Quick meals can bring everyone together. One busy weeknight, I craved comfort food. Dinner was near, and my family was getting hungry.
I made my easy chicken vermicelli recipe. In 30 minutes, we enjoyed a colorful dish. The kitchen filled with a delicious smell.
The kids were excited to eat. This meal not only filled our bellies but also started a fun conversation. If you want a tasty, easy meal, let’s make chicken vermicelli together.
Introduction to Chicken Vermicelli
Chicken Vermicelli is a tasty dish from Asia. It mixes tender chicken, rice noodles, and fresh veggies. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy days or a fast lunch.
This dish can be made your way with your favorite veggies. Carrots, mushrooms, and sugar snap peas add great texture and taste. It’s easy to make and fun to eat.
This recipe makes 3 to 4 servings. It’s a hit with families and gets high marks from cooks. Prepping ahead makes cooking a breeze.
What are Vermicelli Rice Noodles?
Vermicelli rice noodles are loved in many dishes around the world. They are also called beehoon or mai fun. These thin noodles are made from rice flour.
Their soft texture is great in Asian cooking. It adds a nice touch to meals. I love using them because they soak up flavors well.
These noodles are part of a big group of rice noodles. They come in different thicknesses and ways to cook. Vermicelli cooks fast, which is great for quick meals.
Just a few minutes in hot water is all it takes. I often buy them at the store or Asian markets. They’re very useful in my kitchen.
Adding vermicelli rice noodles to my recipes brings a special texture. They go well with many Asian ingredients. From veggies to sauces, they make dishes better.
I like how they fit into many Asian dishes. They let me get creative and try new things in my cooking.
Benefits of Chicken Vermicelli Stir Fry
Chicken Vermicelli Stir Fry is very healthy. It has lots of protein, fiber, and carbs. This makes it great for light and healthy meals.
It’s also quick to make. I can make it in about 20 minutes. This is perfect for busy nights.
I can change it up by using different veggies and sauces. This lets me make it fit my diet. It’s also full of fresh produce, making it a great choice for healthy eating.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Vermicelli (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)
To make a tasty chicken vermicelli dish, I pick the best ingredients. This recipe shows the key ingredients that make the flavors pop. Let’s explore each important part of this dish.
Rice Vermicelli Noodles
Rice vermicelli noodles are the base of this meal. I choose dried noodles because they’re light and soak fast in hot water. After soaking for 4-5 minutes, they’re ready for stir frying.
Chicken Breast or Thigh
I like using chicken breast or thigh for this recipe. The breast cooks fast and is lean. The thigh is juicier and has more flavor. For this recipe, 150 grams (5.5 oz) of chicken is perfect for a good serving.
Vegetables
Adding vegetables makes the dish colorful, textured, and healthy. I use carrots, bell peppers, and spring onions. For this recipe, three carrots and three spring onions are great for flavor and looks.
Stir Fry Sauce Ingredients
The stir fry sauce brings all the flavors together. I use dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. These ingredients make a savory and sweet sauce that goes well with the noodles and chicken. I use 4 tablespoons of dark soy sauce, 4 tablespoons of oyster sauce, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil for a great taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice Vermicelli Noodles | 120 g (4.5 oz) |
| Chicken Breast or Thigh | 150 g (5.5 oz) |
| Carrots | 3 Carrots |
| Spring Onions | 3 Spring Onions |
| Vegetable Oil | 2-3 tbsp |
| Dark Soy Sauce | 4 tbsp |
| Oyster Sauce | 4 tbsp |
| Sesame Oil | 2 tsp |
How to Prepare Chicken for Stir Fry
Getting the chicken ready for stir fry is very important. It makes the dish taste great. Marinating the chicken makes it taste better. Choosing the right chicken cuts is also key for texture and flavor.
Marinating Chicken
To make the chicken taste better, marinate it. Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Marinate it for at least four hours. But marinating it overnight is even better.
This way, the chicken becomes juicy and tastes amazing.
Choosing the Right Chicken Cuts
For stir fry, you can use chicken breast or thighs. Chicken breast is leaner, good for a healthy meal. Chicken thighs have more fat, making them taste richer.
Choose based on what you like and need. Using 1.5 pounds of chicken thighs works well. Cut them into small pieces for the best taste and texture.
Step-by-Step Chicken Vermicelli Recipe
Making a tasty chicken vermicelli dish is easy. Here’s a simple guide to help you make this yummy stir-fry.
Preparation of Vermicelli Noodles
Start by soaking 8 ounces of rice vermicelli noodles in hot water. Let them soak for 5 to 8 minutes. This makes them soft and ready for cooking.
After they’re soft, drain the noodles and set them aside.
Cooking the Chicken
Next, heat some oil in a wok or skillet. Add about 1 pound of chicken breast, cut into small pieces. Cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes. Make sure it’s cooked well and reaches 165°F inside.
Adding Vegetables and Sauce
When the chicken is browned, add fresh veggies. Use 2 cups of bean sprouts, grated carrots, and sliced jalapeños. Stir-fry them for a few minutes until they’re soft.
Then, add the cooked noodles and stir-fry sauce. Mix everything well to soak up the flavors.
Final Touches
To finish, sprinkle chopped peanuts and lime wedges on top. Your colorful chicken vermicelli is ready. It’s great for 4 people and served in a bowl.
Customizing Your Chicken Vermicelli
Chicken Vermicelli is super versatile. I like to change it up with what I have. I can use veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or frozen stir-fry mixes.
Want a different protein? Try shrimp, beef, or tofu for a veggie option. Each adds a special taste. I also like to change the sauce. Using different soy sauces or chili paste makes it better. Adding sesame seeds on top is a nice crunch.
My top chicken stir fry ideas come from trying new things. I might add sugar snap peas or shredded cabbage. Even beetroot or Quorn for more protein in a veggie version. These recipes make dinner fun and let me get creative.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Vermicelli (Stir Fry Rice Noodles)
Making tasty chicken vermicelli is easy with a few tips. Pick the right veggies and prep ahead for a great stir-fry. With planning, your meal will taste great and look good too.
Choosing Vegetables
Picking the best veggies for stir-fry is key. Choose a mix that makes your dish bright. Put hard veggies like carrots and bell peppers in first to soften.
Then add soft veggies like spinach or bok choy. This keeps them crunchy and colorful.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead of Time
Prepping ingredients early makes cooking faster. Chop veggies and marinate chicken before cooking. This cuts down cooking time a lot.
Just a few minutes of prep can make cooking quicker. This is great for busy days when you need a fast meal.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried Mung Bean Vermicelli | 6 ounces (170 grams) |
| Boneless Skinless Chicken | 1 1/4 pounds |
| Vegetables | 5 cups (thinly sliced) |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, minced |
| Soy Sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Unsalted Stock or Water | ¾ cup |
| Scallion Oil or Vegetable Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Cooking Time | Approx. 20 minutes |
Serving Suggestions for Chicken and Rice Noodles Stir Fry
When serving chicken vermicelli, I keep it simple yet tasty. Garnish with chopped spring onions for a pop of color. This adds crunch and looks great.
Pairing it with the best stir fry side dishes makes it even better. Roasted veggies add a nice contrast. A light salad with tangy dressing also works well, balancing the flavors.
For a real treat, serve it with hot and sour soup. The soup’s spiciness pairs well with the mild stir fry. Adding crispy wontons adds a fun crunch.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating Tips
Leftover chicken vermicelli is great for a quick meal. Store cooked noodles in an airtight container. This keeps flavors fresh and prevents drying.
Leftover chicken vermicelli stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Freeze it for up to four months if you won’t eat it soon.
Reheating stir fry noodles can be done in several ways. For the microwave, put it in a safe dish, cover it, and heat until warm. Stir it often to avoid overcooking.
Using a skillet is another good option. Heat it over medium-high for 3-4 minutes. Add broth or soy sauce to keep it moist.
If you bake it, set the oven to 350°F. Let it warm for about 15 minutes. This makes the edges crispy and keeps it moist inside.
Always heat the dish to 165°F to make sure it’s safe. These tips help you enjoy chicken vermicelli again. They save time and reduce waste, which is good for the planet.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Vermicelli
Many people have questions about chicken vermicelli. They often wonder about changing ingredients. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. Adding veggies like bell peppers or broccoli is also a great idea.
Some ask about cooking rice noodles right. To cook them well, soak them in cold water for 10 minutes. Then, boil them for just a few minutes. Watch them closely to avoid mushiness.
Some worry about making a mushy stir fry. To avoid this, prep all your ingredients before cooking. The whole process takes about 16 minutes. Follow these tips, and you’ll make a tasty chicken vermicelli dish that everyone will love!
