Chilli Crusted Chicken Noodles: A Quick & Flavorful One-Dish Meal
When it comes to a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that delivers both in flavor and satisfaction, this Chilli Crusted Chicken Noodles recipe is a winner. Ready in just 15 minutes, it combines tender chicken slices with the perfect balance of spice and savory goodness, making it a favorite for even the most discerning eaters. Whether you’re cooking for the family or whipping up a last-minute dinner, this dish is sure to impress. My fussy 16-year-old brother-in-law, who’s usually quite particular about food, absolutely loves it! And trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why. The chili powder used in this recipe is Australian chili powder—a bold and spicy variety that brings a delightful heat without being overpowering.
Let’s walk through the simple steps that make this recipe so irresistible.
Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Recipe Category | Recipe Yield | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| One-Dish Meal | 4 servings | 4 people |
| Recipe Keywords |
|---|
| Cantonese, Chinese, Asian, Healthy, < 15 Mins |
Ingredients: What’s Needed to Create This Delicious Meal
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chili powder | 3 tsp |
| Cornflour (cornstarch) | 6 tsp |
| Salt | 3 tsp |
| Chicken breasts | 2-4 pieces |
| Spring onions (scallions) | 2 stalks |
| Carrot | 1 medium |
| Mirin (Japanese rice wine) | 2 tbsp |
| Sherry wine | 4 tbsp |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1209 kcal |
| Fat | 25.4 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g |
| Cholesterol | 256.4 mg |
| Sodium | 2180.9 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 191.6 g |
| Fiber | 10.6 g |
| Sugar | 6.1 g |
| Protein | 52.1 g |
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chilli Crusted Chicken Noodles
1. Coat the Chicken:
Start by combining the chili powder, cornflour (cornstarch), and salt in a bowl. Coat your chicken breasts (cut into thin slices) thoroughly with this spicy mixture. The chicken should be well-covered with the seasoning to give it that perfect flavor and crispy texture when cooked.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat some peanut oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat. You will need to cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook each batch for a few minutes, ensuring the chicken slices turn golden and crispy. Add more oil between batches if necessary to maintain the cooking temperature and ensure even cooking. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Prepare the Noodles:
While the chicken is draining, take your hokkien noodles and place them in a strainer. Run warm water over them and use your fingers to gently separate the noodles. This helps prevent them from sticking together.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Reheat the wok over medium heat and add a small splash of oil. Toss in the carrot, which should be thinly sliced, and spring onions (scallions). Stir-fry these vegetables for about 1 minute until they are tender-crisp. The quick stir-frying ensures that they retain their color and crunch.
5. Add Noodles & Seasoning:
Now, it’s time to add the noodles to the wok. Toss them together with the vegetables for about a minute, ensuring everything is well-mixed. Add the mirin to the pan and stir-fry for another minute, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavor of the mirin.
6. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the oyster sauce along with 2 tbsp of water. Stir everything thoroughly, then cover the wok and allow the noodles to steam for 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that the noodles are fully heated through and have soaked up all the wonderful flavors from the sauce and vegetables.
7. Combine with Chicken:
Once the noodles are ready, add the crispy chicken back into the wok. Gently toss everything together, making sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the noodles. Cover the wok again and steam for another 30 seconds to allow the chicken to reheat and meld with the flavors of the noodles and sauce.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve the Chilli Crusted Chicken Noodles into warm bowls and enjoy immediately. The combination of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors from the mirin and oyster sauce will have you coming back for more!
Tips for Success:
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Adjust Spice Levels: If you’re not a fan of heat, you can reduce the amount of chili powder or swap it out for a milder variety. However, if you love a spicy kick, feel free to add extra chili powder or even some fresh chopped chilies for more heat.
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Use Chicken Thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful option, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They provide a richer flavor and tend to stay tender during cooking.
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Noodle Substitutes: If you can’t find hokkien noodles, you can easily swap them for other types of Asian noodles like lo mein or udon. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type.
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Vegetable Variations: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas to add more crunch and color to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the stir-fry time based on the vegetables you choose.
Final Thoughts
This Chilli Crusted Chicken Noodles recipe is a fantastic option for a healthy, one-dish meal that can be whipped up in a flash. With its bold flavors and quick cooking time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a delicious weekend treat. Plus, the combination of spicy chili, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken is sure to satisfy even the most picky eaters. So, why not give it a try today? Enjoy this easy-to-make, yet incredibly flavorful meal with your family and friends!
