Savory Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic

Slurping through a steaming bowl of chicken udon noodles transports you straight to comfort food paradise.

Fragrant aromas drift from the kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Japanese comfort cuisine meets home cooking magic in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Silky noodles intertwine with tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Weekends or quick meals call for these irresistible noodles that spark joy with every bite.

Eager cooks can whip up this delectable meal in minutes, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

FAQs

• What are udon noodles made from?

Udon noodles are thick wheat flour noodles originating from Japan. They are made from wheat flour, water, and salt, creating a soft, chewy texture that’s different from other Asian noodles.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, you can easily substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, beef, or pork. Each protein will bring its own unique flavor to the dish while maintaining the udon noodle’s delicious base.

• Is this dish spicy?

The basic recipe is not spicy, but you can add heat by including red chili flakes, sriracha sauce, or fresh chopped chili peppers during cooking if you prefer a spicier version.

• How do I prevent the udon noodles from sticking together?

Rinse the cooked udon noodles in cold water after boiling and gently separate them with chopsticks or a fork. Adding a small amount of oil can also help prevent them from clumping together.

Perks of Chicken Udon Noodles

• Enjoy a harmonious blend of savory chicken, crisp vegetables, and umami-rich sauce that creates a mouth-watering experience with every single bite, tantalizing your taste buds with Asian-inspired goodness.
• Pack your meal with protein from chicken, vitamins from colorful vegetables like bell peppers and spinach, and complex carbohydrates from udon noodles, making this a well-balanced and wholesome dinner option that keeps you feeling full and energized.
• Swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge, adjust spice levels, or substitute proteins to make this recipe uniquely yours, ensuring you never get bored and can always create a personalized dining experience.

Chicken Udon Noodles Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender meat that serves as the main protein source.
• Eggs (Optional): Adds extra protein and richness.

• Udon Noodles: Thick, chewy Japanese wheat noodles.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Provides depth of flavor and aromatic base.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish with sharp, light flavor.

• Carrot, Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and crisp texture.
• Baby Spinach or Bok Choy: Fresh green element with nutritional boost.
• Soy Sauce: Salty, umami seasoning.
• Sake or Rice Wine: Adds subtle depth to marinade.
• Oyster Sauce: Rich, savory sauce for additional flavor.
• Mirin: Sweet rice wine for balanced seasoning.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and additional flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: For stir-frying.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize chicken and create smooth marinade.
• Sesame Seeds: Crunchy, nutty garnish.

Cooking Chicken Udon Noodles

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Slice chicken and mix with soy sauce, sake, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Let the flavors mingle and soak for 10-15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook Udon Noodles

Boil fresh udon noodles for 2-3 minutes or frozen noodles for 5-6 minutes.

Drain and set aside, keeping them ready for the flavor explosion.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in marinated chicken and cook until golden brown and fully done, about 4-5 minutes.

Remove and keep warm.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onion
• Garlic
• Ginger

Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

• Carrots
• Red bell peppers

Cook for another 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 5: Combine and Create Layers of Flavor

Return cooked chicken to the skillet.

• Baby spinach
• Bok choy

Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until greens wilt slightly.

Step 6: Craft the Magical Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Mirin
• Chicken broth

Step 7: Bring Everything Together

Add udon noodles to the skillet.

Pour sauce over the mixture.

Toss and mix until everything is perfectly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Transfer to serving bowls.

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds

Serve piping hot and savor your homemade chicken udon masterpiece!

Handy Cooking Tips for Chicken Udon Noodles

• Let chicken sit in soy sauce, sake, and cornstarch to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption before cooking.
• Cook fresh udon for 2-3 minutes, frozen udon for 5-6 minutes to achieve perfect al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
• Stir-fry vegetables quickly over high heat to maintain vibrant colors and crisp texture, preventing them from turning soggy.
• Whisk soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, and chicken broth carefully to create a harmonious blend that coats noodles evenly without overwhelming the dish.
• Remove chicken from pan immediately after cooking to prevent overcooking, ensuring tender and succulent meat in your final udon preparation.

Store and Heat Chicken Udon Noodles Smartly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the noodles, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
• Quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are hot and steamy.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Great Sides with Chicken Udon Noodles

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the savory chicken and bright vegetable flavors, cutting through the richness of the udon noodles.
• Enhance with Japanese Beer: Grab a cold Sapporo or Asahi beer to perfectly match the Asian-inspired dish, its clean and slightly hoppy profile balancing the umami-packed sauce.
• Serve with Cucumber Salad: Create a quick side of thinly sliced cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of chili flakes to provide a cool, tangy contrast to the warm noodle dish.
• Add Pickled Vegetable Garnish: Prepare quick pickled daikon radish or quick-pickled carrots as a zesty side accompaniment, adding a bright, acidic element that refreshes the palate between bites of the hearty udon.

Flavor Swaps for Chicken Udon Noodles

• Vegetarian Udon: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, marinated similarly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular udon noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free udon made from rice flour. Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to ensure completely gluten-free preparation.
• Spicy Korean-Inspired Variation: Add gochujang or sriracha sauce for heat. Incorporate kimchi as an extra topping to boost spiciness and introduce tangy Korean elements into the classic udon recipe.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute udon noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Increase vegetable quantity and reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining authentic stir-fry texture and taste.

Chicken Udon Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky udon noodles dance with tender chicken in this Japanese-inspired comfort dish that bridges home cooking and restaurant quality. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal that transports you to the heart of Tokyo’s bustling street food scene.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece ginger (minced)
• 1 carrot (julienned)
• 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
• 2 cups baby spinach or bok choy
• 2 green onions (sliced)

Noodles and Seasonings:

• 2 packs (7-8 ounces / 200-226 grams each) fresh or frozen udon noodles
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sake or rice wine
• 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by blending it with soy sauce, sake, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Allow the protein to absorb flavors for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
2. Boil udon noodles in rapidly bubbling water. Fresh noodles require 2-3 minutes, frozen varieties need 5-6 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok at medium-high temperature. Sauté marinated chicken until golden and fully cooked, approximately 4-5 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
4. In the same wok, introduce onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until aromatic. Incorporate carrots and red bell peppers, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes while maintaining vegetable crispness.
5. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the wok. Add baby spinach or bok choy, stirring briefly until greens wilt.
6. Merge udon noodles with vegetable and chicken mixture.
7. Craft a sauce by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, and chicken broth in a separate container. Pour liquid mixture over noodle combination, gently tossing to ensure even distribution and thorough heating, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Plate the udon dish, adorning with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderize meat.
• Choose fresh udon noodles for authentic texture, but frozen works well when fresh isn’t available.
• Ensure high heat when stir-frying to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Adjust sauce quantities based on personal taste preferences, adding more or less soy sauce as desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg