If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, Chicken Chow Fun is your go-to dish! This flat rice noodle stir-fry bursts with flavor and is perfect for meal prep. I’ll show you how to whip up this satisfying meal in no time. From fresh ingredients to fun variations, you’ll impress yourself and others. Let’s dive into the tasty world of Chicken Chow Fun together!
Ingredients
List of Key Ingredients
- 8 ounces wide rice noodles
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or snow peas, trimmed
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Importance of Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients make a big difference in taste. Using fresh chicken ensures your dish is juicy and tender. Fresh vegetables add crunch and vibrant color. They also pack in more nutrients. When you choose fresh, you get the best flavor. This leads to a more satisfying meal. Always pick fresh produce at the store. Look for bright colors and firm textures.
Recommended Store-Bought Variants
If fresh ingredients are hard to find, don’t worry! You can use some store-bought options. Look for pre-sliced chicken in the meat section. This saves time on prep. For noodles, choose vacuum-packed wide rice noodles. They are easy to cook and taste great. Canned or frozen bean sprouts can work too. Just rinse them well before using. These options help you make Chicken Chow Fun quickly and easily.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Noodles
First, take 8 ounces of wide rice noodles. Place them in a large bowl. Pour hot water over the noodles and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This will make them soft and easy to cook. After 30 minutes, drain the noodles and set them aside. Make sure they are not sticky.
Marinating the Chicken
Next, let’s marinate the chicken. Take 1 pound of thinly sliced chicken breast. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for taste. Mix everything well. Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes. This helps the chicken absorb all the flavors.
Cooking Chicken and Vegetables
Now, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes. It should turn brown and be fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of minced ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell great.
Next, add 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup of snap peas or snow peas. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they are just starting to soften.
Final Assembly and Cooking Tips
Now it’s time to put everything together. Add the soaked rice noodles to the skillet. Mix everything well. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. Toss in 1 cup of bean sprouts and 2 chopped green onions. Continue to stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes. Make sure all the ingredients heat through and blend nicely. Adjust the taste with more soy sauce, salt, or pepper if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Soaking Noodles
Soaking wide rice noodles makes them soft and ready to cook. Use hot water for soaking. This helps them to absorb moisture quickly. Aim for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain them well. This step is key for a great dish.
Achieving the Perfect Stir-Fry
A hot skillet or wok is crucial for stir-frying. Heat it before adding any oil. Use medium-high heat for best results. This keeps the chicken and veggies crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed to ensure even cooking. Stir constantly for a uniform cook.
Customizing Flavor Profiles
You can change the flavors to suit your taste. Add more soy sauce for a saltier kick. For a sweet touch, try hoisin sauce. If you love spice, add chili paste or fresh peppers. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can add freshness. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Variations
Alternative Proteins (beef, shrimp, tofu)
Chicken is great, but you can switch it up. Try beef for a richer taste. Slice flank steak thinly, marinate it just like the chicken. Cook it in the same way.
Shrimp adds a light touch. Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them until they turn pink and then mix in.
Tofu is perfect for a plant-based option. Press and cube firm tofu. Sauté it till golden brown before adding to your dish.
Sauce Variations (Hoisin, Sweet and Sour)
The sauce makes a big difference. Soy sauce is classic, but you can try Hoisin. This sauce adds sweetness and depth. Mix it in with the chicken while cooking.
Sweet and sour sauce gives a fun twist. Combine it with soy sauce for a tangy flavor.
You can also mix sauces. Try half soy and half Hoisin for a balanced taste.
Seasonal Vegetable Additions
Incorporating seasonal veggies boosts flavor and nutrition. Spring is perfect for adding asparagus. Just snap off the tough ends and slice them thin.
Summer brings fresh zucchini. Cut it into half-moons and toss it in with the other veggies.
In fall, add mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Sauté them until soft before mixing with the noodles.
Winter means hearty greens like bok choy. Chop it and add it towards the end of cooking. This keeps the greens vibrant and crisp.
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep Chicken Chow Fun fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps avoid moisture loss and keeps it from drying out. Let the dish cool before placing it in the fridge. It will stay good for up to three days.
Reheating Chicken Chow Fun
When you are ready to eat, reheat the chow fun on the stove. Use a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. Stir everything gently for about five minutes until warmed through. This keeps the noodles soft and tasty.
Freezing Tips for Leftovers
If you want to save some for later, Chicken Chow Fun can be frozen. Portion it out into smaller containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is Chicken Chow Fun?
Chicken Chow Fun is a stir-fried dish from China. It features wide rice noodles, chicken, and fresh veggies. You can taste the savory soy sauce and oyster sauce in each bite. The dish is both hearty and comforting. It’s popular in many Chinese restaurants.
Can I make Chicken Chow Fun ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Chicken Chow Fun ahead of time. Just prepare it and let it cool. Then store it in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat it in a pan. You may need to add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
What dishes pair well with Chicken Chow Fun?
Chicken Chow Fun goes well with many dishes. Try serving it with spring rolls for a crunchy bite. A side of hot and sour soup can add warmth and spice. You can also enjoy it with a simple cucumber salad for freshness.
In this post, we explored the key ingredients and steps needed to make Chicken Chow Fun. We discussed the importance of fresh ingredients, tips for cooking, and how to store your leftovers. You learned about variations with proteins, sauces, and vegetables.
Cooking is fun, and Chicken Chow Fun is a great dish to try. You can easily change it to fit what you like. Follow these steps, and enjoy a tasty meal every time.


