After a particularly busy week filled with work deadlines and endless errands, I found myself searching for a dinner option that would not only satisfy my taste buds but also give me some much-needed comfort. That’s when I stumbled upon this gem of a recipe—Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls. Imagine chewy rice noodles enveloped in a rich, spicy sauce, perfectly paired with tender ground chicken and vibrant bok choy.
This dish is quick and easy, making it ideal for those hectic nights when cooking feels like a chore. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a nutritious, flavorful meal that feels like a luxury without the takeout price tag. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this recipe is designed to please even the pickiest of eaters. So, let’s dive into the delightful world of homemade comfort food that’s both satisfying and uncomplicated!
Why are Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls a must-try?
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, these bowls are perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful Sauce: A rich and spicy sauce coats the chewy noodles, providing an explosion of taste in every bite.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins from bok choy and lean protein from ground chicken, it’s a wholesome meal in a bowl.
Family-Friendly: This recipe appeals to even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit for everyone at the dinner table.
Versatile Options: Easily customizable by swapping in other proteins or veggies, or you can even try different sauces! For more ideas on boosting your veggie intake, check out the Viral Carrot Ribbon Salad.
Satisfying Comfort Food: This dish mimics delightful takeout but is healthier and homemade, ensuring you skip the fast food guilt!
Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls Ingredients
For the Noodles
• Rice Noodles – The base ingredient that cooks quickly and is naturally gluten-free; perfect for a speedy meal.
For the Bok Choy
• Bok Choy – This mild, crunchy vegetable is packed with vitamins and can be substituted with kale or spinach if needed.
For the Sauce
• Chicken Broth – Serves as the liquid base for your sauce; vegetable broth can be an excellent vegetarian alternative.
• Soy Sauce/Coconut Aminos – Adds that essential umami flavor; low-sodium options are perfect to manage salt intake.
• Arrowroot Starch/Tapioca Starch/Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce, giving it a rich texture; corn starch is a great backup if you don’t have the others.
• Coconut Sugar – Sweetens the sauce naturally; feel free to swap it with brown sugar if you prefer.
For Flavor
• Olive Oil – Ideal for cooking; you can use any oil with a high smoke point if olive oil isn’t on hand.
• Fresh Ginger – Adds aromatic warmth and depth; ground ginger works well in a pinch if fresh isn’t available.
• Garlic – Enhances flavor immensely; garlic powder can serve as a substitute if fresh garlic isn’t available.
• Sambal Oelek/Chili Garlic Sauce – Provides the spice kick; adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
For the Chicken
• Ground Chicken – The main protein that makes this dish hearty; lean ground turkey is a great substitute for a different flavor profile.
For Garnishing
• Green Onions – Adds freshness and flavor; if you’re out, chives can provide a similar taste.
• Chili Crisp – A delightful garnish to add texture and an extra spice element; you can buy this pre-made or whip it up at home.
These Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls are not just a meal but a delicious adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen!
How to Make Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls
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Prepare Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside for later use.
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Prep Bok Choy: Wash and chop the bok choy, making sure to keep the whites and greens separate for even cooking later. This will add both crunch and color to your dish.
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Make Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, starch, and coconut sugar until fully combined. This mixture creates a rich, savory sauce that elevates your noodles.
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Cook Bok Choy: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped whites of the bok choy and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become tender. Then, toss in the greens for another minute before removing everything from the pan and setting aside.
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Cook Chicken Mixture: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil along with green onions, ginger, garlic, and sambal oelek. Sauté for 2 minutes before adding the ground chicken. Break it up and cook until it is thoroughly cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the sauce and the sautéed bok choy back into the pan. Toss everything gently to coat, and finally stir in the cooked rice noodles until they’re heated through and everything is evenly mixed.
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Serve: Spoon into individual bowls, garnishing with more green onions and a scattering of chili crisp for an extra kick. Enjoy your meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Optional: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls
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Choose the Right Noodles: Use rice noodles for a quick and gluten-free base; they cook in just a few minutes, perfect for this speedy meal.
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Don’t Rush the Bok Choy: Sautéing bok choy separately enhances its texture and flavor; make sure to cook the whites first for a perfectly tender crunch.
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Whisk Your Sauce Well: Combine the sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure the flavors meld beautifully over your noodles.
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Monitor Spice Levels: Start with a small amount of sambal oelek; you can always add more later if you prefer a spicier kick in your Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic elevate the dish’s overall aroma and flavor; opt for these over dried versions when possible for the best outcome.
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Leftover Love: Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers the next day! They reheat well, making for an easy lunch option.
What to Serve with Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls?
Kick off your culinary journey by building a complete meal that delights every palate.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: The crunch of fresh vegetables packed in crispy wrappers complements the creamy richness of the noodle bowl beautifully.
- Refreshing Cucumber Salad: Zesty and light, this salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, spicy noodles, making each bite refreshing.
- Garlic Sesame Bok Choy: Layered with flavors, this side echoes the bok choy in your main dish while adding a unique twist. Serve it warm for an extra touch.
- Savory Edamame: A protein-packed snack, these lightly salted pods add a pop of color and taste, enhancing the meal’s appeal.
- Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, sweet mango with sticky rice offers a delightful way to end the meal, balancing the spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Iced Green Tea: Sip on this refreshing beverage, which helps cleanse your palate between bites while complementing the dish’s vibrant flavors.
Each pairing brings its own character to the table, creating a delightful dining experience that embodies the essence of home-cooked comfort!
Make Ahead Options
These Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls are a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the rice noodles and bok choy up to 24 hours in advance, simply cooking the noodles according to package instructions and storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the bok choy, wash and chop it, keeping the whites and greens separate to maintain their texture. When you’re ready to serve, sauté your prepped ingredients with the ground chicken and sauce, ensuring everything is heated through. This will save you precious time during busy weeknights while ensuring your meal is just as delicious and comforting as if you made it from scratch that evening!
Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowl Variations
Feel free to dance with the flavors and textures of this dish—your kitchen, your rules!
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Ground Turkey: Substitute ground chicken with lean ground turkey for a different flavor profile and a healthier option. The result is still delicious and hearty.
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Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, swap in firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, crumble it, and sauté until golden for an added texture thrill.
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Vegetable Medley: Toss in colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or even carrots to brighten the bowls and add nutrition. It’s a fun way to sneak in more veggies!
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Vegan Broth: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a 100% plant-based meal, keeping it just as comforting and rich without compromising taste.
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Sriracha Switch: For spice lovers, substitute sambal oelek with sriracha to ramp up the heat. Adjust based on your personal spice tolerance—you control the kick!
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Brown Sugar Kick: If coconut sugar isn’t handy, use brown sugar instead. It provides a warm sweetness that beautifully complements the savory elements.
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Sesame Oil Drizzle: Add a splash of toasted sesame oil during the final mix for an unexpected nutty aroma and flavor that takes these noodle bowls to the next level.
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Chili Sauce Garnish: Instead of chili crisp, experiment with your favorite chili sauce or garlic oil for a new twist. It enhances the dish with an extra burst of flavor.
Storage Tips for Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months; use freezer-safe bags for easier portioning.
Reheating: Reheat in a non-stick pan over medium-low heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
Assembly: It’s best to store the bok choy separately to maintain its texture; combine just before serving for optimal taste and crunch.
Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my bok choy is fresh?
Absolutely! When selecting bok choy, look for crisp, bright green leaves and firm white stalks. Avoid any with dark spots or wilting. The fresher, the more vibrant and flavorful your dish will be!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure everything is completely cooled before sealing. Reheat gently on the stovetop for the best texture, or use a microwave for convenience.
Can I freeze Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls?
Yes, you can! For freezing, it’s best to store the rice noodles and sauce separately. Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months. For the sauce, let it cool, then store in a separate container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then gently warm in a pan, adding a splash of water if necessary.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
Very common! If your sauce ends up thicker than you like, simply add a small amount of water or extra chicken broth while heating it until you reach your desired consistency. Just whisk it gently to integrate the liquid smoothly.
Is this recipe suitable for my gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! This recipe uses rice noodles, which are gluten-free. Just be mindful of the soy sauce. Opt for gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep it safe for your dietary needs. If you have any allergies or special diet considerations, don’t hesitate to swap ingredients accordingly!
Can I use different vegetables in these noodle bowls?
Very much so! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach. If you apply this tip, make sure to adjust the cooking time for firmer vegetables to ensure everything is tender yet still vibrant when served. Enjoy your culinary creativity!
These Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls are a delightful addition to your weeknight meals, and I’m here to help you every step of the way! Happy cooking!
Spicy-ish Ground Chicken Noodle Bowls Ready in 20 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside for later use.
- Wash and chop the bok choy, keeping the whites and greens separate.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, starch, and coconut sugar.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add chopped bok choy whites and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then toss in the greens for another minute before removing from the pan.
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil with green onions, ginger, garlic, and sambal oelek. Sauté for 2 minutes before adding the ground chicken. Cook until thoroughly done, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the sauce and sautéed bok choy back into the pan, then stir in the rice noodles until heated through.
- Serve in bowls garnished with more green onions and chili crisp.