Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, sliced into thin 1/2-inch wide bite-sized pieces (boneless skinless chicken breasts may be substituted)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (reduced sodium or dark soy sauce based on preference)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Noodles
- 1 pound udon noodles, prepared according to package directions (substitute yakisoba, ramen, spaghetti noodles, or preferred noodles)
Stir Fry Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (remaining from the 4 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced or grated (or about 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger)
Vegetables and Cooking Oils
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (grapeseed, canola or vegetable oil), divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced vertically (white onion may be substituted)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
- 2 cups bok choy pieces, trimmed and sliced into 2-inch wide segments
- 2 to 3 scallions, sliced into thin rounds (white and green parts separated)
- Red or green chile pepper, sliced very thin (optional for garnish; red pepper flakes may be used)
- Optional garnishes: toasted sesame seeds, additional sliced scallion, chopped cilantro, lime wedges for squeezing
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the sliced chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and set aside to marinate for 10 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the udon noodles according to package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Make Stir Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced or grated ginger until well combined. Set this sauce aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same skillet (do not clean it), add additional oil if needed. Add the sliced onions and julienned carrots, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate the bok choy pieces and the white parts of the scallions into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the vegetables reach your desired tenderness, stirring often to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared stir fry sauce evenly over the mixture. Toss everything together to coat the noodles and vegetables thoroughly.
- Finish with Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring and tossing everything together. Stir fry the full mixture for about 1 minute, or until heated through and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Optionally garnish with toasted sesame seeds, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, sliced chile peppers, and lime wedges before serving to enhance flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You may substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred.
- If soy sauce options vary, reduced sodium or dark soy sauces can be used; dark soy sauce delivers a deeper umami flavor but is saltier.
- Noodles can be substituted with yakisoba, ramen, spaghetti, or any favorite noodle type depending on availability.
- Vegetables are flexible and can be swapped based on what you have; bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli could be good additions.
- To avoid overcooked vegetables, cook them until just crisp-tender before adding noodles that will continue cooking during the final stir fry.
- Add chiles or red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer some heat in your stir fry.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 2-3 days and can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian