Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls Recipe

Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls offer a delightful combination of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a rich, savory sesame sauce. This dish is an easy-to-make weeknight meal that’s both filling and flavorful. It combines Asian-inspired ingredients with fresh vegetables, making it a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.

These Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls are perfect for those who love stir-fries but want a more substantial meal. The noodles soak up the delicious sauce, and the addition of crisp vegetables and tender chicken makes this dish incredibly satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

1. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon ginger powder. This marinade will give the chicken a deep, savory flavor.
3. Toss the chicken in the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
4. After marinating, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cornstarch over the chicken and toss again. This will give the chicken a crispy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil water in a large pot and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Depending on the type of noodles you choose (rice noodles, udon, or spaghetti), cooking times may vary.
2. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Toss the noodles with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced red bell pepper, carrot, zucchini, and snow peas to the pan.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables for 4-5 minutes, until they are slightly tender but still crisp. You want the vegetables to retain a bit of their crunch for texture.
4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. In the same skillet, add a little more sesame oil if needed, and heat over medium-high.
2. Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
3. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 5: Make the Sesame Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon sriracha (if using), 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 2 cloves minced garlic.
2. To thicken the sauce, make a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1/4 cup water. Add the slurry to the sauce mixture and whisk until combined.

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the cooked vegetables and chicken to the skillet.
2. Pour the sesame sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
3. Simmer the mixture over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken and vegetables.
4. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a little water (1-2 tablespoons) to thin it out.

Step 7: Assemble the Noodle Bowls

1. To assemble the noodle bowls, divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a generous portion of the sesame chicken and vegetable mixture.
3. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and chopped peanuts or cashews if desired.
4. Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips for Success

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor

For the most flavorful chicken, try to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for the best results, marinate for a few hours. This allows the soy sauce, sesame oil, and other seasonings to penetrate the chicken and make it juicy and tender.

2. Cook the Noodles Al Dente

When cooking the noodles, ensure they are slightly undercooked, as they will absorb the sauce later. Al dente noodles will have a better texture in the finished dish, as they won’t become mushy.

3. Customize the Vegetables

Feel free to add any vegetables you like! Vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or mushrooms work well in this dish. The key is to maintain a balance of colors and textures for a visually appealing and delicious bowl.

4. Crispy Chicken Tip

To get that crisp texture on the chicken, the cornstarch is essential. It creates a light coating that crisps up during cooking without making the chicken too heavy or greasy.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Sesame Noodle Bowls

If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and replace it with tofu, tempeh, or even extra vegetables. Tofu can be marinated in the same sauce as the chicken, then pan-fried until crispy.

2. Shrimp Sesame Noodle Bowls

For a seafood twist, substitute shrimp for the chicken. Marinate the shrimp for 10-15 minutes, then sauté for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.

3. Spicy Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls

For those who love heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add chili flakes to the sesame sauce. You can also serve the bowls with sliced fresh chilis or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra kick.

4. Gluten-Free Sesame Noodle Bowls

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Also, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

How to Serve

1. With Extra Sauce

If you love saucy dishes, you can double the sesame sauce recipe and reserve half of it to drizzle over the bowls just before serving. The extra sauce can be used as a dipping sauce or to coat more noodles.

2. With a Side of Dumplings

To make the meal even more substantial, serve the sesame chicken noodle bowls with a side of steamed or fried dumplings. The combination of noodles and dumplings creates a comforting, restaurant-style meal at home.

3. As a Meal Prep

These sesame chicken noodle bowls are perfect for meal prep. Divide the noodles, chicken, vegetables, and sauce into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage will help keep your Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls fresh and delicious for future meals.

1. Refrigeration:
   • Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
2. Freezing:
   • For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce mixture in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
   • Cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to eat, as freezing may alter their texture.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls with these serving ideas:

1. Add a Crunchy Element:
   • Top your bowls with crispy fried shallots or crunchy chow mein noodles for an extra layer of texture.
2. Pair with a Salad:
   • Serve with a light Asian-style salad made of mixed greens, cucumber, and a sesame vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
3. Infuse Some Heat:
   • Include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of spicy chili oil on top for those who love a spicy kick in their meal.
4. Serve with Fresh Herbs:
   • Alongside the cilantro and green onions, add mint or basil for additional freshness and flavor complexity.

Cooking Techniques

1. Stir-Frying:
   • Stir-frying at high heat is crucial for achieving a good sear on the chicken and ensuring that the vegetables retain their crispness.
2. Marinating:
   • Marinating the chicken not only infuses flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. This is especially important for lean cuts like chicken breast.
3. Sauce Thinning:
   • If your sauce becomes too thick during cooking, adding a little water or chicken broth can help adjust the consistency.

Variants for Different Diets

Vegan Option:

To make this recipe vegan, swap the chicken for chickpeas or cauliflower and use maple syrup instead of honey. The sauce can remain the same, making this a hearty plant-based meal.

Keto-Friendly:

For a keto version, use zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of traditional noodles. Additionally, reduce the honey or use a sugar substitute to keep the carb count low.

Low-Sodium:

Use low-sodium soy sauce and hoisin sauce to reduce the overall sodium content. You can also add extra ginger and garlic for flavor without the salt.

Kid-Friendly Adaptations

1. Make It Mild:
   • If your kids prefer less spicy food, omit the sriracha or any hot ingredients from the dish.
2. Fun Shapes:
   • Use fun-shaped noodles or colorful veggies to make the dish visually appealing for kids.
3. Interactive Meal:
   • Serve the components separately and let kids assemble their own bowls. This can make mealtime more engaging and enjoyable for younger eaters.

Conclusion

Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls are more than just a meal; they are an experience filled with vibrant flavors and textures that will transport your taste buds to a delightful culinary journey. With easy-to-follow steps and customizable ingredients, this dish allows for creativity in the kitchen, making it perfect for families, meal preppers, or anyone seeking a quick yet satisfying dinner.

With the option to adapt for different dietary preferences and a wealth of serving suggestions, this recipe stands out as a versatile favorite. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, entertaining guests, or simply looking for a tasty meal, these Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls are sure to impress!

Additional Resources

1. Cookbooks:
   • Explore cookbooks that focus on Asian cuisine for more inspiration and recipes that complement your Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls.
2. Cooking Classes:
   • Consider enrolling in a local or online cooking class that specializes in Asian dishes to enhance your cooking skills.
3. Food Blogs and Websites:
   • Follow food blogs and websites dedicated to Asian cuisine for creative twists and seasonal recipes that keep your meals fresh and exciting.

With the deliciousness of Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls at your fingertips, happy cooking! Enjoy this flavorful dish with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!

Yield: 4

Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls Recipe

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Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls offer a delightful combination of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a rich, savory sesame sauce. This dish is an easy-to-make weeknight meal that's both filling and flavorful. It combines Asian-inspired ingredients with fresh vegetables, making it a perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• For the Noodles:
• 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti noodles
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• For the Sauce:
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Vegetables:
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 green onions (chopped)
• Toppings:
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a small bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
   
2. Cook the Noodles:
   Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
   
3. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, sesame oil, water, minced ginger, garlic, and sesame seeds. Set aside.
   
4. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, and broccoli. Stir-fry the vegetables for about 4-5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Add the green onions and cook for another minute.
   
6. Combine Everything:
   Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sesame sauce and stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
   Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
   
7. Serve:
   Divide the noodle bowls into serving dishes. Top with chopped cilantro, sesame seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat, if desired.

Notes

• Protein Alternatives: Feel free to use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
• Vegetable Variations: Swap out the veggies for your favorites like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to save time during cooking.