Thai Basil Chicken Noodles are a tasty dish packed with flavor! You have tender chicken, fresh basil, and soft noodles all mingling together. Yum!
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but smile—it’s quick, easy, and makes my kitchen smell amazing. Serve it up for a cozy dinner, and you’ll be in noodle heaven! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: Rice noodles are traditional for this dish, but flat egg noodles work well too. If you’re gluten-free, look for rice noodles labeled as such. Both provide a nice chewiness that complements the dish.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for tenderness. If you’re looking for a different flavor, sliced thigh meat can be juicier and richer.
Basil: Fresh Thai basil is best for its unique flavor, but if you can’t find it, sweet basil will do. Just remember that sweet basil is milder!
Sauces: Soy sauce provides umami, while oyster and fish sauces add depth. For a vegetarian option, try using mushroom soy sauce and skip the fish sauce.
Chili: Adjust the heat to your liking! If you prefer mild, skip the chili or reduce the amount. For more spice, use a fresh red chili or add more chili flakes.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Chicken in Stir Fry?
Cooking chicken properly is key to a great stir fry. Here are some tips:
- Cut the chicken into thin slices; this helps it cook quickly and evenly.
- Use medium-high heat. This gets a nice sear without drying out the chicken.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary. This keeps the chicken from steaming and ensures a better texture.
- Make sure it’s fully cooked. Look for no pink inside and a nice golden color outside, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Following these tips will help your chicken turn out flavorful and tender every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Thai Basil Chicken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles or flat egg noodles
For The Chicken:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly
Vegetables:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
For The Sauces:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
Finishing Touches:
- 2 cups fresh Thai basil leaves (or sweet basil if unavailable)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and roughly 15 minutes to cook. In just 25 minutes, you can have a delicious Thai Basil Chicken Noodles meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by cooking the rice noodles or flat egg noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain them and set aside while you prepare the rest of your delicious meal.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced chicken. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
Using the same pan, add the minced garlic and optional chili. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. This step adds a wonderful aroma to your dish!
4. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the veggies are slightly softened but still vibrant in color.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, then add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Mix everything until well combined. This is where all the flavors come together!
6. Final Touches with Noodles:
Now it’s time to add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together so that the noodles are coated in the delicious sauce, and heat everything through for another minute or so.
7. Add the Fresh Basil:
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves along with the optional sesame oil. This will give the dish a lovely aromatic finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish out the noodles into bowls and garnish with extra fresh basil leaves. Serve your Thai Basil Chicken Noodles warm and watch everyone enjoy this flavorful, delightful dish!
Bon appétit! Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Thai Basil Chicken Noodles!
Can I Use Other Proteins Besides Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp cooks very quickly, while beef may take a bit longer depending on how thinly it’s sliced.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce or want a vegetarian option, try using soy sauce mixed with a little lime juice or a splash of vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. You can also use vegan fish sauce if you can find it!
Is This Recipe Spicy?
The spice level can be easily adjusted! If you prefer a milder dish, you can omit the chili altogether or reduce the amount of chili flakes to suit your taste. If you love spice, feel free to add more!
