Chicken Mei Fun is a classic Chinese stir-fried noodle dish that brings together the delicate texture of rice vermicelli with the bold flavors of soy-marinated chicken and crisp vegetables. This dish is a staple in many Chinese takeout menus but is incredibly easy to recreate at home, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. The ingredients are simple yet harmonious, delivering a deliciously balanced meal that satisfies every bite.
What makes this dish truly special is its versatility. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a family dinner, Chicken Mei Fun fits the bill. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or swap the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even beef. Its light texture and savory profile make it a comforting yet refreshing option that appeals to all palates. The final dish looks colorful and appetizing, thanks to the medley of vegetables and the glossy finish from stir-frying, making it just as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
-
8 oz (225 g) rice vermicelli noodles
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
-
1/2 cup shredded carrots
-
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
-
1/4 red bell pepper, julienned
-
2 scallions, sliced
-
1/2 lb (225 g) chicken breast, thinly sliced
-
2 tablespoons light soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
-
1 teaspoon sesame oil
-
Salt and white pepper to taste
Directions:
-
Soak the rice vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5–7 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
-
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
-
Add sliced chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
-
In the same pan, add onions, carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
-
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to combine. Add the drained noodles, light and dark soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil.
-
Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
-
Top with sliced scallions and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 2 servings
About Chicken Mei Fun
Chicken Mei Fun is a beloved Chinese noodle dish known for its delicate rice vermicelli, crisp-tender vegetables, and flavorful strips of marinated chicken. The word “Mei Fun” refers to thin rice noodles, which are commonly used across several Asian cuisines, particularly in southern Chinese cooking. This dish brings together savory, umami-rich notes from soy sauce and sesame oil with the lightness of the noodles and the freshness of stir-fried vegetables. The result is a meal that feels balanced—light enough not to overwhelm, yet satisfying enough to be a hearty lunch or dinner option.
Unlike heavier noodle dishes such as lo mein or chow mein, which use wheat-based noodles and often richer sauces, Chicken Mei Fun stays on the lighter side. The use of rice noodles means it is naturally gluten-free (provided the sauces used are also gluten-free), which makes it a popular option for those with dietary restrictions. It’s a brilliant showcase of how Chinese cuisine can deliver big on flavor without relying on heavy ingredients.
The Cultural Origins of Mei Fun
Mei Fun has its roots in Cantonese cuisine, where rice noodles are a pantry staple. You’ll often see them used in soups, stir-fries, or cold noodle salads. Chicken Mei Fun specifically is more of a takeout classic—a product of Chinese-American culinary evolution. It’s a dish that balances traditional techniques with modern preferences, catering to those who love bold flavors but seek a lighter meal.
Over the decades, Mei Fun has become a staple on Chinese takeout menus across North America, Europe, and Southeast Asia. It’s adaptable, which has made it universally appealing. You can find variations with shrimp, beef, or vegetables only, each reflecting regional preferences or the creativity of the cook.
Why Chicken Mei Fun Is a Go-To Weeknight Meal
One of the strongest appeals of Chicken Mei Fun is its simplicity and speed. It’s a one-pan dish that takes about 20–30 minutes to prepare from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners. Despite the quick prep, the flavors are complex, thanks to the layering of ingredients like garlic, onions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
It’s also a dish that lends itself well to meal prepping. You can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time, soak the noodles in advance, and stir-fry everything when you’re ready to eat. The leftovers store beautifully and reheat well, which is always a bonus in a busy household.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Profile
Chicken Mei Fun is a relatively balanced dish nutritionally. It typically includes lean protein from the chicken, a variety of fiber- and vitamin-rich vegetables like carrots, cabbage, and bell peppers, and carbohydrates from rice noodles. Because the dish is stir-fried quickly over high heat, the vegetables retain most of their nutrients and crunch, unlike in slower, oil-heavy cooking methods.
The use of rice noodles also makes this dish lower in fat and cholesterol compared to creamy pasta dishes or fried noodle plates. When prepared with reduced-sodium soy sauce and minimal oil, Chicken Mei Fun becomes a wholesome and heart-healthy choice. It’s filling, but not overly heavy, making it suitable for lunch or dinner without that post-meal slump.
Adaptability for Different Diets
One of the best things about Chicken Mei Fun is how customizable it is. If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply ensure all your sauces are certified gluten-free. Vegetarians can easily substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken, and vegans can do the same while swapping out oyster sauce if used. If you want to make it lower-carb, you could reduce the quantity of noodles and increase the vegetables.
Spice lovers might add a dash of chili oil or sriracha, while others might include additional herbs like Thai basil or cilantro for a fusion twist. Whether you’re following keto, paleo, or a general clean-eating plan, you can tweak Chicken Mei Fun to fit your goals.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Mei Fun
The key to mastering Chicken Mei Fun lies in preparation and timing. Here are a few expert tips:
Soak the noodles properly: Rice vermicelli should be soft but not mushy. Soak them in hot water, not boiling, and don’t over-soak them. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
High heat is crucial: Stir-frying at high heat helps to sear the meat and caramelize the vegetables slightly, locking in flavor while preserving texture.
Use a large pan or wok: Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than fry, which diminishes the flavor and texture.
Balance the sauce: Too much soy sauce can overwhelm the dish, while too little might leave it tasting flat. A combination of light soy sauce for saltiness and dark soy sauce for color and depth usually does the trick.
Add ingredients in stages: Vegetables like onions and carrots need more time to cook than bell peppers and scallions. Add in the harder vegetables first to keep everything evenly cooked.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken Mei Fun is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides or appetizers for a full meal. Consider serving it with:
-
A light cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds
-
Steamed or pan-fried dumplings
-
Egg drop soup or miso soup
-
A side of stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli
For an elevated presentation, garnish the dish with sesame seeds, chopped scallions, or a wedge of lime for a citrusy finish. It’s also popular to serve Chicken Mei Fun in takeout-style boxes for a fun, nostalgic touch at dinner parties or potlucks.
Why This Dish Stands Out
In the sea of noodle recipes, Chicken Mei Fun stands out for its elegant simplicity. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and energizing, thanks to the soft texture of the noodles and the crisp bite of the vegetables. It’s easy to see why it’s a takeout favorite—but once you learn how to make it at home, it might just become a staple in your own kitchen.
What makes this recipe especially rewarding is that it requires no complicated techniques or specialty tools—just a pan, fresh ingredients, and a little attention to timing. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced home chef, this is a dish that delivers every time.
Conclusion
Chicken Mei Fun is a celebration of balance and flavor, showcasing the beauty of stir-fried simplicity. It brings together familiar pantry staples in a dish that’s fast, flexible, and deeply satisfying. From its roots in Cantonese cooking to its current place in modern kitchens across the world, it continues to be a favorite for good reason.
If you’re looking for a recipe that checks all the boxes—quick, healthy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing—Chicken Mei Fun is a must-try. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this dish offers a winning combination of ease and elegance. It’s a true classic, and one that belongs in every home cook’s repertoire.