Chicken Chow Fun: 30-Min Amazing Meal

Name: Chicken Chow Fun: 30-Min Amazing Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cantonese
Ingredients: 1 lb Boneless Chicken Thigh/Breast (or swap for beef or seafood); 2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce; 0.5 tsp Baking Soda; 8 oz Flat Rice Noodles (Fresh/Boiled); 1 tbsp Sesame Oil; 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce; 1 tbsp Dark Soy Sauce; 1 tbsp Sugar; 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar; 2 tbsp Water; 1 tbsp Ginger (finely chopped); 3 cloves Garlic (finely chopped); 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (thinly sliced); 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (thinly sliced); 4 stalks Spring Onions (cut into 2” pieces); 1 cup Bean Sprouts; 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil

by Fatima Garcia

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5 de September de 2025

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Chicken Chow Fun has always been my go-to comfort food, evoking memories of bustling Chinatown markets and the incredible aroma of woks firing. I remember the first time I tried to recreate that magic at home; it felt like a culinary quest to capture that perfect balance of tender chicken and slippery, broad rice noodles. This easy chicken chow fun recipe delivers exactly that – a symphony of savory soy, a hint of sweetness, and the satisfying chew of the ho fun noodles, all coming together in under an hour. It’s a dish that brings warmth and deliciousness to any table. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chow Fun

The taste is absolutely incredible, with a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
It’s a fast weeknight meal, ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
This chicken rice noodle stir fry is packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables for a healthier option.
It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, especially when you use chicken thighs.
Your whole family will adore this dish; it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Making this chicken rice noodle stir fry at home is so rewarding and much tastier than takeout.
You can easily customize the vegetables to whatever you have on hand.
The wide, chewy rice noodles are so satisfying to eat.

Ingredients for Chicken Chow Fun

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this amazing Ho Fun with Chicken dish. I find that having everything prepped makes the stir-frying process so much smoother! Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast – I prefer thighs for extra tenderness, but breast works too!
2 tbsp light soy sauce – for that foundational savory flavor in the marinade
0.5 tsp baking soda – this secret ingredient makes the chicken incredibly tender
8 oz flat rice noodles (fresh or boiled) – look for “ho fun” noodles, they are key!
1 tbsp sesame oil – adds a wonderful nutty aroma to the sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce – provides a rich, umami depth to the sauce
1 tbsp dark soy sauce – for color and a slightly sweeter, less salty soy flavor
1 tbsp sugar – balances the savory and salty notes
1 tbsp rice vinegar – adds a touch of brightness
2 tbsp water – to help create the perfect sauce consistency
1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped – fresh ginger is a must for that zing
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped – essential for aromatic depth
1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced – for sweetness and color
1 medium green bell pepper, thinly sliced – adds a slight bitterness and crunch
4 stalks spring onions, cut into 2” pieces – for a fresh, oniony bite
1 cup bean sprouts – for a delightful crisp texture
2 tbsp vegetable oil – for stir-frying

How to Make Chicken Chow Fun

Get ready for an incredibly flavorful experience as we whip up this authentic chicken chow fun stir fry! It’s surprisingly simple, and the aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone gathering around.

Step 1: First, let’s prep our chicken. Cut the boneless chicken into thin slices against the grain. In a small bowl, combine the chicken with 2 tbsp light soy sauce and 0.5 tsp baking soda. Mix well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This little trick is key to super tender chicken!
Step 2: While the chicken marinates, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl: 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and 2 tbsp water. Set this glorious sauce aside.
Step 3: Now, heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Once shimmering, toss in the chopped ginger and garlic. Stir-fry for just about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant – you’ll smell it immediately!
Step 4: Add the marinated chicken to the hot wok. Spread it out in a single layer. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, letting it get nicely browned and cooked through. This is where the magic starts to happen for an authentic chicken chow fun stir fry.
Step 5: Now, toss in your 8 oz flat rice noodles and pour the prepared sauce mixture over everything. Gently stir and toss for about a minute, ensuring those wide noodles are beautifully coated in the savory sauce.
Step 6: Add the sliced red and green bell peppers to the wok. Continue to stir-fry for another minute. You want them tender-crisp, not mushy.
Step 7: Finally, add the bean sprouts and spring onions. Give it one last vigorous stir-fry for about a minute until the sprouts are slightly wilted but still have a crunch. This final step in our authentic chicken chow fun stir fry brings it all together.
Step 8: Remove the pan from the heat. Transfer your delicious Chicken Chow Fun immediately to a serving plate. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Chow Fun

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make my Chicken Chow Fun absolutely restaurant-worthy. Follow these tips, and you’ll be amazed at the results!

Always use fresh ho fun noodles if you can find them; they have the best texture. If using dried, make sure to rehydrate them properly according to package directions.
High heat is your friend for stir-frying! A screaming hot wok or large skillet ensures everything gets that delicious slightly charred flavor without steaming.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and get that perfect sear on the chicken and noodles.
Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking. Stir-frying is fast, and you won’t have time to chop once things are in the wok.

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Chow Fun?

The real secret to perfect Chicken Chow Fun lies in two things: tenderizing the chicken with baking soda and ensuring your wok is hot enough. This creates that signature wok hei flavor. For more on achieving authentic flavors, check out these Chinese cooking techniques.

Can I make Chicken Chow Fun ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the components ahead. Marinate the chicken, mix the sauce, and chop your veggies. Cook right before serving for the best texture. This is a great way to save time on busy evenings, similar to how meal prepping can help.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Chow Fun?

The most common mistake is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steaming instead of stir-frying. Also, ensure your noodles are cooked to al dente; mushy noodles are a disaster. This prevents the dreaded “Why is my chicken chow fun soggy?” question! Proper noodle preparation is crucial, much like when preparing Pad Thai noodles.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Chow Fun

Serving up your freshly made Chicken Chow Fun is the final, delicious step! This dish is so satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a few complementary sides really elevates the meal, just like you’d find in authentic Cantonese stir fry recipes. I love serving it with a simple side of steamed bok choy or gai lan for a fresh, green contrast that cuts through the richness of the noodles. Another fantastic option is a light and refreshing cucumber salad with a sesame-ginger dressing. For a more substantial meal, consider serving small bowls of hot and sour soup or a light egg drop soup alongside. You can find more inspiration for Asian side dishes here.

Nutrition Facts for Chicken Chow Fun

This Chicken Chow Fun recipe is a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Protein: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 800 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on understanding nutritional labels, you can refer to resources like the FDA’s Nutrition Facts Label guide.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Chow Fun

Once you’ve savored this delicious Chicken Chow Fun, you’ll want to know how to keep those amazing flavors around! Proper storage is key to enjoying these flavorful chicken stir fry noodles later. First, let any leftovers cool down completely at room temperature for no more than two hours. Then, transfer the chow fun into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions of the chow fun for up to 3 months, just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to reheat, the best method is on the stovetop. Gently heat a wok or skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil or a splash of water. Add the chow fun and stir-fry until heated through, ensuring the noodles don’t become mushy. You can also microwave it, but stir-frying will give you the best texture and flavor revival!

Chicken Chow Fun: 30-Min Amazing Meal - Chicken Chow Fun - additional detail

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Chow Fun

What is chicken chow fun?

Chicken Chow Fun is a classic Cantonese noodle dish featuring wide, flat rice noodles (known as “ho fun”) stir-fried with tender pieces of chicken, vegetables, and a savory sauce. It’s a staple in Chinese restaurants and loved for its satisfying texture and rich flavor profile.

How to cook chicken chow fun?

To cook chicken chow fun, you’ll start by marinating thinly sliced chicken with soy sauce and baking soda for tenderness. Then, stir-fry aromatics, cook the chicken, add the ho fun noodles and a savory sauce made from oyster sauce, soy sauce, and other seasonings. Finally, toss in crisp vegetables like bell peppers and bean sprouts. High heat and quick cooking are essential! For more tips on stir-frying, explore stir-fry techniques.

Why is my chicken chow fun soggy?

Soggy chicken chow fun usually happens from overcrowding the pan, which causes steaming instead of stir-frying, or from using noodles that are overcooked. Make sure your wok or skillet is very hot, cook in batches if needed, and don’t over-boil the rice noodles before stir-frying.

Can I use different proteins in my chow fun?

Absolutely! While chicken is classic, you can easily substitute beef, pork, shrimp, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose. This adaptability makes it a fantastic base for many variations of this beloved noodle dish.

Variations of Chicken Chow Fun You Can Try

While this classic Chicken Chow Fun recipe is fantastic, I love experimenting with different twists! If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a few variations you might enjoy. For a different protein, try a beef version; ensure you marinate thinly sliced flank steak with the same tenderizing ingredients for a delicious chicken flat rice noodle dish alternative. You can also make it vegetarian by swapping the chicken for firm tofu or extra vegetables like broccoli and mushrooms. For a spicier kick, add some sliced Thai chilies or a drizzle of chili oil at the end.

Beef Chow Fun: Substitute beef for chicken, ensuring it’s sliced thinly and marinated with the same tenderizing mixture.
Vegetarian Chow Fun: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or extra vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, and shiitake mushrooms.
Spicy Chow Fun: Add sliced fresh chilies (like Thai bird’s eye) or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the stir-fry for a fiery kick.

About the Author

Fatima Garcia