If you’re craving a dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly chewy noodles all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, then this Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe is truly a winner. It’s a wonderful blend of textures and flavors, inspired by beloved Asian street food but simple enough to whip up at home any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish offers a comforting, colorful, and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish so delightful to eat.
- Hokkien noodles (500g/1 lb): These thick, chewy noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, giving you the perfect bite every time.
- Chicken thighs (350g/12 oz, boneless, skinless): Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender, juicy bites that hold up well against the noodles.
- Canola oil (2 tbsp): A neutral-flavored oil great for stir-frying without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely minced): Adds a fragrant depth and warmth essential to Asian cooking.
- Green onion stems (8, cut into lengths, separate whites and greens): The white parts lend a gentle bite while the greens add a fresh finish.
- Red capsicum (1, thin strips): Provides sweetness and a lively splash of red to brighten the plate.
- Green cabbage (3 heaped cups, thin strips): Brings a mild crunch and slightly sweet earthiness.
- Light soy sauce (2 tbsp): Adds saltiness and body to the sauce.
- Dark soy sauce (1 1/2 tbsp): Gives color and a touch of caramelized sweetness.
- Oyster sauce (2 tbsp): Boosts umami for rich, savory goodness.
- Mirin or Chinese cooking wine (1 tbsp): Balances flavors with subtle sweetness and acidity.
- Toasted sesame oil (1 tbsp): A small drizzle at the end imparts a wonderful nutty aroma.
- White pepper (1/8 tsp): Adds a gentle, aromatic heat that’s more nuanced than black pepper.
- White sesame seeds: For toasting and sprinkling as garnish to add texture and visual appeal.
- Finely sliced green onion: A fresh, vibrant garnish to brighten each bite.
How to Make Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before firing up the stove, slice your chicken thighs into thin strips approximately 0.5 by 3 cm; this ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Cut your vegetables—capsicum into thin strips and cabbage into slender slices about 1 by 5 cm—to maintain a perfect tender-crisp texture after stir-frying. Separate the white and green parts of the green onions because they’ll be added at different stages for maximum flavor impact. Finally, set your sauces and oils within easy reach because this recipe cooks fast!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of canola oil in a large pan or wok on medium-high heat. Add the finely minced garlic and the white parts of the green onions and sauté until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds to 1 minute. Toss in the sliced chicken and stir-fry until it’s no longer pink and starting to gain a golden edge, about 3 to 4 minutes. This quick cooking seals in the juices that keep the meat tender for every delicious mouthful.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the wok. Add the capsicum and cabbage, stir-frying vigorously to maintain that crisp freshness. The high heat keeps the veggies vibrant and slightly crunchy—exactly what you want for balanced texture alongside the soft noodles and tender chicken. This usually takes around 2 minutes, just enough to brighten and soften but not overcook.
Step 4: Toss in the Noodles and Sauces
Now, add your Hokkien noodles straight from the package—no need to precook them if refrigerated, just loosen them in the pan. Pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin or cooking wine. Stir everything quickly but thoroughly, making sure the sauce evenly coats every noodle and vegetable. This is where all the tasty flavors come together into that signature savory-sweet glaze. Season with white pepper to finish the stir-fry.
Step 5: Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnishes
Turn off the heat and drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the noodles, tossing gently but well to infuse that irresistible nutty fragrance. Sprinkle with toasted white sesame seeds and the green parts of your sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp pop. The dish is ready to serve immediately while everything is piping hot and vibrant.
How to Serve Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted white sesame seeds and bright green onion tops not only adds a gorgeous touch but also introduces pops of texture and freshness that elevate each mouthful. Feel free to add a wedge of lime for a zesty kick if you like a little tang alongside your savory noodles.
Side Dishes
Serve your Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe with simple sides like steamed bok choy or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing balance. Pickled vegetables or a bowl of hot miso soup also complements the bold flavors beautifully without overshadowing the star noodle dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, plate your noodles in a shallow bowl and top with crispy fried shallots or crushed peanuts for crunch. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter, letting everyone help themselves and customize with chili oil, fresh herbs, or extra soy sauce. Presentation is a chance to get playful and make the meal feel special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hokkien noodles with chicken keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because the noodles soak up the sauce, they may thicken slightly, but a quick toss in a hot pan or microwave with a splash of water or broth revives them nicely.
Freezing
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the noodles might change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit softer. If you plan to freeze, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers and consume within one month for the best taste and quality.
Reheating
To reheat, stir-fry the noodles in a hot pan with a splash of water or broth, tossing frequently to warm through evenly without drying out. Alternatively, microwave on medium power, stirring halfway, until piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely, chicken breast works fine if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook it since breast meat can dry out more quickly than thighs. Slice thinly and watch the cooking time closely.
Do I need to pre-cook the Hokkien noodles?
If you’re using fresh or refrigerated Hokkien noodles, you can add them directly to the stir-fry without pre-cooking. Just loosen them gently before adding so they separate well in the pan.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce or need a vegetarian option, a mix of soy sauce and mushroom sauce or hoisin sauce can provide a similar umami depth, though flavor will vary slightly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Try adding sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and color. Just adjust your stir-fry times to keep everything crisp-tender.
Is this dish spicy?
This classic Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe is mild and savory, but you can always add chili flakes, fresh sliced chilies, or a drizzle of chili oil to spice things up if you like some heat.
Final Thoughts
This Hokkien Noodles with Chicken Recipe embodies everything joyful about home-cooked food—simple ingredients transformed into something truly delicious, colorful, and satisfying. Give it a go and enjoy the wonderful textures, flavors, and comforting warmth that this dish brings to your table. I promise you’ll want to make it again and again!
