Sizzling Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe: A Tasty Twist

Savory three cup chicken noodles dance with aromatic flavors that instantly transport you to taiwan’s bustling street kitchens.

Fragrant ginger and garlic create an irresistible symphony of taste sensations.

Comfort meets culinary artistry in this simple yet remarkable dish.

Ancient cooking traditions blend seamlessly with modern kitchen techniques.

Rich umami notes promise a deeply satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Bold ingredients mingle to craft an experience far beyond ordinary noodle preparations.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and start cooking right now.

Three Cup Chicken Noodles with Classic Flavor

• Speedy Weeknight Miracle: Whips up a delicious meal in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving Asian-inspired comfort food.
• Quick Flavor Explosion: Combines rich umami ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger to create an intense taste profile that elevates simple chicken and noodles.
• Minimal Ingredient Charm: Requires only basic pantry staples and a few fresh elements, making it an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire dish in a single pan, saving time and reducing dishwashing effort.

Three Cup Chicken Noodle Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender protein base for the dish, choose boneless thighs or breasts for best texture.
• Udon Noodles: Thick wheat noodles that provide hearty base, look for fresh or dried varieties.
• Thai Basil Leaves: Authentic herb adding bright, aromatic flavor profile.

• Chinese Cooking Wine, Soy Sauce: Depth of savory flavor with traditional Asian taste.
• Brown Sugar: Balances and adds slight sweetness to the sauce.
• Sesame Oil: Rich, nutty undertone that enhances overall dish complexity.

• Ginger, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders with warm, intense notes.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil for sautéing and creating even heat distribution.

Three Cup Chicken Noodles Stir-Fry Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine Chinese cooking wine, dark and light soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil.

Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the ingredients create a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Toss in freshly minced ginger and garlic, letting them release their fragrant aroma.

Add chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat turns golden brown and develops a delicious crispy exterior.

Step 3: Simmer and Infuse

Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken.

Reduce heat to medium-low and let the chicken simmer gently.

Allow the sauce to coat the meat completely and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, with the sauce reducing and becoming slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Garnish

Introduce cooked udon noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently to absorb the flavorful sauce.

Sprinkle fresh Thai basil leaves over the dish, adding a burst of bright, herbal freshness.

Give everything a final quick stir to ensure the noodles are evenly coated and heated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Three Cup Chicken Noodles to serving plates.

The dish is best enjoyed immediately while hot, with the noodles glistening and the aroma of garlic, ginger, and basil filling the air.

Optionally, garnish with additional Thai basil leaves for extra color and flavor.

Noodle Tips for Three Cup Chicken Style

• Use dark soy sauce for a richer, more complex taste profile in your three cup chicken noodles.
• Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and tender meat.
• Add Thai basil leaves at the very end of cooking to preserve their vibrant flavor and bright green color.
• Swap udon with rice noodles or egg noodles for different texture and dietary preferences.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a small amount of cornstarch slurry if needed.

Chicken Noodles Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken noodles to freezer-safe containers, sealing tightly to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Three Cup Chicken Sides You’ll Love

• Elevate with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet German Riesling perfectly balances the savory and rich flavors of Three Cup Chicken Noodles, cutting through the dish's intense umami with its bright acidity.
• Pair with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice provides a wonderful neutral base that soaks up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.
• Match with Asian Slaw: A tangy, crunchy Asian-style coleslaw with rice vinegar and sesame seeds offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, deep flavors of the chicken and noodles.
• Complement with Cucumber Pickles: Quick-pickled cucumbers with rice vinegar and chili flakes add a zesty, cool crunch that brightens the richness of the three-cup chicken.

Ways To Flavor Three Cup Chicken Noodles

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried for a protein-packed meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute udon noodles with rice noodles or zucchini noodles for celiac-friendly preparation.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip noodles entirely and serve over cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a lighter, keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the cooking sauce for those who enjoy more heat and complex flavor profiles.

FAQs

• What is Three Cup Chicken Noodles originated from?

This classic dish comes from Taiwan, specifically from the southern region of Tainan, traditionally made with equal parts soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil.

• Can I substitute Thai basil with regular basil?

While Thai basil provides a distinct flavor with peppery and anise-like notes, you can use regular basil, though the taste profile will be slightly different.

• Is this dish considered spicy?

The traditional Three Cup Chicken Noodles is not inherently spicy, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha sauce if you want to increase the heat level.

• What makes the sauce for Three Cup Chicken Noodles unique?

The sauce combines Chinese cooking wine, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, creating a balanced blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that coat the chicken and noodles perfectly.

Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Taiwan’s beloved “Three Cup Chicken Noodles” delivers an aromatic symphony of soy, sesame, and rice wine that dances across tender chicken and springy noodles. Comfort and bold flavors merge seamlessly, inviting you to savor each richly spiced bite of this classic comfort dish.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Noodles and Seasonings:

• 450 g (1 lb) udon noodles, prepared as per the packet instructions
• 3 tablespoons Chinese cooking wine
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons oil

Aromatics and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon freshly minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
• 2 firmly packed cups (100 g) Thai basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Whisk together the aromatic blend of Chinese cooking wine, dark and light soy sauces, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a mixing bowl to create a harmonious marinade.
2. Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and introduce the chicken pieces, minced ginger, and crushed garlic, sautéing until the meat develops a golden-brown exterior.
3. Pour the prepared sauce over the sizzling chicken, reducing heat to allow the liquid to gently simmer and penetrate the meat, ensuring thorough cooking and flavor infusion.
4. Incorporate the pre-cooked udon noodles into the pan, tossing them carefully to absorb the rich, savory sauce and coat each strand with the aromatic essence.
5. Scatter fresh Thai basil leaves across the dish, allowing their vibrant, peppery notes to brighten the overall flavor profile and add a final layer of complexity to the Three Cup Chicken Noodles.
6. Transfer the steaming creation to serving plates, ensuring each portion is generously topped with the fragrant herbs and glistening sauce, ready to be enjoyed immediately.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in the sauce for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance deeper flavor penetration.
• Opt for dark soy sauce to create richer color and more complex umami taste in the dish.
• Use fresh Thai basil leaves for authentic aroma; dried basil won’t provide the same vibrant flavor profile.
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for juicier meat if you prefer more robust texture and traditional Taiwanese preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg