Name: Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: ⅓ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated peeled fresh ginger or store-bought ginger paste; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 teaspoon Sriracha or to taste; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1 lb ground chicken; 1 14-ounce package coleslaw mix; 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced red, orange or yellow; ¼ cup pasta cooking water; 3 packages instant ramen noodles, seasoning discarded 3oz / 85 g per package; sliced green onion; hot sauce; sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re ready to give your classic ramen a flavor-packed upgrade, let me introduce you to the irresistible Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. This dish takes humble instant noodles and jazzes them up with ground chicken, vibrant veggies, and a tangy homemade sauce that’s as easy as it is delicious. In just about 25 minutes from start to finish, you’ll have a colorful, crave-worthy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Trust me, this is one recipe you’ll crave on repeat!

Chicken Ramen Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create so much flavor in Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. Each ingredient has its own role—whether it’s sweetness, crunch, or umami, nothing here is just filler. Let me break down why you’ll want every single one in your pan.

Soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone of the sauce, opt for low-sodium if you want more control over the saltiness.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce coat every strand of noodle beautifully.
Rice vinegar: Just a splash brings brightness and tang that balances the other flavors.
Garlic (minced): For that irresistible aromatic punch—fresh is best, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Ginger (grated or paste): The secret weapon for fresh, zippy warmth in every bite.
Sesame oil: A fragrant finish that instantly makes the dish taste restaurant-quality.
Sriracha: Adds a customizable touch of heat—start with a teaspoon and bump up if you like it spicy!
Olive oil: For sautéing and keeping the ground chicken juicy and tender.
Ground chicken: The heart of the stir fry, quick to cook and protein-packed to keep you satisfied.
Coleslaw mix: Colorful and crunchy, it saves loads of chopping and adds a satisfying veggie element.
Bell peppers (thinly sliced): Any color works, and they add both crunch and sweetness—double win!
Pasta cooking water: A little starchy water brings everything together and gives the sauce the perfect consistency.
Instant ramen noodles (seasoning discarded): The MVPs of this meal—quick to cook, ultra-satisfying, and perfect for slurping.
Sliced green onions: For garnish! They add freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
Hot sauce and sesame seeds: Optional, but both add the perfect finishing touch in flavor and flair.

How to Make Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Step 1: Make the Stir Fry Sauce

Start by whisking together your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and Sriracha in a medium bowl. This quick homemade sauce is the soul of your Chicken Ramen Stir Fry. It will be intensely fragrant and a little bit sticky, setting the stage for those noodles to soak up maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Warm a large skillet over medium heat, then drizzle in your olive oil. Crumble in the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a wooden turner, until it’s no longer pink and just beginning to get golden brown—about 7 to 8 minutes. The chicken is your protein anchor, so don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Bring Water to a Boil

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. You’ll want it ready for the instant ramen noodles in a few minutes—multitasking at its finest.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Veggies

Pour the sauce you mixed earlier all over the cooked chicken. Stir it in until every bit of chicken glistens. Next, toss in the sliced bell peppers, and a moment later, add the coleslaw mix. Toss well, then pop the lid on your skillet so the veggies can start to soften and the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

After the veggies have softened for about 2 minutes, add the ramen noodles to your boiling pot of water. Most instant ramen only needs about 3 minutes, but keep an eye out—check your package instructions just in case!

Step 6: Combine with Noodle Water

Before you drain the noodles, scoop out about ¼ cup of the starchy noodle water. Add this directly to your skillet with the chicken and veggies—this little trick helps create a silky sauce that clings to every ingredient.

Step 7: Bring It All Together

Drain the ramen noodles well, then add them straight to the skillet. Toss everything together—using kitchen tongs or two sturdy spoons—to make sure the noodles, chicken, and veggies are coated in that glorious sauce. Serve right away while everything is piping hot and delicious!

How to Serve Chicken Ramen Stir Fry

Garnishes

A big bowl of Chicken Ramen Stir Fry deserves a sprinkling of sliced green onions for fresh crunch, a pinch of sesame seeds for a bit of nutty flavor, and a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce if you love heat. Don’t skip the garnishes—just a minute spent prettying up your bowl makes the meal feel even more special!

Side Dishes

Though Chicken Ramen Stir Fry is hearty on its own, you can easily pair it with light sides. Try steamed edamame, a crisp cucumber salad, or even a plate of veggie spring rolls if you’re feeling fancy. Each side complements the main dish without stealing the spotlight.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving this stir fry in individual noodle bowls with chopsticks instantly amps up the fun factor. Or, divide the noodles among bowls and top each with a fried or soft-boiled egg for an extra layer of richness. If you’re bringing it to a potluck, present it family-style on a big platter—everyone will dive right in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, store any leftover Chicken Ramen Stir Fry in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to four days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or dinners right out of the refrigerator.

Freezing

While ramen noodles can change texture a bit after freezing, you can freeze portions of Chicken Ramen Stir Fry if you want to save them for longer. Pack portions into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to one month for best quality.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to your noodles before microwaving or warming on the stovetop. This helps loosen up the sauce and brings back that just-cooked texture, so every bowl tastes as fresh as the first serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Simply cut chicken breast into small pieces and stir fry as directed. Ground chicken is quick and easy, but diced chicken works perfectly and gives a different texture.

What if I only have regular cabbage instead of coleslaw mix?

No problem at all—just shred or thinly slice your cabbage, and toss in some shredded carrot if you like for added color. The goal is a vibrant, crunchy veggie mix, so get creative!

Are the instant ramen noodles essential?

Instant ramen noodles are classic for Chicken Ramen Stir Fry, but you can use any quick-cooking Asian noodles in a pinch, like yakisoba or soba. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?

Yes, swap the ground chicken for crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat, and you still get all that saucy, crunchy, satisfying deliciousness with a vegetarian twist.

How spicy is this recipe?

As written, it has just a gentle heat from Sriracha, but you can skip it for mild palates or add more Sriracha (or even chili flakes) for extra kick. Customize to your heart’s content!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into your own bowl of Chicken Ramen Stir Fry—the smells, flavors, and textures are absolutely out of this world. If you’ve been looking for a way to reinvent your ramen routine, this recipe is sure to be your new go-to. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to treat yourself to an extra sprinkle of sesame seeds!