Chicken Ramen Stir Fry (30-Minute Weeknight Favorite)

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Author: Adam
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🎉 Introduction

Quick, saucy, and absolutely satisfying — this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is your go-to 30-minute dinner for when you’re craving takeout but want to stay in. Tender chicken thighs, crisp-tender veggies, springy ramen noodles, and a bold, umami-packed sauce make this dish a weeknight dream.

The best part? It uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh produce to create a flavorful, comforting meal in just one pan. Whether you’re new to stir-fries or a noodle lover at heart, this recipe is perfect for you.


🧰 Equipment Needed

  • Large wok or deep sauté pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Medium saucepan (for boiling noodles)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater or microplane (for ginger and garlic)

🛒 Ingredients

🍗 Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken thighs, boneless skinless, sliced thin

🥕 Vegetables

  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

🍜 Noodles

  • 2 packages (6 oz each) ramen noodles, discard seasoning packets

🥣 Sauce

  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil

🛢️ Oils for Cooking

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

👩‍🍳 Directions

Step 1: Prep Everything First

  • Thinly slice chicken, chop all vegetables, and set up your mise en place.
  • Boil ramen noodles 2 minutes less than package instructions (they’ll cook more in the stir-fry). Drain and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  • Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken and sear until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes.
  • Remove from pan and set aside.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies

  • In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  • Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onion. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Combine

  • Return chicken to pan.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Pour over the stir fry.
  • Add cooked ramen noodles and toss everything together with tongs until evenly coated and heated through (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Finish & Serve

  • Drizzle with 1 tbsp sesame oil for aroma and richness.
  • Sprinkle green onion tops over the stir fry.
  • Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired.

🍽️ Servings & Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Storage:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
  • Microwave: 1–2 minutes with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture.

🥄 Variations

  • Make It Spicy: Add sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes.
  • Add Crunch: Toss in chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds.
  • Use Chicken Breast: Works just as well — just don’t overcook.
  • Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh.
  • Add Egg: Stir in a scrambled egg or serve with a soft-boiled egg.
  • Different Veggies: Try mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, or baby corn.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
  • Make Ahead: Prep sauce and chop vegetables a day ahead.
  • Sweeten It Up: Add a splash of hoisin sauce or honey to the sauce.

❓ 10 FAQs

1. Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Yes! Just discard the seasoning packets and cook the noodles as directed.

2. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. It keeps well for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.

3. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Toss cooked noodles with a little sesame oil before adding to the pan.

4. What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Try hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce + a touch of brown sugar.

5. Can I freeze this stir fry?
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the noodles, but you can freeze the sauce and chicken.

6. Is this dish healthy?
Yes — it’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and controlled sodium (especially if using low-sodium soy sauce).

7. What kind of ramen is best?
Use fresh, restaurant-style ramen if you can, or dried blocks without the seasoning packet.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook the chicken and veggies in batches so nothing steams instead of sears.

9. What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp, beef strips, tofu, or even ground chicken work well.

10. How do I keep veggies crisp?
High heat and quick stir-frying keep them vibrant and crisp-tender.


🏁 Conclusion

This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a weeknight hero — packed with bold flavor, ready in 30 minutes, and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something tangy, savory, and full of texture. It’s healthier than takeout, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

So grab your wok, your favorite noodles, and get stir-frying — because once you try this dish, it’s going into your dinner rotation permanently!

Adam

Chicken Ramen Stir Fry (30-Minute Weeknight Favorite)

Quick, saucy, and absolutely satisfying — this Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is your go-to 30-minute dinner for when you’re craving takeout but want to stay in. Tender chicken thighs, crisp-tender veggies, springy ramen noodles, and a bold, umami-packed sauce make this dish a weeknight dream. The best part? It uses simple pantry ingredients and fresh produce to create a flavorful, comforting meal in just one pan. Whether you’re new to stir-fries or a noodle lover at heart, this recipe is perfect for you.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

🍗 Chicken
  • 1 lb chicken thighs boneless skinless, sliced thin
🥕 Vegetables
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced thin
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 3 green onions sliced (white and green parts separated)
🍜 Noodles
  • 2 packages 6 oz each ramen noodles, discard seasoning packets
🥣 Sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ¼ tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
🛢️ Oils for Cooking
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Equipment

  • Large wok or deep sauté pan
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Medium saucepan (for boiling noodles)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grater or microplane (for ginger and garlic)

Method
 

Step 1: Prep Everything First
  1. Thinly slice chicken, chop all vegetables, and set up your mise en place.
  2. Boil ramen noodles 2 minutes less than package instructions (they’ll cook more in the stir-fry). Drain and toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken and sear until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies
  1. In the same pan, add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
  2. Add garlic, ginger, and white parts of green onion. Sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add carrots, bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Combine
  1. Return chicken to pan.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper. Pour over the stir fry.
  3. Add cooked ramen noodles and toss everything together with tongs until evenly coated and heated through (about 2–3 minutes).
Step 5: Finish & Serve
  1. Drizzle with 1 tbsp sesame oil for aroma and richness.
  2. Sprinkle green onion tops over the stir fry.
  3. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chili flakes if desired.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
Microwave: 1–2 minutes with a damp paper towel over the top to retain moisture.
🥄 Variations
Make It Spicy: Add sriracha, chili oil, or red pepper flakes.
Add Crunch: Toss in chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds.
Use Chicken Breast: Works just as well — just don’t overcook.
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or tempeh.
Add Egg: Stir in a scrambled egg or serve with a soft-boiled egg.
Different Veggies: Try mushrooms, bok choy, zucchini, or baby corn.
Low-Carb Option: Use shirataki noodles or zucchini noodles.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and rice noodles.
Make Ahead: Prep sauce and chop vegetables a day ahead.
Sweeten It Up: Add a splash of hoisin sauce or honey to the sauce.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use instant ramen noodles?
Yes! Just discard the seasoning packets and cook the noodles as directed.
2. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely. It keeps well for 3–4 days and reheats beautifully.
3. How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Toss cooked noodles with a little sesame oil before adding to the pan.
4. What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?
Try hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce + a touch of brown sugar.
5. Can I freeze this stir fry?
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the noodles, but you can freeze the sauce and chicken.
6. Is this dish healthy?
Yes — it’s packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and controlled sodium (especially if using low-sodium soy sauce).
7. What kind of ramen is best?
Use fresh, restaurant-style ramen if you can, or dried blocks without the seasoning packet.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook the chicken and veggies in batches so nothing steams instead of sears.
9. What other proteins can I use?
Shrimp, beef strips, tofu, or even ground chicken work well.
10. How do I keep veggies crisp?
High heat and quick stir-frying keep them vibrant and crisp-tender.
🏁 Conclusion
This Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is a weeknight hero — packed with bold flavor, ready in 30 minutes, and guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something tangy, savory, and full of texture. It’s healthier than takeout, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
So grab your wok, your favorite noodles, and get stir-frying — because once you try this dish, it’s going into your dinner rotation permanently!
Adam

Hello! I’m Adam, a 34-year-old passionate chef and the creator of The Food Journal.
Welcome to my corner of the internet where flavor meets creativity. Here at The Food Journal, I share my favorite recipes, cooking tips, and food stories — all crafted to inspire your next delicious meal.

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