If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet comes together in a flash, this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe is just what you need. Pancit is a beloved Filipino noodle dish packed with tender chicken, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce that all meld harmoniously with delicate rice noodles. This recipe balances simplicity and heartiness perfectly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe, it’ll quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe plays a key role, bringing texture, taste, and color to your plate. From the fragrant garlic and onion to the fresh veggies, each component is essential to achieving that signature pancit flavor and satisfying bite.
- 8 oz pancit bihon (rice noodles): These delicate noodles soak up the savory sauces beautifully for the perfect pancit texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for sautéing ingredients evenly without overpowering flavors.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant base that instantly lifts the dish’s aroma and depth.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and a slight crunch when cooked just right.
- 1/2 lb chicken breast, sliced thinly: Lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender within the noodles.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Brightens up the dish with color and a subtle sweet crunch.
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded: Adds freshness and a soft bite that balances the noodles.
- 1/2 cup green beans, sliced: Brings an earthy flavor and vibrant green hues to your pancit.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty, umami backbone of the sauce that ties everything together.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Adds a rich, slightly sweet depth for extra flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of mild heat and spice.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Moistens the noodles and helps blend all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Infuses a nutty aroma that makes the dish feel extra special.
- Lemon wedges for serving: A zesty finish to brighten every bite and balance the savory notes.
How to Make Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by soaking your pancit bihon rice noodles in warm water for about 10 minutes. This softens them just enough so they’ll cook evenly and absorb all the amazing flavors later. Once softened, drain the noodles and set them aside so they’re ready to mingle with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced onion, sautéing until they’re wonderfully fragrant and slightly translucent. This step develops the flavor base that will make your Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe truly sing.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the thinly sliced chicken breast into the pan and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Keeping the chicken thin ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender, giving you juicy bites in every forkful.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Next, toss in the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced green beans. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, letting the veggies soften slightly but still retain a pleasant crunch that adds texture contrast to the noodles.
Step 5: Incorporate the Sauces and Broth
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, black pepper, and chicken broth. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. The chicken broth helps everything combine while the sauces infuse the noodles and chicken with savory goodness that makes this Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe so irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the drained noodles into the pan, mixing thoroughly to coat every strand in the flavorful broth and sauces. The noodles will begin to soak up all those delicious seasonings, becoming tender and deeply tasty.
Step 7: Finish Cooking and Add Sesame Oil
Allow the noodles to cook in the pan for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until they’re soft but not mushy. If you’re using sesame oil, drizzle it in now for that irresistible nutty aroma and extra depth of flavor. Give it one last toss to combine.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Serve your pancit piping hot with lemon wedges on the side. The citrus adds a zesty brightness that perfectly balances the savory richness of the dish. Now, grab a fork and dig in!
How to Serve Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
Garnishes
While this pancit is flavorful on its own, simple garnishes like extra lemon wedges, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of toasted garlic chips can add wonderful bursts of freshness and crunch. These extras elevate the dish and let you customize each bite.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as the main event but pairs beautifully with classic Filipino sides such as lumpia (spring rolls) or a crisp green salad to balance the richness. You can also serve it alongside some grilled vegetables for a fuller meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your pancit in mini lettuce cups for easy handheld bites at a party or buffet. Another idea is to turn leftovers into a delicious stir-fry by adding scrambled eggs and a dash of soy sauce, giving you a new take on the classic Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover pancit, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as enjoyable the next day.
Freezing
While freezing pancit is possible, it’s best to eat fresh to enjoy the best texture, especially since the vegetables can become a bit mushy after thawing. If you must freeze, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and use within a month.
Reheating
Reheat your pancit gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out. Stir frequently until warmed through, preserving that tender, flavorful noodle bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! Shrimp, pork, or even tofu are great alternatives that work well with the noodle and vegetable combination, giving you flexibility depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Is pancit bihon gluten-free?
Yes, pancit bihon noodles are made from rice, which is naturally gluten-free. This makes the Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe a wonderful option if you’re avoiding gluten.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Definitely. Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to mix up flavors and textures while keeping the dish colorful and delicious.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
This Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe takes about 25 minutes total, combining prep and cooking time, making it perfect for when you want a tasty home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Do I need oyster sauce for authentic flavor?
While oyster sauce adds depth and sweetness, it’s optional. The dish tastes wonderful with just soy sauce, so don’t worry if you don’t have it on hand.
Final Thoughts
This Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe is a celebration of simplicity and soulful flavor that anyone can master. Perfect for both newbies and seasoned cooks, it’s a dish that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and your plate with vibrant, satisfying tastes. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and joy it brings to your table!
Print
Quick and Easy Pancit Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Filipino
Description
Quick and Easy Pancit is a traditional Filipino stir-fried noodle dish made with rice noodles, chicken, and a variety of fresh vegetables. This recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of sesame oil creates a deliciously aromatic Filipino classic enjoyed by the whole family.
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 the noodles: Soak the rice noodles in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside to soften.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken breast to the pan and cook until fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and sliced green beans. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables.
- Add seasonings: Pour in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, black pepper, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to develop flavor.
- Combine noodles: Add the drained rice noodles to the pan, mixing thoroughly to ensure the noodles absorb the broth and seasoning.
- Simmer noodles: Let the noodles cook in the simmering mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft. If using, drizzle the sesame oil over the top and gently mix.
- Serve: Serve the pancit hot with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the dish to add a fresh tangy flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the noodles in warm water before cooking prevents them from breaking and ensures even cooking.
- Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish or vegetarian adaptation.
- Use fresh vegetables for the best texture and flavor; feel free to substitute with other favorites like bell peppers or snow peas.
- If unavailable, chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth or water with added seasoning.
- Adjust soy sauce and pepper according to taste preferences for saltiness and spice.
