I still remember the first time I made this Cheats Chicken Laksa — I was scrambling on a weeknight, hungry and a little overwhelmed, when I stumbled upon the idea of using instant noodles with a store-bought laksa paste shortcut. Friends, it was a game-changer for my dinner routine! The rich, spicy coconut broth paired with tender shredded chicken instantly hit that cozy, comforting spot, and best of all, it came together faster than I expected. This Cheats Chicken Laksa quickly earned its spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s all the flavor and warmth of traditional laksa without the fuss.
What I adore about this Cheats Chicken Laksa is how it fits into my busy foodie life. On nights when time is tight but I want something delicious and satisfying, this quick laksa recipe feels like a little celebration in a bowl. It’s approachable, so even if you’re new to Malaysian flavors, it’s totally doable. No need to wrestle with homemade laksa paste from scratch — those laksa paste shortcuts are a delightful lifesaver and keep my cravings in check. Trust me, after a few times making this easy chicken laksa, you’ll have all the confidence to whip it up on any given night.
Sharing this Cheats Chicken Laksa has been a total crowd-pleaser. When I serve it with its fragrant broth and slurpy noodles, I get that “wow, you made this?” moment every time. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl — soulful, spicy, and just downright delicious. If you love bold flavors but don’t love spending hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you. So grab your apron, friends, and let’s dive into what makes this Cheats Chicken Laksa such a cherished weeknight hero!
What You’ll Need:
This Cheats Chicken Laksa keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s what you’ll want to grab to get started:
- 2 tablespoons store-bought laksa paste (grab this from the Asian aisle of most supermarkets or your local Asian grocery)
- 400g chicken breast, shredded (quickly poached or rotisserie chicken works too)
- 200g instant noodles (instant noodles laksa style is perfect, but any instant noodles you like will do)
- 400ml coconut milk (full fat for richness, but lite works if you want a lighter bowl)
- 500ml chicken broth (homemade or store-bought, either is fine)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Fresh lime wedges (for squeezing over at the end)
- Fresh coriander and sliced green onions (for garnish)
- Optional: bean sprouts, hard-boiled eggs, chili slices
Out of chicken breast? No problem — shredded rotisserie chicken or even chicken thighs add great flavor here. If you can’t find laksa paste, a quick laksa paste shortcut is blending Thai red curry paste with a splash of coconut milk as an alternative. This Cheats Chicken Laksa is kind to your wallet because it uses pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Plus, it keeps well!
For prepping, I like to shred my chicken while the broth simmers — multitasking win! If you want to save leftovers, this soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats easily. Just store the noodles separately if you prefer to keep them from soaking too long.
Here’s my secret little upgrade that takes this Cheats Chicken Laksa from good to “wow”: a squeeze of fresh lime is a must for the perfect tang. It brightens the deep, creamy broth and makes every bite sing.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to make this Cheats Chicken Laksa? Let’s cook side-by-side!
- Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pot. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion, stirring until soft and fragrant — your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
- Add the laksa paste. This is where the magic starts. Cook it for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to release all those spices.
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring it to a gentle simmer.
- While your broth is warming up, shred the cooked chicken if you haven’t already. Using rotisserie chicken here saves time, making this an even quicker laksa recipe.
- Toss the shredded chicken into the simmering broth. Let it mingle for 5 minutes so all those flavors come together.
- Meanwhile, cook your instant noodles following the package instructions (mine usually take about 3 minutes). Drain, then divide the noodles among serving bowls.
- Ladle the hot laksa broth and chicken over the noodles. The rich, spicy broth soaking into those instant noodles laksa-style is just heaven.
- Garnish with fresh coriander, sliced green onions, bean sprouts, and a wedge of lime. Feel free to add sliced chilies if you like it with a bit of heat.
Start to finish, this Cheats Chicken Laksa comes together in about 25 minutes—perfect for busy nights! While the soup simmers, you can prep your garnishes or set the table. If your Cheats Chicken Laksa broth looks a little thick, just add a splash more chicken broth or water to get it perfect.
Quick kitchen nugget: I learned that patience during that simmering step is key—the longer those flavors blend, the better the broth tastes. Once you nail this easy chicken laksa, it’s so satisfying to serve something impressive with such little fuss.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Cheats Chicken Laksa truly shines when you serve it with a side of crisp cucumber salad or lightly toasted bread to soak up every last drop of broth. A light Asian slaw with a tangy dressing is another great match—it cuts through the richness beautifully.
My absolute favorite way to enjoy this Cheats Chicken Laksa is on a lazy weekend or when we’re having people over. It feels like a special treat, but it’s simple enough that I’m not stressed about cooking.
Leftovers? I love turning them into a noodle stir-fry the next day—just toss the broth-soaked noodles with some fresh veggies and a splash of soy sauce. Instant new dinner!
Seasonally, adding a handful of fresh herbs like mint or Thai basil gives this simple Malaysian laksa a fresh twist that keeps it feeling vibrant all year.
I’ve found that friends always compliment the way the flavors balance in this Cheats Chicken Laksa—it’s a real crowd-pleaser. If you’re curious about similar dishes, this Cheats Chicken Laksa reminds me so much of another favorite quick recipe, the Turmeric Ginger Chicken Noodle Soup. And if you want to explore more noodle love, I highly recommend checking out this Easy Chicken Spaghetti Recipe too!
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Cheats Chicken Laksa ahead?
Absolutely! You can make the broth a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just warm it up, add the shredded chicken, and cook your noodles fresh. It keeps weekday dinners stress-free.
What’s a good swap for laksa paste in this Cheats Chicken Laksa?
If you don’t have laksa paste, try blending Thai red curry paste with a bit of coconut milk—it’s a tasty laksa paste shortcut that I found in this Singapore curry laksa recipe with Thai red curry paste and santan. It’s not exactly traditional but packs delicious flavor!
How can I make this Cheats Chicken Laksa for more or fewer people?
It scales up or down easily. Double the broth and chicken for a crowd, and just use half the noodles if you want smaller servings. The recipe is forgiving and perfect for leftovers.
Can I use other noodles instead of instant noodles?
Definitely! Rice vermicelli or even fresh egg noodles work beautifully. The instant noodles laksa style just gives it quick convenience without sacrificing texture.
Is this Cheats Chicken Laksa spicy?
It has a nice kick but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. You can add fresh chilies for extra heat or tone it down by skimming a bit of the paste at the start.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Sure thing! Swap the chicken for tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. There are lots of simple Malaysian laksa versions that work plant-based brilliantly.
What kind of garnishes really elevate this Cheats Chicken Laksa?
Fresh herbs like cilantro and Thai basil, slices of lime, bean sprouts, and hard-boiled eggs. They add texture, freshness, and that extra wow factor.
If you want extra inspiration, for more home-cooked noodle recipes, check out Marion’s Kitchen’s laksa collection. They have tons of recipes that can spark your next kitchen adventure!
Final Foodie Thoughts:
This Cheats Chicken Laksa lives in a special spot in my foodie heart because it combines bold, comforting flavors with ease and speed. It’s helped me solve those “what’s for dinner?” moments more times than I can count. Plus, it feels like I’m sharing a little bit of Malaysia from my kitchen to yours.
My Top Cheats Chicken Laksa Tips:
- Use good quality store-bought laksa paste for authentic flavor without extra fuss.
- Poach or shred chicken ahead to speed up the cooking process.
- Always finish with a squeeze of fresh lime – it brightens everything instantly.
Three tasty variations I’ve loved are swapping chicken for prawns, making a vegetarian version with tofu, and adding crunchy fried shallots on top for texture. The chicken version gets requested the most here, but I’m always excited to try new twists.
I encourage you to make this Cheats Chicken Laksa your own. Tweak the spice level, add your favorite toppings, or even pair it with a cold Asian-inspired salad. What I hope you love most is how delicious and joyful this simple Malaysian laksa makes your meal times.
Give this Cheats Chicken Laksa a go and come back to tell me how you’ve made it yours! And if you’re hungry for more easy chicken recipes, here’s another you’ll love: Chicken Avocado Ranch Burritos.
Happy cooking, friends!
Cheats Chicken Laksa
A quick and flavorful version of the classic Malaysian chicken laksa, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal with rich coconut broth and tender chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Malaysian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons laksa paste
- 400ml coconut milk
- 500ml chicken stock
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 200g rice noodles
- 100g bean sprouts
- Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 2 spring onions, sliced
- Chili slices (optional)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the laksa paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Add coconut milk and chicken stock, then bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the sliced chicken breasts to the pot and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the rice noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Divide the cooked noodles between bowls, ladle the hot laksa broth and chicken over the noodles.
- Top with bean sprouts, spring onions, coriander leaves, and chili slices if using.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.
Notes
For extra depth, add a splash of fish sauce or a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors before serving. Serve with extra fresh herbs or boiled eggs if desired.