This quick and flavorful stir fry combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and springy ramen noodles in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for hectic schedules.
Versatile: Easily adaptable with your choice of vegetables and proteins.
Flavorful: A savory sauce enhances the taste of the chicken and vegetables.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizes affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.
One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required, as everything cooks in a single skillet.

Ingredients

15-Minute Chicken, Vegetable, and Ramen Noodle Stir Fry

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large chicken breast, thinly sliced
Salt, to taste
2 small zucchinis, halved and sliced
8 ounces instant ramen noodles (2 to 3 packets)
¾ cup water or low-sodium chicken stock

For the Stir Fry Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
2–3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon rice wine or sherry (optional)
2 teaspoons sweet soy sauce (optional)

To Serve:

1 tablespoon sesame oil or chili oil
2 stalks green onions, chopped

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, garlic, vinegar, rice wine, and sweet soy sauce. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the sliced chicken and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for about 1 minute until the chicken is partially cooked.
Add Vegetables: Incorporate the sliced zucchini into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to combine.
Add Noodles: Break the ramen noodle blocks in half and place them in the skillet alongside the chicken and zucchini.
Add Liquid: Pour water or chicken stock over the noodles. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it steam for about 2 minutes until the noodles begin to soften.
Combine Ingredients: Flip the noodles and gently break them apart using tongs or a spatula. Cook uncovered for an additional 1–2 minutes until the noodles are fully cooked and the liquid has mostly evaporated.
Mix Everything: Stir the noodles, chicken, and vegetables together until well combined and coated with the sauce.
Finish and Serve: Add most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish. Drizzle with sesame oil or chili oil. Serve hot, topped with the remaining green onions.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2 generous portions or 3 regular portions
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute chicken with beef, shrimp, tofu, or tempeh.
Vegetable Choices: Use broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or any quick-cooking vegetables.
Noodle Alternatives: Replace ramen with soba, udon, or rice noodles, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Spice Level: Adjust cayenne pepper to taste or add chili flakes for extra heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Allow leftovers to cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the noodles.

FAQs

What type of ramen noodles should I use?

You can use any instant ramen noodles, discarding the flavor packets. Both square and round-shaped noodles work well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use tofu or additional vegetables to make it vegetarian.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes cayenne pepper for heat, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead and quickly assemble when ready to eat.

What can I use instead of black vinegar?

Balsamic vinegar is a suitable substitute for black vinegar in this recipe.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely, feel free to add your favorite quick-cooking vegetables to enhance the dish.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Ensure there’s enough liquid when cooking the noodles and stir gently to separate them.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add pre-cooked chicken during the final mixing stage to heat through.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it stores well and can be reheated, making it great for meal prep.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the noodles may become mushy upon thawing.

Conclusion

This 15-minute chicken, vegetable, and ramen noodle stir fry is a quick, versatile, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it brings the taste of takeout to your kitchen in no time.