Filipino Pancit with Chicken: A Heartwarming Classic

ByEmma

Pancit with chicken isn’t just a dish—it’s a celebration of Filipino heritage, a symbol of long life, and a staple at every family gathering. This beloved noodle dish, with its Chinese roots and Filipino soul, brings together tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and savory noodles in a harmonious stir-fry that’s both comforting and festive.​

Contents

🧺 Ingredients

Noodles & Protein

  • 8 oz. bihon (rice vermicelli) – Soak in warm water for 20–30 minutes until pliable, then drain.
  • 1 lb. boneless chicken thighs or breast – Thinly sliced or shredded.
  • 2 cups chicken broth – Homemade or store-bought.​

Vegetables

  • 1 cup cabbage – Thinly sliced.
  • 1 medium carrot – Julienned.
  • ½ cup green beans – Sliced diagonally.
  • ½ cup bell pepper – Julienned.
  • 3 cloves garlic – Minced.
  • 1 medium onion – Thinly sliced.​

Seasonings & Garnish

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp fish sauce – Optional, for added umami.
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil
  • Salt & pepper – To taste.
  • Lemon or calamansi wedges – For serving.
  • Chopped green onions – For garnish.​

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Noodles

Soak the bihon noodles in warm water for 20–30 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.​

2. Cook the Chicken

In a large pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink. Remove from the pan and set aside.​

3. Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant and translucent.​

4. Add Vegetables

Add the carrots, green beans, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Then add the cabbage and cook for another 2 minutes.​

5. Combine Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce (if using). Bring to a simmer.​

6. Add Noodles

Add the soaked bihon noodles to the pan. Gently toss to combine all ingredients, ensuring the noodles absorb the liquid and flavors. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.​

7. Season and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve with lemon or calamansi wedges on the side.​

💡 Pro Tips

  • Noodle Texture: Avoid over-soaking the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  • Flavor Boost: For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of soy sauce and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like snow peas, bok choy, or mushrooms based on availability and preference.
  • Serving Suggestion: Pancit is traditionally served during celebrations as it symbolizes long life. Pair it with lumpiang shanghai (Filipino spring rolls) for a complete meal.​

📝 Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect Pancit with Chicken is about balancing flavors and textures. It’s a dish that tells a story—of cultural fusion, family traditions, and the joy of sharing a meal. Whether it’s your first time making it or you’re a seasoned cook, each bite offers a taste of Filipino heritage.​

So gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and enjoy a plate of this heartwarming classic. Happy cooking!

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