A steaming bowl of Three Cup Chicken Noodles garnished with herbs

Three Cup Chicken Noodles

ByCasey Monroe

Why make this recipe

Three Cup Chicken Noodles is a delicious and easy dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sauce, and hearty udon noodles. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something tasty. It’s a simple way to bring the flavors of Asian cooking into your home kitchen.

How to make Three Cup Chicken Noodles

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp freshly minced garlic
  • 450 g (1 lb) udon noodles, prepared as per the packet instructions (see note 1)
  • 2 firmly packed cups (100 g) Thai basil leaves (see note 2)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together all the stir-fry sauce ingredients. Set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in a large, deep pan over medium–high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Add the ginger and garlic to the pan and cook, stirring for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the sauce and add the udon noodles. Use tongs to toss everything in the sauce.
  5. Remove from the heat and stir through the Thai basil leaves, letting them wilt slightly in the residual heat.
  6. Serve immediately!

How to serve Three Cup Chicken Noodles

Serve the Three Cup Chicken Noodles hot, garnished with extra Thai basil if desired. You can enjoy it as a main dish or pair it with other sides for a more filling meal.

How to store Three Cup Chicken Noodles

If you have leftovers, let the noodles cool down. Then, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water to loosen the noodles.

Tips to make Three Cup Chicken Noodles

  • Choose fresh Thai basil for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, regular basil can work in a pinch, but the taste will be different.
  • Make sure to cook the chicken until it is golden brown for a tasty texture.
  • Adjust the level of soy sauce and brown sugar to make the dish sweeter or saltier according to your taste.

Variation

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. They can add color and more nutrition to your dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles instead of udon?
Yes, you can use different types of noodles like rice noodles or egg noodles, but the cooking time may vary.

2. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but it may be a little less tender than chicken thighs.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the noodles are gluten-free as well.