If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with irresistible textures, this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, crispy chicken bites mingling with wide, chewy rice noodles, tossed in a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just spicy enough to make your taste buds dance. With fresh vegetables and fragrant Thai basil adding bursts of color and aroma, every bite offers a delicious adventure. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal in just 20 minutes that feels both indulgent and comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays an essential role in creating the magic of Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe. Fresh herbs, savory sauces, and crispy chicken all come together to form a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is in appearance.
- 8 oz wide rice noodles: Provides the perfect chewy base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- â…“ cup tamari or soy sauce: Adds a rich, salty umami depth that anchors the dish.
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce: Brings a balanced sweetness with a hint of spice.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that elevates every bite.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a bright, tangy kick to cut through the richness.
- 1 tbsp sushi ginger, chopped: Adds a refreshing zing and complexity.
- Chili flakes, to taste: Personalize the heat level to your liking.
- ¼ cup water: Helps create a perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced: The star protein that crisps up beautifully.
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch: Ensures that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
- 3 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness to sautéed garlic and chicken.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped: Delivers punchy, savory flavor throughout the dish.
- 1 shallot, sliced: Sweet and mild, enhances the vegetable medley.
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- 4 scallions, chopped: Brings a fresh, oniony brightness.
- 1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped (divided): Infuses the dish with aromatic herbaceous notes.
- Sesame seeds, for serving: A final nutty crunch to sprinkle on top.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by preparing your wide rice noodles exactly as the package instructs. This is key because properly cooked noodles should be tender yet have a slight chew, so they hold up perfectly once tossed with the savory sauce and other ingredients. Once cooked, drain them well to prevent sogginess and set them aside for later use.
Step 2: Whip up the sauce
In a bowl, combine your tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, chili flakes, and water. Give everything a good stir to blend the flavors. This sauce is where the sweet, spicy, tangy, and umami notes harmonize, making it the heart of this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Next, toss the sliced chicken with flour or cornstarch, which will create that much-loved crispy exterior. Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, adding the chicken once hot. Cook until the chicken is golden and crispy, about 5 minutes. Just before removing, stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, some tamari or soy sauce, and chopped garlic for an aromatic finish. Set the chicken aside once done.
Step 4: Sauté the vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and scallions. Sauté them gently for around 5 minutes until they soften but still maintain a bit of crunch — this texture contrast is perfect for the dish’s overall feel.
Step 5: Combine and finish cooking
Now, bring everything together by adding the noodles, chicken, and sauce back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything well to ensure every strand of noodle is coated with that flavorful sauce. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until heated through and cohesive. At the very end, stir in half of the chopped basil to uplift the dish with fresh herbal notes, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Serve
Plate your vibrant creation and sprinkle the remaining basil and sesame seeds on top for added aroma and texture. Serve the Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe hot to enjoy the full range of flavors and textures at their peak.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like Thai basil and scallions work beautifully as garnishes, adding a burst of freshness and color that complements the rich sauce and crispy chicken. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a lovely visual contrast and nuttiness that makes each bite more interesting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but can be accompanied by light and refreshing sides like a simple cucumber salad, pickled vegetables, or a crisp green salad dressed with lime juice. These sides bring balance and additional textures to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these drunken noodles in small bowls topped with a fried egg or alongside steamed dumplings. You could also roll the noodles in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld version perfect for gatherings and casual meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. The noodles and chicken will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal again without extra effort.
Freezing
While the Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispy texture, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Just be mindful that the noodles may become softer after thawing. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles and chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and revive the flavors without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. While chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and flavor, chicken breasts work fine too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out faster.
What if I can’t find wide rice noodles?
If wide rice noodles aren’t available, you can substitute with flat fettuccine or linguine pasta, or try other types of rice noodles. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to maintain the right texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level depends on how much chili flakes you add. You can easily adjust it to your taste, making it mild or fiery. The sweet chili sauce also adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite vegetables, and use vegetarian soy sauce or tamari. The key is to maintain the crispy texture and flavorful sauce for that same delicious experience.
What type of basil should I use?
Thai basil is ideal for this recipe thanks to its distinctive licorice-like flavor, but regular sweet basil works well if Thai basil is not available. Both bring lovely fresh herbal notes to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing the Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe to your table: it feels fresh, exciting, and comforting all at once. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare yet packed with layers of flavor and texture, perfect for impressing family or simply treating yourself. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and savor every delicious bite!
Print
Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles recipe featuring wide rice noodles tossed with a savory-sweet sauce, crispy chicken, aromatic garlic, and fresh Thai basil for a perfect balance of textures and bold Thai-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
Sauce
- â…“ cup tamari or soy sauce
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sushi ginger, chopped
- Chili flakes, to taste
- ¼ cup water
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
Vegetables & Garnish
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped (divided)
- Sesame seeds, for serving
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Prepare the wide rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, chili flakes to your liking, and water. Mix well until fully combined and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with flour or cornstarch to coat evenly. Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is crispy and browned, about 5 minutes. Then add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce, and the chopped garlic. Stir and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and chopped scallions. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften but still retain some crunch.
- Combine and finish: Return the prepared sauce, cooked noodles, and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together, cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the noodles are coated in sauce and heated through. Stir in half of the chopped basil and remove from heat.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with the remaining chopped basil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm to enjoy the best flavors.
Notes
- Use wide rice noodles for authentic texture in this dish.
- Tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative; choose based on your dietary needs.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Chicken thighs provide more moisture and flavor, but chicken breasts work well too.
- To prevent noodles from sticking, toss them lightly with a bit of oil after draining if not combining immediately.
