There’s something truly delightful about the way a stir-fried dish fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. As I toss together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked Pad Thai noodles, it transports me to the bustling streets of Thailand, where locals savor this classic dish in every corner.
After a long week of juggling work and responsibilities, nothing feels better than whipping up this satisfying stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables recipe that thrives on simplicity and bold flavors. With just a handful of ingredients, including savory oyster and soy sauces, you’ll create a meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with freshness and warmth.
Let’s dive into this easy, crowd-pleasing creation that promises to bring comfort to your dining table, leaving fast food far behind in the rearview mirror. Grab your wok, and let’s get cooking!
Why love stir-fried rice noodles with chicken?
Bold flavors: The combination of oyster and soy sauces brings a depth that elevates every bite, making it a taste sensation you’ll crave.
Quick prep: Under 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish suits busy weeknights, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Colorful veggies: Fresh mushrooms, carrots, and spring onions not only add eye-catching color but also boost the nutritional value, making each plate both delicious and wholesome.
Versatile choice: Feel free to swap in any of your favorite proteins or add extra veggies—this recipe adapts beautifully to your personal preferences!
Family-friendly: With its delightful taste and appealing presentation, everyone will love digging into this hearty meal, leaving you with clean plates and happy faces.
For more new ideas on quick meals, check out our recipe for quick stir-fried noodles.
Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chicken Ingredients
• Get ready for a flavorful experience!
For the Sauce
• Maggi Oyster Sauce – adds a rich umami flavor that enhances the dish.
• Pearl River Bridge Superior Light Soy Sauce – brings a savory saltiness that balances the sweetness of the oyster sauce.
• Lee Kum Kee Chilli Garlic Sauce (optional) – adds a kick of heat if you’re looking to spice things up!
For the Noodles
• Erawan Pad Thai Noodles – these noodles are perfect for achieving that authentic stir-fry texture.
For Cooking
• Olive Oil – used for sautéing, it lends a light flavor and helps to achieve a beautiful golden color.
For the Protein
• Coles RSPCA Approved Chicken Mince – tender and juicy, this chicken provides the protein base for your meal.
For the Vegetables
• Fresh Loose Cup Mushrooms – these add an earthy flavor and a nice texture to the dish.
• Carrot – cut into thin matchstick-size strips, it offers sweetness and crunch.
• Brown Onion – adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stir-fry when sautéed until soft.
• Spring Onion – used as a fresh garnish, it lends a lovely green touch and a mild onion flavor.
Feel free to mix and match veggies or proteins, making these stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables your own!
How to Make Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chicken
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Whisk: In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chilli garlic sauce (if using), and 2 tablespoons of water. This sauce will add depth and flavor to your noodles.
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Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the Erawan Pad Thai noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Sauté Chicken: In a wok or large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mince and cook it undisturbed for 2 minutes until well browned. Break it up and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
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Set Aside: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a heatproof bowl and set it aside while you prepare the vegetables.
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Stir-Fry Veggies: In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and raise the heat to high. When the oil is smoking, toss in the mushrooms, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
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Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Then, add the cooked noodles and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Optional: Garnish with sliced spring onions for an extra flavor boost!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chicken Variations
Bring a delightful twist to your classic stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables by exploring these exciting variations!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute rice noodles for traditional Pad Thai noodles to enjoy this dish without gluten. Perfect for those with dietary restrictions!
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Vegetarian: Use tofu instead of chicken for a protein-packed vegetarian dish. Simply sauté until golden and add your favorite vegetables for a wholesome meal.
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or extra chilli garlic sauce to the sauce mixture for a fiery flavor boost that spice lovers will adore.
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Savory Alternative: Swap chicken for shrimp or beef, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Each protein brings a unique taste and texture addition.
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Crispy Texture: Top with crushed peanuts or cashews for an added crunch. This delightful contrast makes each bite more nuanced and satisfying.
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Extra Veggies: Incorporate a medley of bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for vibrant colors and extra nutrients. Each addition brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise!
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Herb Infusion: Sprinkle fresh basil or cilantro before serving for a fresh, aromatic layer. These herbs elevate the traditional flavors to new aromatic heights.
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Coconut Cream: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamier sauce that enhances the overall richness and adds a tropical flair to your dish.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to create a stir-fried rice noodle dish uniquely yours!
Make Ahead Options
These stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables up to 3 days in advance; simply store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can cook the chicken mince ahead of time—just refrigerate it too, and it will be just as delicious when reheated. When you’re ready to enjoy your meal, just boil the noodles (they only take about 4-5 minutes) and stir-fry everything together in under 10 minutes. This way, you can have a homemade, satisfying dinner ready to serve on busy weeknights with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Pad Thai Noodles with Chicken?
Transform your meal experience with delightful sides that enhance the flavor and heartiness of your stir-fried rice noodles.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These golden delights offer a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping in a sweet chili sauce.
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Fresh Asian Salad: A salad with crunchy bok choy, cilantro, and a zingy lime dressing adds bright, refreshing notes to your plate.
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Sesame Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli drizzled with sesame oil brings richness, balancing the noodles splendidly while keeping the meal colorful.
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Tropical Fruit Salad: Chunks of pineapple and mango elevate the meal with a sweet and tangy twist, cleansing the palate beautifully.
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Garlic Edamame: These tender soybeans, seasoned with garlic and sea salt, are a perfect snack that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
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Chilled Beer: A light lager complements the flavors of the stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables, making for a refreshing pairing.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, the sweet, creamy sticky rice paired with luscious mango is a fantastic finish, celebrating the meal perfectly.
Each of these pairings beautifully complements the rich and aromatic flavors of your Pad Thai, creating a culinary journey that will delight everyone at your table!
Tips for the Best Stir-Fried Rice Noodles
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Noodle Cook Time: Watch the noodles closely while cooking, as overcooking can result in a mushy texture, making them less enjoyable in your stir-fried rice noodles with chicken and vegetables.
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High Heat Searing: Ensure your wok is hot enough before adding ingredients; this helps achieve that delightful sear on the chicken and vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Vegetable Variety: Don’t hesitate to mix in other favorite veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. It keeps the dish colorful and maximizes nutrition!
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Sauce Balance: Keep a taste-check for your sauce. Adjust the seasoning to fit your palate, ensuring a lovely balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors in your dish.
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Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; these stir-fried rice noodles with chicken will keep well for a couple of days, making for easy reheating and delicious lunches!
Storage Tips for Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chicken
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the stir-fried rice noodles with chicken fresh and ready for quick meals.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool the noodles completely before freezing to maintain texture.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving at room temperature for over 2 hours to ensure food safety. Enjoy your delicious noodles safely!
Pad Thai Noodles with Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of noodles should I use for Pad Thai?
You should use Erawan Pad Thai Noodles for this recipe, as they provide the perfect texture for stir-frying. They will hold up beautifully during cooking and absorb the delicious flavors from the sauces!
How should I store leftover stir-fried rice noodles with chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for quick and easy reheats during a busy week!
Can I freeze stir-fried rice noodles with chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze, let the noodles cool completely, then transfer them into a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. For reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to bring back moisture.
What should I do if my noodles are too sticky?
If your noodles become sticky after cooking, there are a couple of handy tricks! First, rinse them thoroughly under cold water right after boiling to remove excess starch. If they stick together during cooking, try adding a little drizzle of olive oil or a splash of water while stir-frying to separate them.
Are there any dietary considerations for making Pad Thai?
Yes! If you’re cooking for guests with allergies, always check the labels of sauces like oyster and soy, as they can contain allergens like gluten or shellfish. Additionally, make sure your chicken is RSPCA approved if you’re concerned about animal welfare, and feel free to swap in a vegetarian protein alternative, such as tofu or tempeh, to make this dish plant-based!
How can I make stir-fried rice noodles with chicken more spicy?
If you’re a fan of heat, you can easily amp up the spice by adding more Lee Kum Kee Chilli Garlic Sauce to the sauce mixture. I recommend starting with an additional teaspoon or two, tasting as you go to ensure it meets your desired spice level!
Feel free to dive into the kitchen with confidence and make this delightful dish your own!
Flavor-Packed Stir-Fried Rice Noodles with Chicken & Veggies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, chilli garlic sauce (if using), and 2 tablespoons of water.
- Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the Erawan Pad Thai noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken mince and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until browned. Break it up and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a heatproof bowl and set aside while preparing the vegetables.
- In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and raise the heat. Toss in the mushrooms, carrot, and onion. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Add the cooked noodles and toss until well combined.
- Garnish with sliced spring onions if desired.