Craving something comforting, quick, and full of flavor? This chicken yakisoba recipe checks all the boxes. With tender chicken breast, crisp stir-fried veggies, and perfectly sauced noodles, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend craving. Inspired by the beloved Japanese yakisoba stir fry, this version skips the excess oil and sodium you might find in restaurant dishes like Flower Child’s chicken yakisoba noodles or Wagamama’s chicken yaki soba, but keeps all the bold, savory goodness.
You’ll love how easily it comes together in one pan—just a handful of simple ingredients, a hot skillet, and dinner is served. Let’s dive into a better-for-you take on a classic favorite.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits
Balanced & Nutritious: With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light sauce, this dish offers a great mix of protein, fiber, and complex carbs—perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ready in a Flash: You’ll have this chicken yakisoba on the table in less than 30 minutes—quicker than waiting for delivery and way more satisfying to make yourself.
Customizable & Family-Friendly: Whether you like it mild or bold, veggie-packed or protein-heavy, you can adjust the ingredients to suit any taste.
Lower in Calories Than Restaurant Versions: Compared to chicken yakisoba noodles Flower Child calories or chicken yaki soba Wagamama calories, this homemade version is lighter but still full of flavor.
Budget-Conscious: Skip the expensive delivery fees—everything you need for this dish is pantry-friendly and affordable.
Ingredients for chicken yakisoba
Here’s everything you’ll need to make flavorful chicken yakisoba from scratch:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil – for stir-frying
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced – lean protein base
- 2 packs yakisoba noodles (pre-cooked or fresh) – rinse and loosen before using
- 2 cups shredded cabbage – adds crunch and volume
- 1 large carrot, julienned – for sweetness and color
- 1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced – optional, but adds vibrancy
- 1 small onion, sliced – brings savory depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – essential for aroma
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – control salt levels
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or thick soy alternative – for rich umami
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar – balances the savory flavors
- Green onions & sesame seeds (optional) – for garnish
Tip: Swap in gluten-free noodles or tofu for a variation that suits your dietary needs.
Instructions for chicken yakisoba
- Prep the noodles
Loosen the yakisoba noodles by running them under hot water, gently pulling them apart with your fingers.Set aside. - Cook the chicken
Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide pan or wok over medium to high heat until shimmering. Add the sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through—about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside. - Stir-fry the veggies
In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then toss in onions, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender, then add cabbage and garlic. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes. - Combine and sauce
Return the chicken to the pan. Add the noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and honey. Mix thoroughly to ensure the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the sauce and warmed all the way through. - Finish and serve
Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds if you like, then serve hot.
Quick Note: A high-heat pan helps keep the veggies crisp and the noodles flavorful—just like a proper yakisoba stir fry should be!
Pro Tips and Variations
- Use pre-cut veggies to save prep time—bagged stir-fry mixes work great here.
- Try soba or rice noodles for a twist on texture or to suit dietary needs.
- Add heat with a drizzle of sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper.
- Boost flavor by adding a splash of rice vinegar or a drop of toasted sesame oil at the end.
- Make it meat-free by swapping chicken for tofu or mushrooms.
This dish is super adaptable—feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot in a wide bowl with chopsticks or a fork for that cozy, takeout-style feel.
- Pair with miso soup or a crisp cucumber salad to round out the meal.
- Garnish with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.
- Want leftovers? Pack into meal prep containers—it reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
Conclusion
Chicken yakisoba is the kind of dish that feels both comforting and energizing—a quick stir-fry that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re craving bold flavors, looking for a lighter option than chicken teriyaki calories, or just want a weeknight winner, this recipe delivers. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can whip up something better than takeout in no time.
FAQs
Is chicken yakisoba healthy?
Yes, especially when made at home. It offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and veggies—plus you control the sodium and oil levels.
How many calories are in a plate of yakisoba?
A typical homemade plate has around 450–500 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Is yakisoba low in calories?
Not particularly, but it can be lightened by using lean chicken, less oil, and plenty of vegetables.
How many calories are in chicken soba noodles?
Usually 350–450 calories per serving, with soba being slightly lighter than traditional yakisoba noodles.
How many calories are in 1 yakisoba noodles?
Just the noodles (about 100g cooked) have around 150–200 calories, before adding any protein or sauce.
Chicken Yakisoba Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or sesame oil
- 2 boneless chicken breasts thinly sliced
- 2 packs yakisoba noodles
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large carrot julienned
- 1/2 bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 small onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or soy alternative
- 1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar
- Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Loosen the noodles under hot water and set aside.
- Heat oil in a skillet. Cook the chicken until browned, then remove.
- Stir-fry vegetables until tender-crisp.
- Return chicken and add noodles and sauces. Stir until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition (estimated per serving):
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: Varies by soy sauce brand