Quick & Delicious Chicken Yaki Udon for Busy Nights
It’s a busy weeknight, and you want something delicious that doesn’t take hours to make. Enter Chicken Yaki Udon! This dish is one of my all-time favorites because it’s not only quick to prepare but also bursts with flavor from fresh veggies and tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family or having a cozy night in, Chicken Yaki Udon is sure to impress.
With its vibrant colors and satisfying textures, this Japanese-inspired stir-fry brings a delightful taste of comfort food to your dinner table. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion—be it a casual weeknight meal or a gathering with friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
– Packed with flavor: The combination of sauces creates a deliciously rich taste.
– Versatile ingredients: Use whatever vegetables you have on hand for customization.
– Healthy option: Loaded with veggies and lean protein, it’s a balanced meal choice.
– Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this tasty noodle dish!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Chicken Yaki Udon shine. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe:
For the Stir Fry
– 4 7-ounce packets cooked udon noodles (frozen or vacuum-sealed)
– 2 tablespoons avocado oil or vegetable oil
– 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 2 garlic cloves (minced)
– 1 yellow onion (cut into slices)
– 2 cups shredded cabbage
– 2 carrots (cut into matchsticks)
– 5 mushrooms (cut into slices)
– 2 green onions (cut into slices)
For the Sauce
– ¼ cup dark soy sauce
– ¼ cup oyster sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons mirin
– ½ teaspoon red chili flakes
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is the flexibility to make dishes your own! Here are some fun variations you can try with your Chicken Yaki Udon:
– Swap the protein: Instead of chicken, use shrimp or tofu for a different flavor profile.
– Add more veggies: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra crunch and nutrition.
– Change up the noodles: Use rice noodles or soba noodles if you’re looking for something different.
– Spice it up: Increase the red chili flakes for an extra kick that’ll warm you up!
How to Make Chicken Yaki Udon
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
First things first—let’s get the sauce ready! In a small bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, mirin, red chili flakes, and black pepper. This sauce is what gives your Chicken Yaki Udon its delicious depth of flavor. Set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat the avocado oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic first; they need time to release their flavors. After about a minute, toss in the chicken breast pieces. Sauté everything until the chicken has turned golden brown. This step is vital as it helps develop those tasty caramelized notes that elevate your dish.
Step 3: Add More Veggies
Once your chicken looks good, add in the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these vegetables together for a few minutes until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. The vibrant colors will start to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma!
Step 4: Cook the Udon Noodles
While your vegetables are cooking away, bring another pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the udon noodles—if they’re frozen, they’ll take about 2–3 minutes; if vacuum-sealed, just around 1 minute should do! Once they’re al dente, drain them well and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
Step 5: Combine Everything
When your vegetables are tender and your noodles are ready, it’s time to bring everything together! Add those cooked udon noodles directly into the pan with your sautéed chicken and veggies. Pour over that lovely sauce you prepared earlier. Toss everything together until each noodle is coated beautifully in that fragrant sauce—this step makes all the difference in achieving that ‘wow’ factor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish your Chicken Yaki Udon with sliced green onions for an extra pop of color and freshness. Now all that’s left is to dig in! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish that’s not only satisfying but also showcases vibrant flavors and textures.
And there you have it—a simple yet delicious recipe for Chicken Yaki Udon that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Yaki Udon
Making Chicken Yaki Udon is a delightful experience, and a few expert tips can elevate your dish to perfection. Here are some actionable suggestions to help you create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
– Use fresh vegetables: Fresh, crisp veggies enhance the flavor and texture of your dish. Try to use seasonal vegetables for the best taste.
– Don’t overcook the noodles: Udon noodles should be cooked al dente for that perfect chewy texture. Keep an eye on them while cooking to avoid mushiness.
– Customize your protein: Feel free to swap out chicken for another protein like shrimp or tofu if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
– Mix the sauce well: Ensure all sauce ingredients are thoroughly combined before adding them to the stir fry. This will help distribute the flavors evenly in your dish.
– Serve immediately: Yaki udon is best enjoyed fresh from the pan. If it sits too long, the noodles may become soggy.
How to Serve Chicken Yaki Udon
Presenting Chicken Yaki Udon beautifully can make it even more enjoyable. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience.
Garnishes
– Sliced green onions: Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions on top for a pop of color and additional flavor.
– Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can add a lovely crunch and nutty aroma to your dish.
– Chili flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle some extra chili flakes on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
– Miso soup: A warm bowl of miso soup pairs perfectly with yaki udon, complementing its flavors.
– Edamame: Lightly salted edamame makes for a healthy and tasty appetizer.
– Seaweed salad: This refreshing side adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of yaki udon.
– Pickled vegetables: A small serving of pickled veggies can provide an excellent tangy balance to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prepping can save time during busy days, and Chicken Yaki Udon is perfect for making ahead. Here’s how you can store and reheat your delicious creation.
Storing Leftovers
– Cool completely: Allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature before storing them.
– Use airtight containers: Place your yaki udon in airtight containers to keep them fresh in the fridge.
– Consume within 3 days: For best flavor and quality, eat leftovers within three days.
Freezing
– Portion servings: Divide yaki udon into individual portions for easy reheating later on.
– Freeze flat: Lay containers flat in the freezer until frozen solid; this saves space and allows for quick thawing.
– Use within 2 months: For optimal taste, consume frozen yaki udon within two months.
Reheating
– Thaw overnight: Move frozen portions to the fridge overnight before reheating.
– Use stovetop or microwave: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out.
FAQs
If you have questions about Chicken Yaki Udon, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries answered.
Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! While udon noodles are traditional, you can substitute with soba or rice noodles if desired. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your udon noodles are gluten-free as well.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include any veggies you love or have on hand, such as bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli—just make sure they cook evenly with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re looking for an alternative, try using hoisin sauce or a homemade mixture of soy sauce with sugar as a substitute for oyster sauce while still keeping great flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Chicken Yaki Udon recipe finds its way into your dinner rotation! It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family or friends. Remember that cooking is all about experimentation and enjoying the process. So gather those ingredients and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Chicken Yaki Udon
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together the dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, honey, mirin, red chili flakes, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic, sauté for about a minute, then add the chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown.
- Add the shredded cabbage, matchstick carrots, and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Sauté until tender but still crunchy.
- Bring another pot of water to a boil. Cook the udon noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- Add the cooked udon noodles to the pan with the chicken and veggies. Pour the sauce over and toss everything together until well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately.
