If you love bold, punchy flavors and crave a little heat in your dinner, the Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe is absolutely calling your name. Imagine chewy noodles tangled up with tender slices of chicken, all slicked in a spicy, aromatic sauce and finished with the unmistakable fragrance of fresh basil. This bowlful is the kind of comforting yet exciting dish you’ll want to return to again and again, and you can have it on the table in just 30 minutes. Don’t let the bustling flavors intimidate you—the method couldn’t be more friendly, and the results are always crave-worthy!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe comes together with a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each with a starring role. From silky noodles to fiery chilies, there’s nothing fancy required—just a bit of kitchen magic and a willingness to embrace flavor!
- Noodles: Rice noodles or lo mein give a chewy, satisfying base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken: Thinly sliced thighs or breasts stay juicy and tender—choose whichever you love most.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral in flavor and high in smoke point, perfect for stir-frying the chicken and aromatics.
- Garlic: Adds a deep, savory foundation that fills your kitchen with the best smell ever.
- Red chilies: Brings the signature heat; adjust quantity for your own perfect spice level.
- Fresh ginger: Lends that zingy, warming note that’s irresistible in any stir fry.
- Soy sauce: The essential salty backbone of the dish and key to overall umami.
- Oyster sauce: Adds sweet and savory richness while deepening the flavors.
- Fish sauce: Just a splash gives the meal authentic depth—trust the process!
- Brown sugar: Balances the heat and saltiness with a little caramelized sweetness.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice: A dash of acid brightens the whole dish up.
- Water: Helps loosen the sauce so it coats every bite.
- Fresh Thai or sweet basil: Finishes the meal with that uplifting, aromatic flourish.
- Sliced green onions and lime wedges (optional): The ultimate fresh toppings for color and zing.
How to Make Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Noodles Ready
Start by cooking your chosen noodles according to their package directions. Be sure to cook them just until tender; overcooked noodles will turn mushy when you toss them in the sauce later. Drain them well and set aside, ready to soak up the next big flavors coming their way.
Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce
While the noodles are cooking, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar (or lime juice), and water in a small bowl. This combo is truly the heart of the Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe, bringing a layered taste that is at once sweet, tangy, salty, and full of umami.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Chicken
Fire up your largest skillet or wok over medium-high heat, and pour in the vegetable oil. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken and let it sizzle until browned and fully cooked through—this usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes. The thinner the slices, the quicker the chicken cooks, so keep an eye out for that golden color!
Step 4: Sizzle the Aromatics
Once the chicken is cooked, push it to one side of the pan to make space for your flavor-makers. Drop in the minced garlic, sliced chilies, and fresh ginger. Let them sauté for a minute, just until they unleash a wave of spicy, mouthwatering aroma—this is where your kitchen starts to smell like your favorite noodle spot.
Step 5: Sauce, Noodles, and the Big Toss
Pour the prepped sauce right into your sizzling chicken and aromatics, stirring well to coat every piece. Add the cooked noodles and use tongs to toss everything together. Give it all a quick fry—just enough to heat through and let the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles.
Step 6: Finish with Basil
Turn off the heat and immediately toss in all those glorious fresh basil leaves. Let them wilt gently in the residual steam, infusing the entire dish with fragrant, herbal notes. Serve your Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe piping hot, and get ready for a dinnertime celebration!
How to Serve Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of sliced green onions and a squeeze of fresh lime are my favorite finishing touches for this recipe. They brighten every bite and add a pop of color that makes your bowl look restaurant-worthy. If you’re feeling bold, an extra sprinkle of sliced chilies is a great way to dial up the spice even more.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but it’s also a fantastic anchor for a bigger Thai-inspired meal. Pair your Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe with crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or some quick sautéed bok choy for crunch and freshness on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Twirl noodles into little nests for each plate, scatter with extra basil leaves, and set out a bowl of chili crisp or sambal oelek so everyone can customize the heat level. For parties, turn this into a noodle bar with a DIY toppings spread—think peanuts, fried shallots, sesame seeds, and more limes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe keeps surprisingly well! Let the dish cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for a delicious spicy lunch the next day.
Freezing
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the noodles—though note the texture may soften a bit upon reheating. Place cooled portions into freezer containers, label them, and freeze for up to one month. Add a handful of fresh basil when reheating, since the leaves will lose their punch in the freezer.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to revive the sauce and loosen the noodles. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Finish with a flurry of new basil to refresh the flavors!
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe is flexible: try it with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian spin. Adjust cooking times so your swapped-in protein stays juicy and tender.
What type Main Course
Thai basil is ideal for its slightly spicy, anise-like flavor, giving your noodles that restaurant-quality finish. If you can’t find Thai basil, sweet basil will still create a delicious, aromatic bowl.
How spicy is this dish, and how do I control the heat?
The beauty of the Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe lies in its customizable spice level. For extra heat, use three chilies, or add a dash of chili flakes. For a milder dish, stick with one chili—or remove the seeds before slicing!
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use rice noodles and double-check all your sauces for gluten-free labels. Many major brands now offer gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, so this recipe can fit most dietary needs with a few smart swaps.
What’s the best way to prep this as a weeknight dinner?
Prep all your ingredients—slice the chicken, chop the aromatics, and whisk the sauce—ahead of time. Then, dinner is just a speedy stir fry away! The actual cooking process for the Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe takes just 15 minutes.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hunting for a dish that’s quick, easy, and exploding with bold, fresh flavors, give the Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe a spot in your meal rotation. It’s a weeknight favorite you’ll crave long after the last bite. Grab your skillet, gather your fresh basil, and make it tonight—you won’t regret it!
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Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and aromatic dish, this Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Tender rice noodles or lo mein noodles are stir-fried with tender chicken slices, fragrant garlic, spicy red chilies, and fresh basil in a savory sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this Thai-inspired dish is ideal for a flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Rice Noodles:
8 oz
Chicken:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts thinly sliced
Vegetable Oil:
2 tbsp
Garlic:
4 cloves minced
Red Chilies:
2–3 thinly sliced
Ginger:
1 tbsp fresh grated
Soy Sauce:
1/4 cup
Oyster Sauce:
1 tbsp
Fish Sauce:
1 tbsp
Brown Sugar:
1 tbsp
Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice:
1/2 tbsp
Water:
1/4 cup
Basil Leaves:
1 1/2 cups fresh Thai or sweet basil leaves
Serving Options:
sliced green onions and lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water in a bowl. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Brown chicken in a skillet, then sauté garlic, chilies, and ginger.
- Add Sauce and Noodles: Pour sauce into the pan, add noodles, and cook until heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh basil until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and lime wedges.
Notes
- Enhance with bell peppers, carrots, or spinach.
- Thai basil offers an authentic taste, but sweet basil is a good substitute.
- Adjust chili quantity to control spiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
