Chicken sesame noodles recipe is one of those dishes that instantly comforts, excites the palate, and feels like a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Imagine tender slices of succulent chicken enveloped in a glossy, nutty sesame sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked noodles that are slightly springy and aromatic from sesame oil and fresh aromatics. This recipe is tailored for Australian kitchens, from Sydney’s bustling food markets to cozy suburban pantries, blending local ingredients with traditional Asian flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or meal prepping for the week, this chicken sesame noodles recipe delivers a balance of texture, aroma, and umami that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The magic of this dish lies not just in the flavors, but in its simplicity. A handful of fresh vegetables, aromatic ginger, garlic, and a hint of honey transform humble noodles and chicken into a vibrant, satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for beginners, yet versatile enough for experienced cooks who enjoy experimenting with spices, sauces, and garnishes. For nutritional benefits of sesame oil, you can explore Healthline’s guide on sesame oil. By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge, step-by-step instructions, tips, and variations to create Sydney’s best chicken sesame noodles at home.
Quick Summary
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 20 mins | 40 mins | 4 | 465 | Main Dish |
Ingredients For Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe
Gather these fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results. You can easily find all ingredients at your local Sydney supermarket or farmers’ market.
- 500g Australian chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 200g egg noodles or rice noodles
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/2 cucumber, julienned
- Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnish
- Optional: chili flakes or fresh chili slices
Australian & Regional Variations: In NSW, try Tasmanian chicken for richer flavor. In VIC, substitute noodles with fresh wheat noodles for an authentic texture. In WA, add locally grown snap peas or baby spinach for color and nutrition. For vegetarians, firm tofu or tempeh works beautifully in place of chicken, maintaining protein content.
Step-by-Step Instructions For Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe
Follow these detailed steps to master the chicken sesame noodles recipe. Sensory cues and mini-tips ensure every bite is perfect.
- Prepare Noodles: Boil water in a large pot. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- Prep Chicken: Slice chicken breast thinly for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to achieve a light sear.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken slices, searing until golden on all sides and cooked through (internal temp 74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add remaining sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Build Sauce: Add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir continuously and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in julienned carrot and cucumber. Sauté lightly for 1–2 minutes; vegetables should remain crisp.
- Combine Chicken & Noodles: Return cooked chicken to the pan. Add noodles and gently toss to coat evenly with sauce.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and coriander on top.
- Optional Heat: Add chili flakes or sliced chili for a spicy version.
- Check Flavor: Taste for salt and sweetness. Adjust with extra soy sauce or honey as needed.
- Plate & Serve: Serve immediately on a wide platter for best presentation. Steam rises from the noodles, releasing an irresistible aroma.
- Meal Prep Tip: If storing for later, keep sauce and noodles separate to prevent sogginess.
- Alternative Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different variation.
- Texture Tip: For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.
- Presentation: Twist noodles with chopsticks or tongs for a neat serving, drizzle a little extra sesame oil for shine.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut cooking time in half.
- Mix noodles with sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
- For gluten-free, choose rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.
- Add baby spinach, bok choy, or snap peas for nutrition and color.
- Make it spicy by adding sriracha, chili paste, or fresh chopped chilies.
- Use homemade chicken stock instead of water when boiling noodles for extra flavor.
- Make the sauce ahead and store in a sealed jar for up to a week.
- Zero-waste tip: save carrot and cucumber peels to add to soups or stir-fries.
- Garnish ideas: crushed peanuts, roasted sesame seeds, microgreens, or coriander.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for authentic flavor contrast.
Common Mistakes Breakdown: Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe
| Mistake | Why It Happens | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Overcooked chicken | High heat or thick slices | Slice chicken thin and cook medium heat until just done |
| Noodles sticking together | Not tossing with oil or rinsing | Rinse noodles and toss with sesame oil immediately |
| Bland sauce | Skipping simmering or incorrect ingredient balance | Simmer sauce and taste-test, adjust honey and soy sauce |
| Vegetables mushy | Added too early | Add vegetables last 1–2 minutes to retain crunch |
| Overly salty | Regular soy sauce used | Use low-sodium soy sauce, adjust incrementally |
| Soggy noodles | Left in sauce too long | Combine noodles with sauce just before serving |
Serving & Storage
Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds, coriander, or roasted peanuts. Pair with steamed greens, Asian slaw, or a light miso soup for a complete meal. Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 2 days. For meal prep, store sauce and noodles separately to maintain texture. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a teaspoon of water or stock.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving): Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 465 kcal | 23% |
| Protein | 36g | 72% |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 15% |
| Fat | 18g | 26% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sodium | 700mg | 30% |
Easy Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe: A 20-Minute Aussie
This easy chicken sesame noodles recipe brings together tender chicken breast, springy noodles, and a rich sesame-soy sauce — ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for Aussie weeknight dinners or meal prep, it blends Asian-inspired flavors with local ingredients for a comforting, nutritious dish.
- large pot
- wok or large skillet
- mixing spoon or spatula
- knife and cutting board
- tongs or chopsticks for serving
- 500 g Australian chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 200 g egg noodles or rice noodles
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 0.5 cucumber, julienned
- fresh coriander (cilantro), for garnish
- optional chili flakes or fresh chili slices
Boil water in a large pot. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Slice chicken breast thinly for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to achieve a light sear.
Heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil in a wok or skillet. Add chicken slices, searing until golden and cooked through (74°C internal temp). Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add remaining sesame oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
Add soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Toss in julienned carrot and cucumber. Sauté lightly for 1–2 minutes to keep them crisp.
Return chicken and noodles to the pan. Toss gently until evenly coated with sauce.
Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped spring onions, and coriander on top. Add chili flakes if desired.
Serve hot. For meal prep, keep sauce and noodles separate to avoid sogginess.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or swap in tofu for a vegetarian option. Add baby spinach, bok choy, or snap peas for a color boost. Store sauce and noodles separately to prevent sogginess when meal prepping. Garnish with sesame seeds and coriander before serving for the perfect finish.
FAQ – People Also Ask About Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe
Can I make this chicken sesame noodles recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavours actually improve and meld together over time.
What’s the absolute best noodle to use for sesame noodles?
Udon, Hokkien, and Soba noodles are all excellent choices for their substantial texture and ability to hold the creamy sauce. Even wholemeal spaghetti works wonderfully in a pinch!
How can I make my sesame noodles even saucier?
The key is in the warm water. Don’t be shy—add more than the recipe suggests until the sauce is as loose or thick as you prefer. You are in control of your sauce’s destiny.
Is this chicken sesame noodles recipe gluten-free?
Easily! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your chosen noodles are certified 100% gluten-free, like soba noodles made from pure buckwheat.
Can I use a different protein besides chicken?
Of course! Thinly sliced beef, plump prawns, or pan-fried firm tofu are all fantastic and delicious alternatives to chicken in this incredibly versatile recipe.
Why did my sauce become too thick after I added it to the noodles?
The noodles naturally absorb liquid. Simply add a tablespoon or two of warm water to the wok and toss again until it returns to a silky, creamy consistency.
Chef’s Notes & Final Thoughts : Chicken Sesame Noodles Recipe
This chicken sesame noodles recipe is ideal for busy cooks and families craving flavor without complexity. It combines texture, aroma, and a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. Experiment with garnishes, vegetables, and protein swaps to suit your taste. This recipe is also a great introduction to Asian-inspired cooking for beginners.
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