages instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Other essentials:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Ramen Noodles
Cook the ramen noodles according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 1 minute to ensure they remain slightly firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside. This step prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when added to the stir fry later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Set the sauce aside for later use. Preparing the sauce in advance ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the mixed stir-fry vegetables. Sauté the vegetables for 3–5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Cooking the vegetables to this texture ensures they retain their vibrant color and crunch while blending seamlessly with the other components of the dish.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked ramen noodles and pour the prepared sauce evenly over the mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring the noodles and ingredients are well coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the noodles.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal. Serve the stir fry hot and enjoy every bite of this flavorful meal.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and substitute tofu or tempeh for added protein. Alternatively, load up on extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
- Try different noodles: Swap ramen noodles for rice noodles, soba, or udon for a unique twist.
- Change the protein: Use shrimp, beef, or another protein of your choice instead of chicken.
- Add crunch: Toss in peanuts or cashews for a satisfying texture and an extra boost of protein.
- Sweet and spicy flavor: Add a splash of honey and a drizzle of sriracha for a sweet-and-spicy kick.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles. Alternatively, microwave the dish, stirring halfway through and adding a touch of liquid to maintain moisture.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy after thawing.
Philly Cheesesteak Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced steak (e.g., ribeye)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using). Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add ground beef or sliced steak to the skillet. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until fully browned, then drain excess grease.
- Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese and beef broth until smooth. Pour evenly over the beef mixture in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the mixture. Layer provolone cheese slices on top to cover the entire surface.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is set and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm!
Notes
Nutrition
FAQs
- Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Yes, instant ramen noodles work perfectly. Just discard the seasoning packets and slightly undercook the noodles before adding them to the stir fry. - What vegetables are best for this stir fry?
Bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and cabbage all work wonderfully. Use fresh or frozen vegetables based on availability. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken can be added during the final stir-fry step to heat through. - How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Toss the cooked noodles in a little sesame oil to prevent them from clumping before adding them to the stir fry. - Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your ramen noodles are gluten-free. - What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work just as well if cooked properly. - How spicy is this dish?
The dish is mild unless you add chili flakes or sriracha. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. - Is this good for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats well and makes a fantastic lunch. Store it in single-serve containers for convenient grab-and-go meals. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger wok or skillet and stir-fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Conclusion
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a fast, flexible, and flavorful meal that turns humble ingredients into something truly special. With its savory sauce, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables, it’s a go-to dinner that’s easy to prepare and even easier to love. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you’re craving a homemade takeout-style dish, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken, crisp veggies, and ramen noodles are tossed in a savory stir-fry sauce for a satisfying weeknight dinner that’s better than takeout!
Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Recipe Card
Ingredients
(Scale: 1x | 2x | 3x)
For the base:
- 2 (3 oz) packages instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas)
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the sauce:
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ¼ teaspoon ground ginger)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Other essentials:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Cook ramen noodles according to package directions, reducing the cooking time by 1 minute. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add veggies and sauté for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the pan, add cooked noodles, and pour the sauce over everything.
- Toss well to combine and cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat everything.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- You can use frozen stir-fry veggies—just thaw before adding.
- Swap ramen for rice noodles or lo mein if desired.
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