Chicken Schezwan Noodles

Are you tired of relying on your local Chinese restaurant to satisfy those Friday night cravings? It's time to bring the flavors of your favorite Chicken Schezwan Noodles to your own kitchen! Not only is this dish a spicy and delicious Indo-Chinese treat, but it's also surprisingly healthy and quick to prepare. Give this recipe a try, and don't forget to share your thoughts!

What Is Chicken Schezwan Noodles?

• Chicken Schezwan noodles is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines succulent boneless chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and Hakka noodles with a unique blend of Indian spices, schezwan sauce, soy sauce, and vinegar. The result is a spicy, tangy, and savory noodle dish that is perfect for those craving a bold and zesty flavor. This dish is a popular Indo-Chinese fusion recipe that is sure to satisfy your taste buds with its mouthwatering combination of ingredients.

Why You'll Love Chicken Schezwan Noodles?

• Delicious texture: The combination of tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles creates a delightful texture that will keep you coming back for more.
• Spicy and flavorful: The Schezwan sauce adds a kick of heat and a burst of flavor to the dish, making it a bold and exciting meal to enjoy.
• Nutrient-packed: With the addition of lean boneless chicken breast and an assortment of fresh vegetables, this dish provides a healthy dose of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of spiciness and add other ingredients to suit your taste preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable.
• Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to make and doesn't require a lot of time or effort, making it a great option for a convenient and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for sharing: Whether you're cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Chicken Schezwan Noodles

• Hakka noodles: These are the main component of the dish, providing the base and texture for the recipe.
• Boneless chicken breast: Adds a protein element and a savory flavor to the dish.
• Carrot, French beans, and Capsicums: These vegetables add crunch, color, and a fresh taste to the noodles.
• Chopped garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish and adds a subtle aroma.
• Schezwan sauce: Provides a spicy, flavorful kick to the dish, giving it a bold and tangy taste.
• Soy sauce, vinegar, and pepper powder: These ingredients enhance the overall umami flavor and add a depth of seasoning to the dish.

How To Make Chicken Schezwan Noodles?

To make delicious chicken schezwan noodles, follow these simple steps to ensure a flavorful experience:

• Boil the noodles for 3 minutes, then strain and rinse them under running water to stop the cooking process and remove the starch. Coating the noodles with oil will help prevent stickiness.
• Chop the vegetables and chicken into strips. Stir-fry the chicken until browned, then set it aside.
• Saute the garlic and green onions, then add the chopped veggies and stir-fry until half-cooked. Add schezwan sauce, soy sauce, pepper powder, salt, and the cooked chicken, followed by the noodles.
• Toss and stir-fry the noodles until the schezwan sauce coats them well. Add vinegar and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Garnish with spring onions and serve hot.

Each step is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your chicken schezwan noodles, so be sure to follow them carefully for a delicious outcome.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh salad: Serve the chicken schezwan noodles with a side of crisp, refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad or a mixed greens salad, to balance out the spicy flavors.
• Add a side of stir-fried vegetables: Enhance the meal by serving the noodles with a side of stir-fried vegetables, such as broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas, to add more texture and nutrition to the dish.
• Serve with steamed rice: For a heartier meal, consider serving the noodles alongside some steamed rice, providing a variation in taste and texture while ensuring your guests are satisfied.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Schezwan Noodles

To ensure you nail the perfect Chicken Schezwan Noodles every time, here are some essential tips:

1. Perfect Noodles Every Time:

Start by cooking the noodles following the instructions on the package or boiling them in ample water until they are firm or 3/4 cooked. Avoid overcooking. After draining the water, rinse the noodles under running water and toss them with 1 or 2 tsp of oil. Set them aside.

2. Crunchy Veggies and Chicken:

When stir-frying, ensure to cook all the veggies and chicken over high heat for just 2 to 3 minutes. This brief cooking time ensures that the veggies retain their crunchiness, adding a delightful texture to your dish.

3. Customize the Spice Level:

Adjust the amount of Schezwan sauce according to your taste preferences. For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a touch of tomato ketchup while eating to balance the heat.

By following these tips, you can create a delicious and flavorful chicken schezwan noodles dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Variations for Chicken Schezwan Noodles

• Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian twist, skip the chicken and add more vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, and baby corn for a colorful and nutritious meal.
• Spicy Kick: If you like it extra spicy, increase the amount of Schezwan sauce and add some chopped green chilies for an added kick.
• Seafood Fusion: Replace the chicken with shrimp or squid for a seafood twist on this classic dish.
• Nutty Flavor: Add a handful of roasted peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• Sweet and Sour: For a sweet and sour variation, add pineapple chunks and a drizzle of honey to balance the flavors.
• Asian Fusion: Experiment with different types of noodles such as udon or rice noodles for a unique fusion of flavors and textures.

How to Store Chicken Szechuan Noodles:

After preparing this delicious dish, it's essential to store any remaining noodles properly to maintain their freshness.

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help prevent any odors from the fridge from seeping into the noodles and will maintain their texture.
• Separate Ingredients: If you have any leftover chicken, vegetables, or sauce, store them separately from the noodles to prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Avoid Freezing: It's best to avoid freezing the noodles as they may become mushy upon thawing. It's recommended to consume them within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture.
• Properly Seal: Ensure that the airtight container is properly sealed to prevent the noodles from drying out and becoming rubbery.
• Reheating: When reheating the noodles, consider adding a splash of water or broth to prevent them from becoming too dry.
• Serve Fresh: For the best flavor and texture, it's ideal to consume the noodles fresh. However, following these storage tips can help prolong their shelf life and maintain their delicious taste.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other vegetables in place of the ones mentioned in the recipe?

• Yes, you can definitely customize the veggies based on your preference. You can add broccoli, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you like to make the chicken schezwan noodles.

How can I make the dish less spicy?

• If you prefer a milder version, you can adjust the amount of schezwan sauce according to your taste. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed while tasting the dish.

Can I use a different type of noodles?

• Yes, you can use any type of noodles such as egg noodles, rice noodles, or even whole wheat noodles for this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?

• Make sure to stir-fry the chicken until it is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

• You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it's best to cook and assemble the dish just before serving to ensure the noodles stay fresh and retain their texture.

What can I serve with chicken schezwan noodles?

• You can pair the noodles with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, or even a cooling cucumber salad to balance out the spiciness of the dish. Enjoy!

Recipe Card

Chicken Schezwan Noodles 2018-09-14 03:55:58

Chicken Schezwan Noodles

Serves 3
Prep Time: 00:10
Cook Time: 00:20
Total Time: 00:30

Ingredients

To cook noodles:

• 150 grams Hakka noodles
• 10 cups Water
• 1 tsp Oil

To cook chicken schezwan noodles:

• 200 grams Boneless chicken breast
• 1 medium sized Carrot
• 3 French beans
• 1/2 medium sized Green and red capsicums
• 1 tbsp Chopped garlic
• 2 tbsp Chopped green onions (whites and greens)
• 2 tbsp Schezwan sauce
• 3/4 tsp Soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp Pepper powder
• 1 tsp Vinegar
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• Salt as needed
• some Chopped spring onion greens for garnishing

Instructions

• Boil 10 cups of water in a wide pan. When the water boils, add the noodles and cook for 3 mins.
• When the noodles are just cooked, meaning al dente, then strain the noodles in a colander.
• Then rinse the noodles under running water well. This process stops the cooking process and removes the starch.
• Now place the noodles on a plate and add 1 tsp of oil to the noodles and toss gently, so that the oil gets coated evenly over the noodles. This step helps to get rid of stickiness from the noodles.
• Let the noodles cool completely.
• Then chop the carrot, french beans, and capsicums in length wise.
• Finally, cut the the chicken breast into strips.
• Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat. When the oil heats, add the chicken strips and stir fry for 2 to 3 mins or until browned.
• Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it aside.
• Heat the same pan with the remaining oil, when the oil heats add garlic and saute for few seconds or until browned.
• Turn the heat to high, add green onions, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
• Then add all the chopped veggies one by one as shown in the pictures, stir-fry for another 1 to 2 mins or until half cooked. But vegetables should be crunchy.
• Then reduce the heat to medium, add schezwan sauce, soy sauce, pepper powder and salt, give a quick stir. At this stage add the cooked chicken and saute for few seconds.
• Also, add the cooked noodles.
• Then again turn the heat to high and keep on tossing or stir-frying the noodles until the schezwan sauce coats all the noodles well.
• Then add vinegar and give a good stir.
• Check the seasoning and add more schezwan sauce, pepper and salt if needed.
• Finally, garnish it with some spring onions and serve hot.

By Santhi Therese
The Indian Claypot

Step-By-Step Instructions: How to make Chicken Schezwan Noodles:

Boil 10 cups of water in a wide pan.

When the water boils, add the noodles and cook for 3 mins.

When the noodles are just cooked, meaning al dente, then strain the noodles in a colander. Then rinse the noodles under running water well. This process
stops the cooking process and removes the starch.

Now place the noodles on a plate and add 1 tsp of oil to the noodles and toss gently,

so that the oil gets coated evenly over the noodles.

Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium heat.

When the oil heats, add the chicken strips and stir-fry for 2 to 3 mins

or until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it aside.

Heat the same pan with the remaining oil, when the oil heats add garlic and saute for few seconds or until browned.

Turn the heat to high, add green onions, stir-fry for 30 seconds.

First, add the French beans

then add the chopped carrots

and then add the chopped capsicums. stir-fry for 1 to 2 mins or until half cooked.
But vegetables should be crunchy

Then reduce the heat to medium, add schezwan sauce, pepper powder and salt,
give a quick stir.

At this stage add the cooked chicken and saute for few seconds.

Also, add the cooked noodles. Then again turn the heat to high and keep on tossing
the noodles until the schezwan sauce coats all the noodles well.

Then add vinegar and give a good stir.

Finally, garnish it with some spring onions and serve hot.