Better Than Takeout: 25-Minute Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry!
Craving a fast, flavor-packed dinner that beats takeout?
This Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry is your new weeknight hero!
Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and bouncy ramen noodles are tossed in a bold, savory, slightly spicy sauce—all in just 25 minutes.
Made with pantry staples, it’s quick, customizable, and ridiculously delicious.
Once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
For the Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry
- Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Red Bell Pepper – Adds a sweet, crisp contrast to the savory sauce.
- Garlic – A key flavor booster that enhances the dish’s depth.
- Napa Cabbage – Brings a slight crunch and absorbs the sauce well.
- Green Onions – Adds freshness and a mild oniony kick.
- Ramen Noodles – The perfect chewy base for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Sesame Seeds – Optional, but great for a nutty finish
For the Sauce
- Soy Sauce – The foundation of the sauce, adding deep umami flavor.
- Sesame Oil – Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that enhances the dish.
- Oyster Sauce – Thick and slightly sweet, it adds richness and depth. (Sub with hoisin sauce if preferred.)
- Honey – Balances out the saltiness and spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Sriracha – Brings just the right amount of heat—adjust to taste.
Chicken Ramen Stir-Fry
Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry:
- 9 oz ramen noodles
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 napa cabbage, shredded
- ½ green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- ¼ soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp sriracha
Instructions
1. Cook the Ramen:
- Prepare the ramen noodles according to package directions.
- Reserve 1 cup of the cooking water before draining. Set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add sliced chicken, season with pepper, and cook until browned on one side. Flip, season again, and cook through.
4. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the sliced bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes until wilted and slightly browned.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked ramen noodles and pour in the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
- If needed, add some reserved noodle water to loosen the sauce.
- Toss in the green onions and cook for 1 more minute.
6. Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with sesame seeds (if using) and serve hot.
Storage & Freezing Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze only the chicken and veggies (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.
1. Can I use a different type of noodles?
Yes, you can! While ramen noodles are the go-to, you can easily swap them out for other noodles like udon, soba, or even spaghetti. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure they don’t overcook.
2. Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, honey, and sriracha in advance and store it in the fridge. This will save you time during your busy dinner rush!
3. What if I don’t have napa cabbage?
No worries! You can substitute napa cabbage with other greens like bok choy, spinach, or even shredded carrots for a slightly different texture and flavor.
4. Can I make this dish spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the level of heat by adding more sriracha or tossing in some red pepper flakes to amp up the spice. Taste as you go for the perfect balance!
5. How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
For a vegetarian or vegan twist, replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Just make sure to check your sauces for any hidden animal products, and you’re good to go!