Ginger-Scallion Sesame Chicken with Crispy Rice Noodles
Tender chicken thighs glazed in a fragrant ginger-scallion sauce, served over crispy rice noodles for an irresistible Asian-inspired weeknight dinner. This asian-inspired quick meals (gluten-free, high-protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 4, white parts only, thinly sliced scallions
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 12 oz boneless chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season with 1/2 tsp salt. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), then set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 1/2 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 4 thinly sliced white scallion parts, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey, and 1/4 cup water, bringing to a simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, coating evenly, then simmer for 2 minutes until sauce clings to chicken. Meanwhile, cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package directions until al dente, drain, and toss with 1 tsp toasted sesame oil. Serve chicken over noodles, sprinkled with 1 tbsp sesame seeds.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Ginger-Scallion Sesame Chicken with Crispy Rice Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Ginger-Scallion Sesame Chicken with Crispy Rice Noodles?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Ginger-Scallion Sesame Chicken with Crispy Rice Noodles?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Ginger-Scallion Sesame Chicken with Crispy Rice Noodles for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Ginger-Scallion Sesame Chicken with Crispy Rice Noodles gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, high-protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Great base recipe! I added a pinch of smoked paprika and it was even better.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.