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To make a tasty Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl, you need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 ounces soba noodles or rice noodles - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - 1/4 cup sesame seeds - 3 green onions, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring fresh flavors and a good mix of textures. The chicken gives protein, while the veggies add color and crunch. For the marinade, gather these items: - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon grated ginger - 2 cloves garlic, minced This marinade boosts the chicken's flavor. The sesame oil adds a nutty taste, while honey gives a hint of sweetness. You can enhance your dish with: - Extra sesame seeds - More chopped green onions These garnishes add a nice finish. They bring a pop of color and extra flavor to your bowl. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to marinate the chicken. In a bowl, mix together sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mix gives the chicken a rich flavor. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the marinade and coat well. Let this sit for at least 30 minutes. You can also place it in the fridge for up to 2 hours for even more flavor. Next, we cook the noodles. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of soba or rice noodles to the water. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. You want them ready when you mix everything together. Now, let's prepare the vegetables. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 cup of broccoli florets, 1 sliced red bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry these for about 4-5 minutes. You want them to be tender but still a bit crisp. This gives a nice texture to the dish. It’s time to cook the chicken. Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet. Pour the marinated chicken into the other side. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. Stir it frequently. You want it cooked through and golden brown. This step makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Next, we combine everything. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Gently toss everything together. If you like, you can add a splash more soy sauce for flavor. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. This step ensures all the flavors mix well. Finally, it’s time to serve. Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of sesame seeds and 3 chopped green onions on top. This adds crunch and color. Now your sesame chicken noodle bowls are ready to enjoy! For the best flavor in your sesame chicken noodle bowls, start with the marinade. Use fresh ginger and garlic for a bright taste. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors soak in deeply. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours. A splash of extra soy sauce before serving can boost the flavor too. When cooking, use a hot skillet or wok. This helps the chicken brown well. Stir-fry the vegetables quickly to keep them crisp. Don't crowd the pan. This ensures even cooking and great texture. Always toss the noodles gently with the chicken and veggies. This keeps them from breaking apart. You can prepare many parts ahead of time. Marinate the chicken in the morning and cook it later. You can also cook the noodles and chop the vegetables in advance. Store them in the fridge. When ready to eat, just stir-fry everything together. This makes dinner easy and fast. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time permits, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This enhances the flavor significantly. Cook Noodles Al Dente: Ensure that your noodles are cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly when combined with the warm chicken and vegetables. Veggie Crunch: Stir-fry the vegetables until they are tender-crisp to maintain their vibrant color and nutritional value while providing a satisfying crunch. Garnish Generously: Don't skimp on the sesame seeds and green onions. They add a delightful crunch and fresh flavor that elevates the dish. {{image_2}} You can switch up the type of noodles you use. Soba noodles are great, but rice noodles work too. Both options give a nice texture. If you want a gluten-free meal, use rice noodles. They soak up the sauce well and add a delightful chew. To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, swap the chicken for tofu. Firm tofu soaks up flavors well. You can also use tempeh for a nuttier taste. Just marinate it like you would the chicken. This keeps all the yummy flavors while making it plant-based. Feel free to toss in more veggies! Snap peas, zucchini, or baby corn add color and crunch. You can use whatever is fresh or in your fridge. Just remember to stir-fry them until they’re tender but still crisp. This adds nutrition and makes the dish even more vibrant. To keep your sesame chicken noodle bowls fresh, store them in airtight containers. Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the noodles soggy. I prefer using glass containers, but plastic ones work too. Just make sure they are well sealed. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use the microwave or a skillet. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures even heating. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles moist. Heat over medium-low until warmed through. These noodle bowls stay good for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing portions. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label the containers with the date. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for the best results. The best noodles for this dish are soba noodles or rice noodles. Soba noodles are made from buckwheat, giving a nice earthy taste. Rice noodles are light and gluten-free. Both types soak up flavors well. You can choose either based on your taste and dietary needs. Yes, you can make these bowls gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Soba noodles can be gluten-free, but check the label. Rice noodles are also a good option. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty meal without worry. You can customize the flavors easily. Try adding more ginger or garlic for a stronger taste. Adding chili flakes or sriracha gives a nice kick. If you like sweetness, drizzle more honey. Experiment with different vegetables too. Each change can make the dish uniquely yours. These noodle bowls are great on their own, but sides can enhance the meal. Serve with a light salad for freshness. Steamed dumplings pair well too. You can also offer some pickled vegetables for a tangy contrast. Each side adds to the meal experience. Yes, frozen vegetables work well in this recipe. They are quick to use and still nutritious. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking. Cook them slightly longer to ensure they are tender. This makes meal prep easier without losing flavor. This blog post provided a clear guide for making Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, useful tips, and tasty variations. You can make this dish your own by choosing noodles or adding veggies. Store leftovers properly to enjoy for days. Remember, cooking is fun, and you can customize flavors to match your taste. Now, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking! Enjoy every bite of your homemade noodle bowl.

Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowls

A delicious and healthy bowl of noodles topped with marinated chicken and fresh vegetables, garnished with sesame seeds.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces soba noodles or rice noodles
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 piece carrot, julienned
  • 0.25 cup sesame seeds
  • 3 pieces green onions, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator).
  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soba or rice noodles and cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and carrot, stir-frying for about 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
  • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and pour the marinated chicken into the other side. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through and golden brown.
  • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash more soy sauce if needed, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, healthy, noodles, sesame, stir fry