Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet
When I first created the Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet, I was in desperate need of a quick and easy dinner that would satisfy the entire family. This dish was born out of a moment of pure inspiration, combining my love for savory Asian flavors with the comfort of a one-pan meal. As I stood in the kitchen, the scent of toasted sesame oil filled the air, instantly transporting me to my favorite little restaurant where I first fell in love with sesame chicken. I knew I wanted to recreate that experience at home, and this Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet was the perfect solution.
Bursting Flavors and Memories
As I tossed the tender chicken pieces into the hot skillet, I couldn’t help but smile at how this Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet brought back memories of family dinners, filled with laughter and stories. The crispy chicken, coated in a rich sesame sauce, mingled with the vibrant green broccoli and tender noodles, creating a symphony of flavors that danced on the palate. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of garlic and soy sauce, mingling with the slight sweetness of honey. It was like a warm hug in a bowl, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my family.
The Joy of Cooking Together
One of the best parts about making this Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet is how it brings everyone together in the kitchen. My kids love to help, whether it’s whisking the sesame sauce or stirring the noodles. Cooking this dish becomes a family affair, and the end result is something we all take pride in. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing the smiles on their faces as they take the first bite, knowing that we created this delicious meal together. The simplicity of the recipe allows us to enjoy the process without feeling rushed, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
A Dish for Every Occasion
Whether it’s a hectic weekday or a relaxed weekend, this Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet has become a go-to recipe in our home. It’s quick enough for those nights when I’m pressed for time, yet flavorful enough to serve when we have guests over. The leftovers, if there are any, make for an amazing lunch the next day. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of why I love cooking—it’s not just about the food, but about the memories and connections made along the way. This Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a tradition that we’ll cherish for years to come.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet
- Timing is Key: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. The dish comes together quickly, so it’s essential to work efficiently.
- Crispy Chicken: For extra crispy chicken, double-dip the chicken pieces in cornstarch. First, coat the chicken lightly, let it sit for a minute, and then coat it again before frying.
- Avoid Overcooking the Broccoli: To maintain a vibrant green color and slight crunch, add the broccoli towards the end and cook it only until it’s just tender.
- Noodles Matter: Ramen noodles work well, but you can also use udon, soba, or even spaghetti if you prefer a different texture. Just be sure to cook them al dente.
- Customize the Heat: If you like your dishes spicier, feel free to adjust the amount of Sriracha or add a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Sauce Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
- Garnish Right: Don’t skip the garnish. The reserved green onions and sesame seeds not only add flavor but also give the dish a professional look.
Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet
4
plates15
minutes20
minutes450
kcal35
minutesDive into this delightful Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet, a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family! With tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and savory noodles all tossed in a flavorful sesame sauce, this dish is a must-try. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Sauce Ingredients
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup natural honey
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp hot chili sauce (Sriracha)
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced (reserve some for garnish)
2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Pinch of kosher salt
- Chicken and Noodles Ingredients
2 tbsp canola oil
3/4 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 cup cornstarch
1 medium head broccoli, cut into small florets
3 packets instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets), cooked
- Alternative Ingredients:
Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan.
Chicken Thighs: Tofu or tempeh for vegetarian/vegan.
Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder or potato starch.
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the reduced-sodium soy sauce, natural honey, rice vinegar, hot chili sauce (Sriracha), toasted sesame oil, finely chopped garlic, most of the thinly sliced green onions (reserve some for garnish), toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of kosher salt. Whisk until well blended and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat canola oil in a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the seasoned chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated. Once the oil is hot, cook the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 8 to 10 minutes per batch. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared sauce into the same pan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and cook until they are crisp-tender, approximately 2 minutes. Stir in the cooked chicken pieces and ramen noodles until everything is well coated with the sauce. Garnish with the reserved green onions before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- nonstick pan
- Mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 80mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQs- Sesame Chicken Noodle Skillet
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are recommended for juicier and more flavorful results. If using breast, be careful not to overcook as it can dry out quickly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, and use rice noodles or gluten-free ramen instead of regular ramen noodles.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey. Ensure your noodles and cornstarch alternatives are vegan-friendly.
How can I make the dish less spicy?
Reduce or omit the Sriracha in the sauce. You can also replace it with a milder chili sauce or leave it out entirely for a non-spicy version.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken, add the broccoli, noodles, and sauce, and cook until heated through. This will help keep the dish fresh and the noodles from getting too soggy.
