Chicken and Broccoli Sesame Noodles

Noodles, broccoli and leftover chicken are tossed in a glossy ginger-sesame sauce.

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 12 minutes to prepare plus 18 minutes to cook. Metric and imperial quantities are alternate measurements, so use one system rather than adding both. If you change the yield, keep the pan size and thickness of the food in mind: a crowded pan steams food and a deep baking dish can extend the cooking time.

Equipment

Set out saucepan, wok or large frying pan, colander. A wide pan gives moisture somewhere to evaporate; for an oven dish, leave space between pieces so heat can circulate. Use separate board and knife surfaces for raw protein and foods that will be eaten without further cooking.

Ingredients

You will need: egg noodles: 250 g (9 oz); cooked chicken, sliced: 300 g (10½ oz); broccoli florets: 300 g (10½ oz); sunflower oil: 15 ml (1 tbsp); fresh ginger, grated: 15 g (1 tbsp); soy sauce: 45 ml (3 tbsp); toasted sesame oil: 10 ml (2 tsp); spring onions, sliced: 60 g (2 oz). Gather the ingredients before heating the pan so the aromatics do not burn while a measurement is being found.

• egg noodles — 250 g / 9 oz
• cooked chicken, sliced — 300 g / 10½ oz
• broccoli florets — 300 g / 10½ oz
• sunflower oil — 15 ml / 1 tbsp
• fresh ginger, grated — 15 g / 1 tbsp
• soy sauce — 45 ml / 3 tbsp
• toasted sesame oil — 10 ml / 2 tsp
• spring onions, sliced — 60 g / 2 oz

Method

Read the full method once, then prepare the ingredients in the order listed. Keep raw and ready-to-eat ingredients separate, and wash hands and equipment after raw-protein contact.

Step 1

Cook egg noodles according to their packet, adding broccoli for the final 3 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Step 2

Heat sunflower oil in a wok, then fry fresh ginger for 20 seconds until aromatic.

Step 3

Add sliced cooked chicken, soy sauce and toasted sesame oil; toss for 3 minutes until the chicken is steaming hot.

Step 4

Add drained noodles and broccoli, toss until coated, and scatter with spring onions before serving.

Cooking and safety check

Heat the cooked chicken until steaming hot; keep the centre of thicker slices hot as well. A time estimate and a browned surface do not prove that the centre is cooked. Use a suitable food thermometer where the ingredient or local guidance requires one, and follow the package or official instructions for the specific food.

Substitutions that respect the dish

A substitution should preserve the recipe’s job, not merely its colour. Use tamari for soy sauce if a gluten-free labelled product is required; both are usually soy. Use rice noodles instead of egg noodles for an egg-free option. Use tenderstem broccoli in place of florets.

• Use tamari for soy sauce if a gluten-free labelled product is required; both are usually soy.
• Use rice noodles instead of egg noodles for an egg-free option.
• Use tenderstem broccoli in place of florets.

Allergen notes

This recipe contains or may contain egg, gluten, sesame, soy. Check every packaged ingredient because formulations and cross-contact warnings vary.

Common mistakes and how to correct them

Use one troubleshooting change at a time. If the centre is undercooked, return it to the appropriate heat and check again rather than relying on the outside colour. If the pan is dry, add liquid gradually; if it is watery, reduce uncovered. Texture may also reflect crowded equipment, a different ingredient size, or a changed batch quantity.

• Reserve a little noodle cooking water if the sauce needs loosening.
• Slice broccoli small so it cooks in the noodle-water time.
• Add sesame oil off direct heat to preserve its aroma.

Leftovers and storage

Refrigerate within two hours and eat within two days. Reheat in a covered pan with a tablespoon of water until steaming hot; do not repeatedly reheat noodles.

Serving ideas

These sides and finishes suit chicken and broccoli sesame noodles without changing the recipe itself.

• Serve with lime wedges.
• Add shredded carrot.
• Scatter with sesame seeds.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use dried noodles?

Yes; use any noodle that cooks in about five minutes and follow its packet.

Why is my sauce salty?

Soy sauce varies; use reduced-salt soy sauce or dilute with a little noodle water.

Related recipes and tools

Browse the related recipes for a different appliance, pace, or ingredient pairing. Use the serving scaler only after checking the stated yield, and use the storage guide before deciding whether to save a portion. Related links help with the next decision; they do not make this recipe suitable for every diet or kitchen.