If you’re looking for a dish that brings vibrant flavors, delightful textures, and a touch of Filipino tradition to your table without hours in the kitchen, this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe is exactly what you need. Pancit is a beloved noodle dish that’s both comforting and exciting, combining tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and savory seasonings all wrapped up in perfectly cooked rice noodles. This recipe effortlessly blends simplicity with flavor, making it a go-to meal whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself after a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe is in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in building a balanced profile of taste, texture, and color. Fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness, while the chicken brings savory depth, and the soy and oyster sauces infuse that signature umami punch.
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles): These thin rice noodles are delicate and soak up the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing ingredients without overpowering the flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic creates a fragrant and flavorful base for the dish.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the sautéed mix.
- 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly: Provides lean protein and soaks up the savory sauces.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Offers a slight sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded: Brings crisp freshness and bulk to the meal.
- 1/2 cup green beans, sliced: Adds a pop of green and satisfying bite.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Key for savory depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Lends richness and a subtle hint of ocean flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle warmth and a bit of spice.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Ensures the noodles stay moist and flavorful as they cook.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Adds a fragrant, nutty finish to tie everything together.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A splash of citrus brightens the entire dish at the last moment.
How to Make Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Begin by soaking the pancit bihon noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes. This softens them just enough so they cook quickly later, absorbing all those wonderful flavors with ease. Once softened, drain them well and set aside—this small prep step makes the whole cooking process smoother and ensures the noodles have the right texture.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onions, and sauté until their aromas fill the kitchen. This is where the foundation of flavor begins—garlic and onion create a savory, sweet, and inviting base that sets the tone for the whole dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Next, add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the pan. Stir often as it cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s no longer pink inside. The goal here is juicy, tender chicken that soaks up the savory notes from the aromatics and sauces without drying out.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now toss in the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced green beans. Stir-fry these colorful veggies for about 2 minutes. They should remain crisp but slightly tender, providing that perfect crunchy texture contrast against the soft noodles and chicken.
Step 5: Combine Sauces and Broth
Pour in your soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, black pepper, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This mixture is the heart of your Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe, imparting that signature savory and fragrant essence that makes pancit so irresistible.
Step 6: Add the Noodles and Finish Cooking
Gently fold in the drained noodles, mixing well so they soak up the juices evenly. Let the noodles cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until they’re soft and have absorbed the sauce’s flavors. If you like, drizzle the sesame oil in at this point to add a lovely nutty aroma and richness.
Step 7: Serve with Fresh Lemon
Once your noodles are perfectly cooked, plate the pancit while it’s hot and serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon right before eating adds that bright, tangy finish that elevates the entire dish.
How to Serve Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
Garnishes
While the basic lemon wedge is a classic, garnishing your Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe with a few chopped green onions or fresh cilantro can add a burst of color and freshness. Some folks love sprinkling crushed toasted garlic on top for an extra crunch. These small touches make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple, crisp cucumber salad or some sweet and tangy pickled vegetables to balance out the savory noodles. For a heartier meal, try it alongside grilled pork skewers or a light miso soup to round out the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the pancit in individual banana leaf-lined bowls or plates for a festive touch. You can also create mini pancit cups using small lettuce leaves or endive for a fun appetizer twist. These unique presentations are great for entertaining and make the dish feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a good problem to have), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe holds up well for about 2 to 3 days, though the noodles may absorb more liquid, so a quick stir and reheat is best before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing pancit isn’t the best option because the noodle texture might change once thawed. However, if you want to freeze, make sure it’s cooled completely and stored in a tightly sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and prepare to reheat gently to avoid mushy noodles.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to steam them gently back to life. This helps recover some moisture and prevents the noodles from sticking together. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While pancit bihon is traditional and ideal, you can substitute with thin rice vermicelli or even thin egg noodles. Just adjust soaking or cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
This version includes chicken and chicken broth, but you can easily make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead. Add extra mushrooms or tofu for protein, and your noodles will still taste fantastic.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free or simply omit it. The rice noodles themselves are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe?
This recipe as written is mild and comforting. If you like a little heat, feel free to add sliced chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce to the soy sauce mixture during cooking.
What’s the best way to slice the chicken for even cooking?
Thin, uniform slices are key for quick, even cooking. If it’s easier, partially freeze the chicken for about 20 minutes before slicing; it firms up and makes slicing more precise.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe is your ticket to a flavorful, satisfying meal that never requires a ton of time or fuss. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights or whenever you crave something comforting but fresh and vibrant. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again, sharing it with friends, and savoring every delicious bite.
Print
Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick and Easy Pancit is a classic Filipino stir-fried noodle dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. This recipe is perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, delivering satisfying taste with minimal prep and cook times.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup green beans, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Soak Noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook Chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced green beans. Cook for another 2 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add Seasonings and Broth: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), black pepper, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine all flavors.
- Add Noodles: Add the drained rice noodles to the pan and mix well, ensuring noodles absorb the broth and seasonings evenly.
- Simmer and Finish: Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until noodles become soft and absorb most of the liquid. Stir in sesame oil if desired for added aroma and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the pancit hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish to add a fresh citrus zing.
Notes
- Soaking the noodles helps prevent them from breaking during cooking.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.
- Adjust vegetables based on availability or preference.
- Lemon wedges add a fresh and tangy contrast to the savory pancit.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
