Sesame Noodles with Chicken {20 Minutes}
This sesame noodle with chicken and broccoli is a perfect quick and delicious dinner in under 20 minutes. It embodies the perfect balance of taste and texture. You will never want to go back to any take-out noodles again. Made with juicy and tender chicken thighs, crunchy broccoli, and traditional Chinese noodles, the magic of this dish is brought together by a sticky and flavorful sesame sauce.
If you are looking for a one-pan meal that you can whip up on a busy weeknight, you are going to love this recipe.
The simple ingredients in this recipe are stir-fried together to create such umami flavors and diverse textures. Every bite will leave you with satisfaction.
Ingredients for Sesame Noodles with Chicken
Chicken Thighs bring a rich and juicy protein element to this dish. You can also use chicken breast here.
Shaoxing Wine is my go-to ingredient to marinate meat. It brings out the sweet and savory flavors of meat. If you don’t have any in hand, you can omit it.
Chinese Thin Wheat Noodles (拉面 La Mian) are hands down the best noodles for this recipe. It is tender, soft and can hold all the flavors of the sauce in addition to its own flavor.
Coconut Aminos provide a savory and sweet base for the sauce. It is my go-to soy sauce alternative. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce here.
Sesame oil is rich and aromatic, perfect to serve as the star flavor to this sauce.
Honey is the sweet element in this sauce. It also gives the sauce a thicker and stickier texture.
Rice Vinegar adds a little bit of acidity that is perfect to balance the sweetness of the sauce.
Garlic (sauteed) elevates the flavor of this dish to the next level. It is nutty, umami, and a little sweet.
Broccoli provides a crunchy and fresh contrast to the noodles and chicken. Additionally, adding a vegetable option makes this a complete meal.
You can either add the broccoli to the boiling water with noodles for a few minutes or roast them the way you like. If you have leftover broccoli in the fridge, go ahead and toss them in.
Salt to taste.
How to Make Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli
A few Techniques to Make the Best One-Pan Noodles
Since there are quite a few elements in this dish, the timing and techniques are key to making the perfect one pan noodle dish.
Marinate the chicken: Marinate, marinate, marinate. This is the secret to the most flavorful bite of chicken. The longer time you give the chicken to soak in the flavors, the better they will turn out.
Sear the chicken first: Since the chicken takes the longest to cook and the timing varies depending on the size of the chicken, they need to be cooked through first.
Prepare the noodles and broccoli separately: Noodles and broccoli are both added to pan along with the cooked chicken. Since the chicken thighs are already cooked through, noodles and broccoli will also need to be ready-to-go.
To cook the broccoli, you can either boil them with the noodle for a few minutes or you can roast them separately. I also like using leftover broccoli if you have any you need to use up.
Bring the sauce in without overcooking: When you are ready to add the sauce, turn the heat to simmer. Toss gently to ensure the sauce is combined with all the ingredients thoroughly. Then turn off the heat.
The same techniques can also be used for my Asian Peanut Noodles. If you are a noodle lover like me, add this one to your dinner rotation as well.
The Fun of Garnishing A Noodle Dish
There are so many delicious elements in this dish. However, to take it to the next level, I don’t skip the garnishing part. It also makes the dish look more elegant.
Since all the ingredients are cooked in this one pan noodle dish, I like to add a touch of fresh elements, like chopped green onion or chopped cilantro.
Want a little crunch? Try one of these:
- A drizzle of chili crisp
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fried wonton strips
Other Variations You Can Spice up this Sesame Noodle
This recipe is so versatile. You can serve it warm out of the pan or enjoy it cold (if you have leftovers)
There are so many ways to add your own flare to this dish.
Rainbow of vegetables: Carrots, bell peppers, snap peas,and thinly sliced cabbages are all great options to add some extra veggie crunch.
Other Protein suggestions: Try seared tofu to make this a vegan-friendly dish. I also love shrimp or beef.
Noodles: If you don’t have access to Chinese noodles, angel hair is my next favorite alternative. Ramen noodles would also be a great option.
This sesame noodles with chicken and broccoli is a comfort meal that my family and I love. Despite how busy your schedule is, this quick and delicious meal would be a crowd-pleaser item to add to your weekly menu.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe. Let me know in the comment section below. Hope you enjoy it!
I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS
Get the recipe:Sesame Noodle with Chicken {20 Minutes}
Ingredients
- 8 oz Chinese thin noodles, La Mian
- 8 oz Broccoli Florets
Chicken Marinade/Breading
- 1 lbs chicken thighs
- 2 – 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- Salt to taste *
- 3 tbsp oil for frying
- 2 tbsp arrowroot starch, optional
Sesame Sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 2 – 3 tbsp honey, or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup filtered water
Garnish
- Scallion and sesame seeds for garnish
Equipment
Instructions
- First, cut the chicken into medium to small cubes. In a bowl, add shaoxing wine, coconut aminos and salt to the chicken. Combine well. Let it marinate for at least 20 mibutes or overnight to absorb the flavors.
- Before cooking, mix the starch (if using) thoroughly in the chicken. This step can help keep the chicken extra soft and juicy.
- Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a non-sticking pan. Once the oil is shimmering, add in minced garlic. Saute for 30 – 45 seconds or until fragrant (Proceed the next step quickly, because the garlic will start to burn if cooked for too long)
- Place the marinated chicken in the hot oil and fry all sides until golden brown and crispy. Chicken is thoroughly cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165F. (Discard the rest of the marinade if there is any left).
- While the chicken is cooking, cook the noodles 1 – 2 minutes less than the time listed on the pacakge instruction.
- To cook the broccoli florets, you can add them to the noodles the last 3 – 4 mintues of cooking. Or roast them seperately.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, add noodles and broccoli to the pan. Turn the heat to simmer.
- Whisk together the rest of the sesame sauce ingredients until no clump is left. Pour the sauce into the pot.
- Gently combine until all the ingredients are thouroughl coated by the sauce.
- Garnish chicken with sesame seeds or chopped scallion. Enjoy!
Notes
- *Coconut amino itself is salty, so take that into consideration when you salt the chicken.
- ** The smaller you cut the chicken, the faster they cook.
The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.
