Chicken Pancit is a Filipino stir-fried noodle dish that combines chicken, colorful vegetables, and rice noodles in a savory soy-based sauce. This Pancit Bihon recipe is easy to make and is a satisfying comfort meal!
This traditional filipino stir-fried noodle dish is an easy and satisfying recipe. If you've tried our filipino spicy adobo chicken, I'm sure you will love this recipe too! This Filipino Pancit Bihon recipe has vermicelli noodles, shredded carrots, shredded cabbage and tender chicken.
What is Pancit?
Pancit is a term used in Filipino cuisine to refer to a variety of stir-fried noodle dishes. It's a staple in Filipino cooking and can come in many regional and ingredient variations.
Pancit typically consists of noodles, often made from rice, wheat, or mung beans, stir-fried with a combination of meats, vegetables, and seasonings. The dish is known for its savory and umami-rich flavors, making it a popular choice for both everyday meals and special occasions in Filipino culture.
There are many types of Pancit, each with its unique preparation and ingredients. Common variations include Pancit Canton (stir-fried egg noodles), Pancit Malabon (thick rice noodles with seafood), and Pancit Bihon (thin rice noodles with meat and vegetables).
Why this Recipe Works
This recipe is versatile. Add as many different veggies as you like! Switch up the meat with pork, shrimp or more!
Chicken pancit is healthy and nutritious! The chicken provides a good source of lean protein and the veggies have lots of nutrients.
This recipe is easy to make! Throw this together in under thirty minutes! Chicken pancit is perfect for an easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: this is the main source of protein in chicken pancit. Select a boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Shredded Cabbage: use any type of cabbage- purple, red or green. Buy the cabbage preshredded or shred your own!
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a fundamental seasoning in Filipino cuisine. It adds a savory, salty flavor to the dish. You'll use it for marinating the chicken and for the sauce. Use tamari for a gluten free option.
- Chicken stock: this adds flavor. You can use a chicken bouillon cube and 1 cup of water as a substitute.
- Onions: onions add a sweet and savory base to the dish. They are chopped and sautéed with the chicken breast.
- Rice noodles: Rice noodles are the base of the dish. They are thin, flat, and translucent. Use vermicelli rice noodles. These noodles are made from rice flour and water, offering a neutral taste and a delicate, slightly chewy texture.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions
- Replace the chicken with shrimp, pork, tofu, or beef for different flavors and textures. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Noodle Variations: use canton noodles which are a thick egg noodle for a more chewy texture. You can also try a whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist.
- Use different types of veggies: mushrooms, bean sprouts, baby corn or water chestnuts.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for a reduced-sodium option, or try coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative with a slightly sweeter taste.
Variations
Here's a few fun ways you can change up this chicken pancit recipe! Feel free to experiment and create your own unique twist!
- Spicy pancit: add some red chili pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce for extra spice.
- Vegetarian Pancit: For a meatless option, omit the chicken and use tofu or tempeh as a protein source. Load up on a variety of colorful vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
- Pancit with Peanut Sauce: Mix peanut butter into the sauce for a deep, rich peanut based sauce.
How to Make This Recipe
Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into small pieces about 1 inch by 1 inch. Trim off any fat. (Image 1)
Step 2: Add the olive oil, diced onion, diced chicken breast to a medium sauce pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently until chicken is done, about 8-10 minutes. (Image 2). Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
Step 3: Remove chicken from pan. Add the cabbage, shredded carrots and chciekn stock. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until veggies are tender. (Image 3)
Step 4: While the veggies are cooking, boil the rice noodles according to instructions on package. Drain and add to the veggies.
Step 5: Add the chicken, soy sauce and chicken. Mix well until combined. (Image 4)
Garnish with green onions if desired!
Expert Tips
- Maintain Texture: Be mindful not to overcook the vegetables. They should retain their vibrant colors and a slight crunch. If you prefer softer vegetables, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the cooked Chicken Pancit to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the noodles absorb the sauce fully.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to create your signature Chicken Pancit.
- Prep Before You Cook: Mise en place, or having everything in its place, is key. Chop all your vegetables, chop the chicken, and have your sauces and noodles ready before you start cooking. This ensures a smooth and efficient cooking process.
Recipe FAQs
In Filipino cuisine, "Pancit" is a term that encompasses a variety of noodle dishes. These dishes typically feature stir-fried noodles combined with a mix of meats, vegetables, and sauces, and they are an integral part of Filipino culinary traditions.
Pancit typically tastes savory and umami-rich, with a balance of salty and slightly sweet flavors. It often features the delicious combination of tender meat, vegetables, and noodles in a savory sauce.
Pancit is a Filipino dish, not Chinese. It refers to a variety of stir-fried noodle dishes in Filipino cuisine. While it may share some similarities with Chinese noodle dishes, Filipino Pancit has its own unique flavors, ingredients, and preparation methods that distinguish it as a traditional Filipino dish.
Pancit and lo mein are noodle dishes from different culinary traditions. Pancit is Filipino and uses various noodle types with a savory and often sweet flavor profile, while lo mein is a Chinese dish, primarily Cantonese, featuring wheat-based egg noodles with a milder soy-based sauce.
Related Recipes
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Chicken Pancit
Ingredients
- 1 package (8.8 oz) Rice Noodles Vermicelli
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce use tamari for gluten free
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles according to the directions on the package. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Chop the chicken breast into ¼-inch cubes. Dice the onion.
- Add to the saucepan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is done. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, mix together the water and chicken bouillon.
- Add the cabbage and carrots. Cook over medium heat until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the rice noodles and chicken to the cabbage mixture.
- Mix together the soy sauce and sugar. Add to the noodles and mix until combined.
Notes
- Sub the chicken bouillon and water with 1 cup of chicken stock.
- Do not overcook the vegetables. They should retain their vibrant colors and a slight crunch. If you prefer softer vegetables, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Allow the cooked Chicken Pancit to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld and the noodles absorb the sauce fully.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, or seasonings to create your signature Chicken Pancit.
Alison Kumar says
I made this with shrimp and it turned out so good! A new family favorite. Thanks for sharing.