No Yolks Chicken Skillet: A Simple Stir-Fry Delight

I remember one busy weeknight, staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what on earth I could whip up for dinner that was both healthy and quick. My eyes landed on a forgotten bag of broccoli slaw, and a lightbulb went off. I recalled a recipe clipped from a coupon insert years ago – a No Yolks Chicken Skillet. The idea of a stir-fry with familiar flavors and easy cleanup was incredibly appealing. It’s become a family favorite, a testament to how simple ingredients can create a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

• 8 ounces egg noodles (2/3 of a package of NO YOLKS brand broad noodles)
• 1 (16 ounce) bag broccoli coleslaw mix (broccoli slaw is next to traditional coleslaw in produce section)
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 8 ounces lean chicken, bite-size pieces (or boneless pork chops, bite-size pieces)
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (or 2 tsp jarred minced garlic)
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Small bowl

Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the NO YOLKS noodles according to package directions. At the 4-minute mark of the cooking time, add the entire bag of broccoli slaw to the pot. This will soften the slaw slightly without making it soggy.
2. Return the water to a boil and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This ensures the noodles are perfectly al dente and the broccoli slaw is tender-crisp.
3. Drain the noodles and broccoli slaw mixture thoroughly and set aside to keep warm. A simple way to keep them warm is to cover them with a lid or place them in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F).
4. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear.
5. Add the bite-size chicken pieces (or pork) to the hot skillet and stir-fry until lightly browned, approximately 5 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked through; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.
6. Push the cooked chicken to one side of the skillet to create space for the aromatics.
7. Add the sliced green onions and finely chopped garlic (or jarred minced garlic) to the cleared space in the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
8. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of the low sodium chicken broth and the cornstarch until completely smooth. This creates a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
9. Add the remaining chicken broth, teriyaki sauce, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
10. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. This should take about 2-3 minutes. The sauce should be glossy and coat the back of a spoon.
11. Serve the flavorful chicken and sauce immediately over the warm NO YOLKS noodle and broccoli slaw mixture. Enjoy!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, and a little ginger for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a touch of honey or brown sugar to the skillet along with the teriyaki sauce.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
• To avoid mushy noodles, be careful not to overcook the NO YOLKS noodles. Follow the package directions closely.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
• For a deeper, richer flavor, toast the red pepper flakes in the canola oil for a few seconds before adding the chicken.
• Add other veggies like sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the broccoli slaw mix for added nutrition and texture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the No Yolks Chicken Skillet immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is glossy. Garnish with extra sliced green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for visual appeal.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave gently or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the noodles may become mushy. It’s best enjoyed fresh but the flavor still holds up well as leftovers. Freezing is not recommended as the broccoli slaw texture can change significantly.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	282 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	6.5 g	9%
Saturated Fat	1.1 g	5%
Cholesterol	47.9 mg	15%
Sodium	549.1 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	46 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	2.3 g	9%
Sugars	3.1 g	N/A
Protein	10.4 g	20%

Variations & Substitutions

• Protein: Substitute the chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even ground turkey.
• Noodles: If you cannot find NO YOLKS noodles, you can use regular egg noodles, rice noodles, or even quinoa.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables, such as snow peas, snap peas, water chestnuts, or baby corn.
• Sauce: For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the sauce. You could also use hoisin sauce for a sweeter, richer flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and gluten-free noodles.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli slaw instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli slaw. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as frozen vegetables tend to release more moisture.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, prepare the sauce, and cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then cook everything when you are ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have teriyaki sauce?

A: You can substitute teriyaki sauce with a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and a little ginger. Adjust the quantities to your taste.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

A: Make sure to cook the chicken over medium-high heat quickly. Overcooking the chicken will dry it out. Also, ensure the sauce is thick enough to coat the chicken and keep it moist.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure the teriyaki sauce is vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This No Yolks Chicken Skillet is a testament to how simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy a flavorful stir-fry without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give this recipe a try, and feel free to adapt it to your own taste preferences and dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables, sauces, or protein sources to create your own signature version of this simple dish. I’d love to hear about your experience and any variations you come up with! Perhaps pair it with a light and refreshing cucumber salad for a complete and balanced meal.