Description
This Filipino Chicken Pancit (often called Pancit Bihon) is a classic noodle dish that is a staple at Filipino celebrations and family gatherings. It features thin rice vermicelli noodles that absorb a savory, soy-infused chicken broth, tossed with tender bite-sized chicken thighs and a colorful array of crisp-tender vegetables. With a delicious balance of salty, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, this one-pan noodle stir-fry is a comforting meal that symbolizes long life and good fortune.
Ingredients
The Chicken & Aromatics
- 16 oz boneless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and julienned
- 7–8 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 4 tablespoons neutral oil, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground achiote powder (optional, for color)
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper
The Vegetables
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and julienned (approx. 1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced on a bias (approx. 1 cup)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, thinly sliced on a bias
The Noodles & Sauce Base
- 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles (bihon)
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons fish sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Lemon or lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions
Sear Chicken (Batch 1)
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat until lightly smoking. Add half the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sear Chicken (Batch 2)
Add 1 tablespoon of oil and the remaining chicken. Season with salt/pepper. Let it sit for a minute to sear, then stir-fry until cooked. Remove and set aside with the first batch.
Caramelize Onions
Reduce heat to low-medium. In the rendered fat left in the wok, add the julienned onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until soft and browned.
Bloom Spices
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the achiote powder (if using). Remove this mixture and set aside with the chicken.
Flash Fry Veggies
Turn heat to high. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add carrots, celery, snap peas, and cabbage. Season lightly with salt. Stir-fry: Cook fast for 90 seconds. You want them crisp-tender, not soft. Remove and set aside.
Make Sauce
In the empty wok over medium heat, combine the chicken stock, oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Noodles
Add the dry vermicelli noodles directly into the simmering liquid. Technique: Cook, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes. The noodles will drink up all the stock and become soft.
Combine
Add the cooked chicken, onion mixture, and veggies back into the wok. Toss well until everything is heated through and evenly distributed.
Serve
Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice (essential!).
Notes
The “Dry Noodle” Method: Do not boil the noodles in water separately! The secret to flavorful Pancit is letting the dry rice noodles absorb the seasoned chicken stock directly in the pan.
Mise En Place: This recipe moves very fast once you start cooking. Have all your vegetables chopped and sauces measured before you heat the oil.
Texture Control: Cooking the vegetables separately (flash frying) prevents them from turning mushy while the noodles cook. They retain a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft noodles.
Citrus Finish: Traditional Pancit is served with Calamansi, but lemon or lime is a perfect substitute. The acidity cuts through the savory, salty richness of the soy and oyster sauce.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Noodle Dish
- Method: Wok / Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Filipino
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of Recipe
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pancit bihon, filipino chicken recipes, rice vermicelli recipe, stir fry noodles, asian noodle recipes, one pot family meals, traditional filipino food