Julie'S Chinese Chicken
Juicy strips of chicken stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and flavorful sauce, served over noodles for a quick, satisfying Chinese-inspired meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts, boned, skinned and sliced in strips ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Chinese noodles or spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 2 Tbsp peanut oil ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into thirds ⓘ
- 1 red or yellow pepper, seeded and sliced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp Hoisin sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- In a glass bowl, combine the chicken with the egg white and vinegar; set aside to marinate.
- In a large soup pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
- Add the noodles and cook until al dente, then remove 1/4 cup of the pasta water and reserve.
- Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Toss with sesame oil.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the marinated chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced red or yellow pepper and asparagus; cook for another 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender but crisp.
- Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce; stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet; toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional sesame oil or chopped scallions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. You can substitute the chicken breast with tofu for a vegetarian option. Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for more color and nutrition. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with sesame seeds or sliced scallions for extra flavor. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or a side of stir-fried vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or a refreshing cucumber salad, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chinese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Julie'S Chinese Chicken contains roughly 1214 calories, with 15g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (30% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 901mg per serving (39% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Chinese noodles give an authentic touch, you can use spaghetti, udon, or rice noodles as substitutes. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as different noodles may require varying cooking durations.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chinese Chicken recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can make a larger batch and portion it out for the week. Just remember to store the noodles separately if you're planning to reheat them later to maintain their texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce option. Ensure that your noodles are also gluten-free, as many rice noodles or gluten-free pasta varieties are available.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).