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$5 Chicken Noodle Bowl Hack

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 30 min

$5 Chicken Noodle Bowl Hack (Ramen Packet Trick)

Protein
  • 1.25 lb chicken thighs, skinless, boneless, fat trimmed
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • NO salt - the sauce has plenty (or just a pinch)
Veggies
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 medium white onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalk, chopped
  • 1 tsp oil
  • 8oz dry spaghetti pasta
  • 1 packet Ramen seasoning
  • 1/2 cup warm water mixed with ramen seasoning packet
  • 1.25 tbsp cornstarch
    • arrowroot
Garnish (optional)
  • low sodium soy sauce
  • green onion
  • red chili flakes
  • sesame seeds
  • medium-boiled egg

Steps

Step 1

Season the chicken. Toss diced chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Do not add salt.

Step 2

Cook the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Sauté the vegetables. Add 1 tbsp oil to the same skillet. Add zucchini and sear for 2-3 minutes until edges are golden. Add onion and bell pepper, cook another 3-5 minutes until onion is slightly browned.

Step 4

Cook the spaghetti. While vegetables cook, boil spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Pro-tip: while the water heats up, add 1 tbsp baking soda to the water to raise the ph levels. This will results in a more springy texture, similar to ramen noodles.

Step 5

Make the sauce. In a small bowl, combine both seasoning packets with ½ cup warm water. Whisk in 1 tbsp cornstarch until fully dissolved.

Step 6

Build the dish. Reduce heat to low. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet with vegetables. Stir until sauce begins to thicken.

Combine. Add spaghetti and chicken back to skillet. Gently toss until everything is coated.

Step 7

Rest. Remove from heat. Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.

For meal prep, evenly divide the recipe among your storage containers. Refrigerate in airtight containers up to 4 days. Reheat in skillet with a splash of water to loosen sauce.

Step 8

ZERO-WASTE MOVE: RAMEN CROUTONS

Don’t toss those noodles. Turn them into crunchy toppers for salads or soups!

  1. Crush ramen noodles in the bag
  2. Spread on a sheet pan and spray with oil
  3. Season with your favorite seasoning (like The Fit Cook Citrus Pepper)
  4. Bake at 350°F for 6-8 minutes until golden brown
  5. Cool completely
  6. Store in airtight container up to 1 week

Use on chopped salads, soup bowls, or as a snack!