If you love bold flavors and comforting noodles, you are in for a treat with the Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe. This dish combines the aromatic, savory magic of the classic three cup chicken sauce with the chewy heartiness of udon noodles, creating a one-pan wonder that’s as satisfying as it is simple. The perfect balance of soy, sesame, and basil flavors wraps every bite in warmth, making it an ideal weeknight meal or a crowd-pleaser for friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweet umami of the soy sauces to the fresh brightness of Thai basil, these ingredients come together to transform simple chicken and noodles into something extraordinary.
- Chinese cooking wine (3 tbsp): Adds a subtle depth and fragrance that elevates the sauce tremendously.
- All-purpose soy sauce (2 tbsp): Provides the savory backbone and a lovely saltiness to the dish.
- Dark soy sauce (1 tbsp): Contributes color and a richer, slightly sweet flavor to balance the other sauces.
- Brown sugar (1 tbsp): Offers a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.
- Sesame oil (1 tbsp): Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma and helps tie the flavors together.
- Oil (2 tbsp): For frying the chicken and aromatics to golden perfection.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (500 g / 1 lb 2 oz): Chosen for tenderness and juiciness, perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Freshly minced ginger (1 tbsp): Adds a zesty kick that brightens the rich sauce.
- Freshly minced garlic (1 tbsp): Brings savory depth and warmth to every mouthful.
- Udon noodles (450 g / 1 lb): Thick and chewy, these noodles carry the sauce wonderfully.
- Thai basil leaves (2 firmly packed cups / 100 g): Imparts fresh, peppery notes that complete the dish’s signature flavor.
How to Make Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the Chinese cooking wine, all-purpose soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce is where all the signature flavors begin to meld, setting the tone for this irresistible dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Aromatics
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced ginger and garlic, frying until fragrant and golden. Then, toss in the chicken pieces, cooking until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step seals in the juices and develops rich flavor through caramelization.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Simmer
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken in the pan. Allow everything to simmer gently on medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly, enveloping every piece in its glossy glaze.
Step 4: Incorporate Noodles and Basil
Add the prepared udon noodles directly into the pan, tossing to coat them thoroughly with the sauce. Just before removing from heat, fold in the Thai basil leaves, letting their fragrant aroma infuse the dish without overcooking them. This final flourish brings freshness and balance.
How to Serve Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions livens up the dish with added crunch and color, making it even more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty noodle dish with something light and crisp, like a cucumber salad or steamed bok choy, to complement the robust flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe in individual bowls with a wedge of lime on the side for a zesty twist. Or, pile it high in a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant basil leaves and glistening sauce for a restaurant-quality look at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Three Cup Chicken Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even further overnight, making for delicious next-day lunches or dinners.
Freezing
While the noodles themselves might lose some texture, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating and adding fresh noodles.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Toss in fresh basil leaves at the end to revive the vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While udon noodles are traditional here because of their chewy texture, you can swap them for ramen noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is dark soy sauce necessary?
Dark soy sauce adds depth and color but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use extra regular soy sauce with a small pinch of molasses or brown sugar to mimic the flavor and richness.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You can, but chicken thighs tend to remain juicier and more tender. If you use breast, watch the cooking time carefully to avoid dryness.
How important is Thai basil in this recipe?
Thai basil is key for the authentic flavor profile thanks to its slightly spicy and anise-like notes. If you can’t find it, sweet basil is an okay substitute but expect a milder flavor.
Can this dish be made vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms and keep the sauce the same. You’ll still get a delicious, savory noodle dish full of umami flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to give the Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe a try if you’re craving something comforting and packed with flavor. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that delivers on every level, from the tender chicken to the fragrant basil and silky noodles. Once you make it, I have a feeling it’ll become a new favorite in your recipe rotation too.
Print
Three Cup Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Taiwanese Fusion
Description
This Three Cup Chicken Noodles recipe is a delicious fusion twist combining the rich, savory flavors of the classic Taiwanese three cup chicken with hearty udon noodles. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful sauce of Chinese cooking wine, soy sauces, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then tossed with aromatic ginger, garlic, and fresh Thai basil served over chewy udon noodles for a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
- 2 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Chicken and Aromatics
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or canola 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
Noodles and Herbs
- 450 g (1 lb) udon noodles, prepared according to package instructions
- 2 firmly packed cups (100 g) Thai basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare noodles: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions, usually by boiling them until just tender. Drain and set aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Mix sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Chinese cooking wine, all-purpose soy sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside.
- Cook chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through, stirring occasionally.
- Add aromatics: Add the freshly minced ginger and garlic to the skillet with the chicken. Stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Add sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken and aromatics. Stir well to coat the chicken. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to finish cooking.
- Toss noodles and basil: Add the cooked udon noodles and Thai basil leaves directly into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the basil is wilted but still vibrant.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot, garnished with additional basil if desired.
Notes
- Ensure the udon noodles are cooked al dente to avoid sogginess after tossing with the sauce.
- If Thai basil is unavailable, sweet basil can be substituted, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the basil loses its freshness over time.
- You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce by varying the amount of brown sugar or soy sauces to suit your taste preferences.
