Spicy Chicken Hakka Noodles

A sizzling aroma fills the kitchen as I toss together vibrant vegetables and succulent chicken, all enveloped in a spicy, savory sauce. This Spicy Chicken Hakka Noodles recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, and it works beautifully because the combination of fresh ingredients and bold flavors creates a dish that’s both satisfying and exciting.

This recipe is perfect for anyone craving a delicious, quick meal. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a spontaneous weekend gathering, these noodles make for an impressive dish that can be enjoyed fresh or stored for later. Feel free to make a double batch—leftovers store nicely in the fridge!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The chewy hakka noodles provide the perfect base for the stir-fry.
• It’s a colorful dish that appeals to both adults and kids alike.
• Cooking is quick, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish.
• The balance of spices and sauces creates a delightful flavor explosion.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking process.

For the Noodles

• 300 g hakka noodles (I use Ching’s Egg Hakka Noodles)
• 2.5 tbsp cooking oil (divided)

For the Chicken

• 150 g chicken breast (~1 large chicken breast)

For the Sauce

• 1.5 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce (use 3 tbsp if using light soy sauce)
• 2 tbsp sriracha
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp black pepper powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp chicken stock (or water)

For the Vegetables

• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
• 2 green chili, chopped (I use Thai bird chilies)
• 1 tbsp cilantro stems
• 4 scallions, white & green parts chopped separately
• 1 large (~200 g) carrot, cut into long batons
• 1 (~150 g) green bell pepper (use a mix of colored peppers if you wish)
• 1 small (~90 g) onion, finely chopped
• 1 stalk (~50 g) celery, chopped

Note: Adjust chili heat to preference by substituting with Serrano pepper.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
• Replace sesame oil with olive oil if unavailable.
• Any noodle variety can work if hakka noodles aren’t found.
• Adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand.

How to Make It

Get ready to whip up a flavorful stir-fry in just a few simple steps.

1. Boil the noodles

Boil the noodles as per package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles fully and rub with a tsp of oil. Let stand.

2. Prepare chicken and vegetables

Chop the chicken breast into thin strips. Cut vegetables ensuring thickness and size are similar for even cooking.

3. Make the sauce

In a bowl, mix all ingredients listed under "For the Sauce". Taste and adjust as needed—remember, it will be very strong tasting at this point.

4. Stir-fry the chicken

Heat up a wok on high and add 1.5 tbsp of cooking oil and the chicken strips. Sprinkle a little salt and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until cooked through and slightly browned. Transfer to a plate.

5. Sauté the aromatics

Add the remaining cooking oil and sesame oil to the wok, then add chopped garlic, ginger, green chili, and chopped white parts of scallions. Sauté on high for about a minute.

6. Add the vegetables

Next, add the prepared vegetables (excluding the red onions). Do not add salt. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft but still crunchy and vibrant.

7. Combine everything

Add the onions, followed by the boiled noodles and cooked chicken. Pour over the sauce. Using tongs or two forks, toss and stir-fry everything for the next 2-3 minutes until the noodles are well coated in the sauce.

8. Serve

Sprinkle the green scallions on top and serve immediately.

How to Store It

Fridge: up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, the noodles will become mushy.
Reheat: in a pan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Cut vegetables into even sizes for uniform cooking.
• Ensure the wok is hot for a perfect stir-fry.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.
• Always adjust seasoning to fit your taste preference.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with your favorite Asian-inspired sides.
• Serve it alongside a refreshing cucumber salad.
• Perfect for weeknight family dinners or casual get-togethers.