There are some recipes that feel like an instant hug, and for me, Chicken Udon is one of them. I first tried making this dish on a rainy evening when my kids asked for something warm and filling. I remembered how much we loved the chewy noodles in my earlier Udon Noodle Recipe, so I thought, why not build on that with tender chicken and savory broth? It quickly became one of those dinners everyone requests, especially when comfort food is all we want.
How Chicken Udon Became a Family Favorite
The first time I cooked it, I kept things simple chicken simmered in dashi broth, soy sauce, and a touch of mirin. The moment the kids slurped those thick noodles, I knew this recipe had earned a permanent spot in our rotation. It’s hearty enough for my husband after a long day and gentle enough for the kids when they want something soothing. Much like how Spaghetti Squash Soup surprised us with its cozy flavor, Chicken Udon reminded me that simple ingredients can deliver the biggest comfort.
Why Chicken Udon Is Comfort in a Bowl
What makes this dish so special is the balance tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a broth that feels like medicine for the soul. It’s not just food; it’s family time, it’s laughter at the table, it’s the sound of kids debating who gets the last noodle. For anyone new to Japanese cooking, Chicken Udon is the perfect place to start, easy, forgiving, and unbelievably satisfying.
Ingredients & Flavor Base for Chicken Udon
Core Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chicken Udon is that it relies on simple but powerful ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless thighs bring more flavor, but breasts work well too.
- Udon noodles: Thick, chewy, and satisfying. Fresh or frozen noodles are ideal.
- Dashi broth: The heart of Japanese Udon, rich with umami.
- Soy sauce + mirin: Classic pair that builds a deep, savory-sweet Udon Noodle Sauce.
- Garlic + ginger: Add warmth and extra layers of flavor.
- Vegetables: Mushrooms, bok choy, spinach, or carrots keep it fresh and colorful.
Add-Ons & Flavor Variations
This Chicken Udon can be as simple or creative as you’d like. Try these tasty twists:
- Egg topping: Soft-boiled eggs add richness.
- Crispy garnishes: Scallions, sesame seeds, or tempura bits for crunch.
- Spicy kick: A drizzle of chili oil for those who like heat.
- Vegetable-heavy bowls: Great for balance on lighter nights.
When I want something fun and bold, I think of meals like the saucy Bang Bang Chicken Bowl. Other times, I lean toward comforting Asian classics like Chinese Beef and Broccoli, which shows how versatile Asian noodle recipes can be. Chicken Udon sits right in the middle: hearty, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable.
Whether you stick with the basics or dress it up with extras, the flavor base always comes back to chewy noodles and that deeply savory broth. That’s what makes this dish irresistible.
Step-by-Step Cooking for Chicken Udon
Preparing the Chicken & Broth
The secret to great Chicken Udon is layering flavor from the start:
- Season & sear chicken: Lightly salt chicken thighs or breasts, then sear until golden.
- Simmer in broth: Add chicken to dashi, soy sauce, and mirin. This creates a savory base.
- Flavor boosters: Toss in garlic, ginger, and mushrooms for extra depth.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as it simmers, add soy sauce for salt or mirin for sweetness.
The process is as comforting as making Roasted Tomato Basil Soup, where patience and simple ingredients bring out the best flavors.
Cooking & Combining the Noodles
Once your broth is rich and aromatic, it’s time for the noodles:
- Cook Udon noodles: Boil fresh or frozen noodles separately until chewy. Drain and rinse briefly.
- Combine carefully: Add cooked noodles to the hot broth just before serving.
- Slice chicken: Remove chicken from broth, slice thin, and return to the bowl.
- Top it off: Scallions, sesame seeds, or a soft-boiled egg make it complete.
Much like the spicy kick in Nashville Hot Chicken Chili, Chicken Udon gives you the option to play with flavor. Keep it mild for comfort or turn up the heat with chili oil or sliced peppers.
The result? A steaming bowl with tender chicken, chewy noodles, and broth that’s equal parts savory and soothing. It’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough for cozy family dinners.
Serving & Tips for Chicken Udon
How to Serve Chicken Udon Like a Pro
Presentation makes this comforting dish even better. Here are some easy serving ideas:
- Classic Chicken Udon Soup: Serve hot in deep bowls with sliced chicken on top of noodles.
- Egg lovers’ version: Add a soft-boiled egg for richness.
- Vegetable boost: Extra bok choy, carrots, or mushrooms for a healthier twist.
- Crunch factor: Sprinkle with tempura flakes or sesame seeds.
I often treat Chicken Udon the way I do other warming dishes, like those in Fall Soups and Stews meals that are simple, cozy, and endlessly customizable.
Storage & Quick Hacks
Chicken Udon tastes best fresh, but leftovers can still shine if stored properly:
- Keep noodles and broth separate: This prevents noodles from soaking up all the liquid.
- Storage: Refrigerate broth and noodles in airtight containers for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm the broth gently on the stove. Dip noodles in boiling water for 30 seconds to revive their chewiness before combining.
- Meal prep idea: Make extra broth and freeze it for quick weeknight dinners.
Pairing your Chicken Udon with something light, like Asian Cucumber and Carrot Salad, balances the richness of the soup. The fresh crunch of the salad next to the deep, savory broth is perfect harmony.
Whether you keep it simple or go creative with toppings, Chicken Udon is one of those recipes that always delivers. It’s warm, filling, and endlessly adaptable, making it just right for family nights or easy weeknight meals.
FAQs About Chicken Udon
What makes Chicken Udon different from regular Udon?
Traditional Japanese Udon is often served in a simple dashi broth with minimal toppings. Chicken Udon adds tender chicken to the mix, making it more filling and hearty while still keeping the signature chewy noodles and savory broth.
Can I make Chicken Udon with store-bought noodles?
Yes! While homemade noodles are a treat, fresh or frozen Udon from the store works beautifully. Just cook them separately, then add to the broth before serving to preserve their chewy texture.
How do I keep Udon noodles from getting soggy?
The key is storing broth and noodles separately. When reheating, refresh the noodles in boiling water for 30 seconds. This keeps them springy and prevents them from absorbing too much broth.
What toppings are best for Chicken Udon?
Classic toppings include scallions, mushrooms, bok choy, sesame seeds, and soft-boiled eggs. For a flavor kick, drizzle chili oil or sprinkle on tempura flakes.
Conclusion
Chicken Udon is one of those dishes that checks every box: it’s cozy, nourishing, and family-friendly. With chewy noodles, savory broth, and tender chicken, it’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out.
For me, this dish isn’t just food, it’s an experience. It’s hearing my kids slurp noodles with big smiles. It’s sitting down after a busy day and feeling that first spoonful of hot broth ease the stress away. And it’s knowing that with just a few simple ingredients, I can make something my whole family loves.
If you’ve never tried making Chicken Udon at home, this is your chance. It’s straightforward, customizable, and perfect for both weeknights and cozy weekends. One bowl, and you’ll see why it’s a staple in our kitchen.
Print
Chicken Udon – A Cozy Japanese Noodle Bowl Made Easy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Udon recipe combines tender chicken, chewy Udon noodles, and savory dashi broth for a comforting Japanese classic.
Ingredients
2 chicken thighs or breasts
4 cups dashi broth
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp mirin
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
2 bok choy, halved
2 scallions, chopped
2 packs Udon noodles (fresh or frozen)
1 soft-boiled egg (optional)
Instructions
1. Season and sear chicken until golden.
2. Simmer chicken in dashi broth with soy sauce and mirin.
3. Add garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and bok choy.
4. Cook Udon noodles separately until chewy.
5. Slice chicken, return to broth, and add noodles.
6. Serve hot topped with scallions and egg.
Notes
Store noodles and broth separately to keep them fresh.
Reheat noodles by dipping briefly in boiling water.
Try adding chili oil or sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg