Chicken Yaki Udon (Stir Fried Noodles)

If you’re in search of a quick yet satisfying meal that brings the delightful flavors of Japan to your dinner table, look no further than Chicken Yaki Udon. This vibrant dish features tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and chewy udon noodles—all stir-fried to perfection in just 40 minutes.

Using high-quality frozen udon noodles not only simplifies preparation but also guarantees a texture that’s delightfully chewy and satisfying. With each bite, you’ll experience a harmonious blend of flavors that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Tokyo.

How To Make Chicken Yaki Udon:

To start, slice the chicken breast into thick pieces and lay them flat on a cutting board or plate. This technique not only enhances the presentation but also ensures even cooking throughout each slice.

Next, dust one teaspoon of baking soda over the surface of the chicken before flipping all the pieces and repeating with another teaspoon. Letting this sit for 15 minutes may seem unusual, but it’s an essential step; it helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down its proteins.

After this tenderizing period, give your chicken a thorough rinse under running water to wash off any residual baking soda—this is crucial for maintaining flavor without any unwanted bitterness. Patting it dry afterward guarantees that the seasoning adheres well.

Finally, generously season your chicken with salt and pepper to add depth before introducing it to your sizzling stir-fry during the preparation of delicious chicken yaki udon noodles. Nailing these steps results in perfectly cooked chicken that will elevate your dish significantly!

Make sure to bring a large pot of water to a vigorous boil before adding the noodles; this ensures they’ll cook evenly and achieve that perfect chewy texture. Once cooked according to package instructions, drain them and set aside—they’ll absorb all the wonderful flavors of the sauce later.

Next comes crafting your signature yaki udon sauce, which elevates chicken yaki udon noodles from basic stir-fry to an unforgettable meal. Mixing together chicken stock with cornstarch creates a silky base that thickens beautifully as it cooks.

Adding soy sauce and dark soy sauce imparts depth while rice or black vinegar introduces an exciting tangy element. Don’t shy away from brown sugar and oyster sauce; together they harmonize sweetness and umami in every bite— even if that oyster sauce looks clumpy at first, trust in its ability to meld into the dish once you start cooking.

Once the chicken is prepared, the process of creating Chicken Yaki Udon noodles takes a delightful turn with the heating of oil in your trusty wok or skillet. If you manage to lay the chicken pieces flat against the surface, you’ll optimize its chances for an even golden sear—an essential step that underscores both flavor and texture. 

After achieving that tempting golden color on one side, flipping the pieces gives you more control over cooking time, ensuring every morsel is perfectly cooked through within just 90 seconds. Once removed from the pan, it’s time to shift your focus to layering flavors by adding onions next.

By reducing heat to medium and sprinkling in a touch more oil if necessary, those onions will transform into sweet and savory notes—cooking until they’re soft yet slightly caramelized enhances their natural sweetness, complementing the rich umami flavors of Chicken Yaki Udon noodles perfectly.

But don’t hesitate to get creative with your vegetable choices! Shiitake mushrooms bring umami richness, while bell peppers add both sweetness and a pop of color, making your chicken yaki udon noodles visually stunning as well as tasty. With every ingredient harmoniously blending in those 1-2 minutes of cooking, you’re set to incorporate the star players: golden-brown chicken and perfectly cooked udon noodles.

Finally, dousing everything in stir-fry sauce will tie all these flavors together into a comforting bowl that captures both nutrition and indulgence in each delicious bite.

As you approach the finishing touches of your chicken yaki udon noodles, the key lies in allowing the sauce to work its magic. Cook everything together for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring that each strand of thick udon absorbs that savory blend of flavors.

Once you’ve achieved the perfect thickness in your sauce — glossy and well-coated over tender chicken and vibrant vegetables — it’s time for a pop of color and freshness. Garnish your plate with finely sliced green portions of green onions, adding a sharp contrast that not only enhances presentation but also brings a delightful crunch to each forkful.

Key Tips – Chicken Yaki Udon

Don’t Skip The Tenderizing Process.

The tenderizing process, one of the simplest techniques for velveting chicken involves using baking soda. Just lightly dust your chicken pieces and let them sit for about 15-20 minutes before rinsing them thoroughly. This method creates an exquisitely tender texture that locks in moisture during cooking, preventing overcooking—an essential factor when stir-frying.

While it may seem like an extra step that can be skipped, properly velveted chicken ensures that each bite bursts with flavor without being chewy or dry. The magic happens as the baking soda slightly alters the protein structure within the meat, allowing it to retain its juiciness even when exposed to high heat during the quick-cooking yaki udon process.

By prioritizing this technique, you’re not just prepping ingredients; you’re setting a solid foundation for creating a memorable yaki udon with chicken that impresses both friends and family alike.

Use Frozen Udon Noodles, If Available.

Using frozen udon noodles is highly recommended, as they offer a fresh texture and depth of flavor that dried alternatives simply can’t match. These noodles, often found in Japanese grocery stores or various Asian markets across the US, are typically cooked and frozen at their peak freshness, preserving the chewy goodness that makes udon beloved by many.

Though frozen udon is a stellar option for yaki udon with chicken, it’s important to remember that versatility exists in your noodle selection. If you’d prefer to use what you have on hand or seek a different twist on texture, 8 ounces of dried pasta or other types of fresh noodles can seamlessly replace them without compromising taste.

Each substitution imparts its unique character to the dish—perhaps opting for soba for an earthy flavor or rice noodles for a gluten-free alternative. Ultimately, this adaptability allows you to personalize your yaki udon with chicken while maintaining its inviting essence!

The Sauce Can Be Mixed Ahead Of Time.

Mixing the sauce well ahead of time, allows its flavors to meld into perfect harmony. By combining soy sauce, mirin, and a hint of sesame oil earlier in the day or even several days before cooking, you’ll save precious time on busy evenings while reaping the benefits of an enriched flavor profile.

Freeze Fresh Garlic To Save Some Time In The Kitchen.

By preserving garlic in small, usable portions, you can easily add a punch of aroma and taste to dishes like chicken yaki udon anytime you need it. Simply chop or mince the garlic according to your preference, then pack it into ice cube trays with a splash of olive oil; these flavorful cubes will keep your meals vibrant and fresh even on the busiest nights.

Dietary Restrictions – Chicken Yaki Udon

The chicken yaki udon recipe stands out as a fantastic option for those seeking a flavorful meal without the complications of dairy. The combination of tender chicken, glossy noodles, and vibrant vegetables creates a satisfying dish that is also naturally dairy-free.

For those with lactose sensitivities or dietary restrictions, chicken yaki udon is not just an indulgent choice but also a nourishing one.

A Note On Serving Sizes

To enjoy chicken yaki udon, serving sizes can be a delightful conundrum. Each individual brings their own appetite and preferences to the table, which means a single serving suggestion might not universally satisfy everyone.

While I’ve outlined this recipe as yielding four servings, it’s important to remember that one person’s craving might rival another’s generosity. Some may find themselves savoring every last noodle and craving seconds or even thirds!

Ingredients

For Tenderized Chicken:

• 12 oz boneless skinless chicken breast
• ~2 teaspoon baking soda
• salt
• freshly cracked black pepper

For Stir Fry Noodles:

• 3 blocks frozen udon noodles ~9 oz each, see notes for substitutions
• ½ medium yellow or white onion diced
• 8 oz baby bok choy cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 oz shredded carrots about 1.5 cups per batch
• 4 green onions greens and whites sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• veggie oil I use avocado oil

For Stir Fry Sauce:

• ½ cup chicken stock, or dashi stock, or water
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon black vinegar or rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• ¼ cup oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon ginger paste or freshly minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

Tenderize The Chicken (Optional):

Tenderizing chicken is a vital step when preparing dishes like chicken yaki udon, ensuring your meat remains juicy and easy to chew. Using baking soda as a tenderizer is not only effective but surprisingly simple.

By slicing the chicken breast into thick pieces and dusting each side with baking soda, you allow the alkaline compound to break down protein structures in the meat, resulting in an incredibly tender texture after just 15 minutes.

Once you’ve rinsed off the baking soda, it’s crucial to pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning with salt and pepper. This ensures that when it’s cooked—be it grilled or stir-fried—the flavors will penetrate deeply without excess moisture hindering that perfect sear.

Make The Stir Fry:

To create a mouthwatering chicken yaki udon, start by preparing your noodles in a large pot of boiling water. Follow the package directions closely to ensure that they achieve the perfect al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the udon and set it aside; they will be waiting eagerly to soak up all the vibrant flavors from your stir fry.

While your noodles are cooking, craft the sauce mixture by combining chicken stock and cornstarch in a small bowl. Stirring in other essential ingredients like soy sauce and sesame oil enhances the depth of flavor and creates that irresistible umami profile sought after in yaki udon dishes.

Don’t fret if the oyster sauce doesn’t blend immediately—the magic happens when it hits the heat of the pan during cooking, marrying with other ingredients for an extraordinary finish.

As your kitchen fills with the irresistible aroma of sizzling chicken, you’re on the path to crafting a delightful Chicken Yaki Udon. The key is to ensure each piece of chicken lays flat in the skillet or wok; this technique maximizes surface area, allowing for an even sear and deeper flavor. As the chicken turns golden brown, that delectable caramelization forms a rich foundation for your stir fry, inviting every ingredient into harmony.

Once you’ve lustfully sautéed your chicken until it’s cooked through and succulent, set it aside momentarily. This brief pause allows for another vibrant layer to develop—the onions. Adding them to the now-infused oil, you’ll witness them transform from stark white to translucent gold as they release their natural sweetness into the mix.

As you dive into making your chicken yakiudon, the aroma that fills your kitchen is just the beginning of this delightful culinary journey. After sautéing garlic and the white portions of green onion for about a minute—allowing their flavors to unfurl—it’s time to bring in the vibrant carrots.

This step not only adds color but also introduces a sweet crunch that balances perfectly with the dish’s savory notes. As you toss them together, keep an eye on the heat; a gentle sizzle will ensure everything cooks evenly without losing its crispness.

Next, it’s time for baby bok choy to join this colorful medley. Cooking it for 1-2 minutes allows it to wilt slightly while retaining its signature bite and nutritional benefits. Once everything is beautifully combined, incorporating cooked noodles and tender chicken creates a heartwarming dish where each ingredient complements another.

Drizzling over your favorite sauce elevates this chicken yaki udon even further—think of it as igniting an umami symphony that tantalizes every taste bud involved in this experience.

As you bring your chicken yaki udon to life, the final stir-fry stage is where all the magic happens. Cooking everything together for just 1-2 minutes allows the richness of the sauces to meld into a harmonious blend.

This quick burst of heat ensures that each ingredient—from tender chicken pieces to vibrant vegetables—gets perfectly coated in the glossy sauce, enhancing both flavor and presentation. The hiss and sizzle as they come together add an enticing auditory element that elevates your cooking experience.

The finishing touch of green onions not only brightens up the dish but also introduces a fresh crunch that invites diners to dig in immediately. Serving this colorful medley hot off the stove transforms it from mere food into an indulgent culinary creation that’s visually appealing and richly flavorful.

If you liked this recipe, you can also make a taste of a related recipe: Stir Fry Shirataki Noodles

Conclusion

Chicken Yaki Udon offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it a favorite among both casual diners and culinary enthusiasts. This stir-fried noodle dish not only provides a hearty meal but also showcases the versatility of udon noodles paired with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables.

With its balance of savory soy sauce and a hint of sweetness, Yaki Udon can easily be adapted to suit personal tastes or dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed as a weeknight dinner or served at a gathering, this dish promises satisfaction in every bite.

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