There’s something utterly joyful about whipping up a batch of Quick and Easy Pancit on a busy weeknight or for a last-minute gathering. This Filipino classic is a vibrant, comforting stir fry of tender rice noodles, juicy chicken, and colorful vegetables, all tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce. What I love most is how it comes together in a flash, delivering bold flavors while using simple ingredients. If you crave a dish that’s soul-soothing yet speedy, Quick and Easy Pancit is the answer—one forkful, and you’ll understand why it’s a staple at celebrations and family tables alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Quick and Easy Pancit is in its approachable, everyday ingredients. Each item brings its own pop of flavor, texture, or color, making the final dish both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
- Rice noodles or pancit bihon noodles: These light, springy noodles soak up all the savory sauce and are the heart of the dish.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps everything sizzle and brings out the flavors of the sautéed ingredients.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory base that sets the tone for the whole dish.
- Onion, sliced: Brings a gentle sweetness and a touch of crunch when sautéed.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: A protein boost that makes the pancit extra hearty—rotisserie chicken works great for speed!
- Carrots, sliced: For a touch of sweetness and a lovely pop of orange color.
- Shredded cabbage: Adds crunch, bulk, and a hint of earthiness.
- Green beans, sliced: A classic veggie in pancit, giving bite and freshness.
- Soy sauce: Offers depth and saltiness, tying the flavors together.
- Oyster sauce: Delivers that signature savory, umami note—don’t skip it!
- Ground black pepper: A simple seasoning that perks up the entire dish.
- Chicken broth or water: Keeps the noodles moist and helps the sauce cling to every bite.
- Lemon wedges and green onions for garnish: The finishing touch—fresh, zingy, and bright.
How to Make Quick and Easy Pancit
Step 1: Soak the Noodles
Start by soaking your rice noodles in a bowl of warm water for about 10 to 15 minutes. This softens them up so they’re ready to soak up all the delicious flavors later. Once they’re pliable but not mushy, drain them well and set aside. A little patience here prevents clumpy, overcooked noodles later on!
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Grab your biggest skillet or wok and heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onions, stirring for a minute or two until they’re fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. This aromatic base sets the stage for the savory notes that make Quick and Easy Pancit irresistible.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Stir-Fry
Next, in goes your shredded cooked chicken. Stir-fry for another minute or two, letting the chicken soak up the garlicky, oniony goodness. If you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, this step is especially speedy—just enough to warm it through and meld the flavors.
Step 4: Toss In the Veggies
Now add your carrots, green beans, and cabbage. Stir everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. This variety of vegetables not only brings color and texture but also ensures each bite is fresh and lively.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and chicken broth. Pour this savory mixture into your skillet, and let it come to a gentle simmer. This is where all those flavors start to mingle and create the signature taste of Quick and Easy Pancit.
Step 6: Add Noodles and Toss
Add your softened noodles to the pan, gently tossing and turning until every strand is coated in the sauce. Stir-fry for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the noodles soak in the flavors and finish cooking. If things look a bit dry, splash in a little extra broth or water. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Once everything is sizzling and saucy, transfer your pancit to a serving platter or bowls. Top with chopped green onions and arrange lemon wedges on the side. The dish is ready to shine—fragrant, colorful, and completely inviting!
How to Serve Quick and Easy Pancit
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they really wake up the flavors! A scatter of chopped green onions adds color and a mild bite, while fresh lemon wedges let everyone squeeze on their own zingy brightness. You can also sprinkle on a bit of fried garlic or even crushed chicharrón for extra crunch if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
Quick and Easy Pancit shines on its own, but it also plays well with others. Try serving it alongside classic Filipino favorites like lumpia (crispy spring rolls), grilled meats, or a simple cucumber salad. For a heartier spread, pair with steamed rice and a tangy dipping sauce on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, pile the pancit high on a big platter and top with colorful garnishes for a festive centerpiece. Or, portion into individual bowls for a more casual meal. For parties, serve in small cups or mini takeout boxes with chopsticks for a fun, portable twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Quick and Easy Pancit keeps beautifully! Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for a satisfying lunch or quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, portion the cooled pancit into freezer-safe bags or containers. It freezes well for up to one month. When freezing, try to use a shallow container so the noodles reheat evenly. Just note that the veggies may soften a bit after thawing, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water over the noodles and warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles. If you have a steamer, that works wonderfully too—just a few minutes and your Quick and Easy Pancit will taste nearly as good as fresh.
FAQs
Can I use different proteins in Quick and Easy Pancit?
Absolutely! Pancit is endlessly flexible. Swap out chicken for shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just make sure your protein is cooked before adding it in, since the stir-frying goes so quickly.
Do I have to use rice noodles, or can I substitute other types?
Rice noodles (bihon) are traditional, but you can experiment with wheat noodles or even glass noodles if that’s what you have on hand. Just follow the package instructions for soaking or boiling, and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the best way to prevent the noodles from clumping?
The trick is to soak the noodles just until softened and toss them immediately with the sauce and veggies. If they start sticking together, splash in a bit more broth or water and gently separate them with tongs or chopsticks.
Can I make Quick and Easy Pancit ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prep everything a few hours in advance. Simply reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen things up. Add your garnishes right before serving for the freshest look and flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely. Just double-check that your soy sauce and oyster sauce are gluten-free varieties (many brands offer these now), and you’ll have a delicious, gluten-free Quick and Easy Pancit.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Quick and Easy Pancit is a favorite in so many kitchens—it’s fast, flexible, and bursting with flavor. If you’ve never made it before, I hope you give it a try soon. One bite and you’ll see just how comforting, festive, and downright delicious homemade pancit can be. Happy cooking!
Print
Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Quick and Easy Pancit is a classic Filipino noodle stir-fry dish featuring tender rice noodles tossed with savory chicken, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful soy-oyster sauce. Perfect for a fast, comforting meal packed with authentic taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles or pancit bihon noodles
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup green beans, sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
Garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Chopped green onions
Instructions
- Soften the noodles. Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10–15 minutes until they become soft, then drain and set aside to prepare for stir-frying.
- Sauté aromatics and protein. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the shredded cooked chicken and stir-fry for an additional 1–2 minutes to warm through.
- Add vegetables. Toss in the sliced carrots, green beans, and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry the vegetables for 2–3 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp.
- Prepare and add sauce. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, ground black pepper, and chicken broth. Pour this mixture into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Toss noodles with sauce. Add the soaked and drained noodles to the skillet. Toss them well so they are fully coated with the sauce and ingredients. Continue to stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the noodles are heated through and the liquid mostly absorbed.
- Adjust seasoning and serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the pancit hot, garnished with freshly chopped green onions and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp or pork for the chicken if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, use tofu instead of meat.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
