Thai Basil Chicken Noodles are a treat for your taste buds! This dish features tender chicken, fresh basil, and flavorful noodles all tossed together in a tasty sauce.
It’s quick to make, so it’s perfect for busy nights! I love adding extra veggies for some crunch. Trust me, you’ll want to have seconds (or thirds)! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Noodles: I recommend using wide rice noodles, like those used in Pad Thai. If you can’t find them, you can also use any other type of noodles, such as spaghetti or soba noodles as a quick alternative.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my choice for tenderness, but thighs work great too! If you want a quicker option, pre-cooked or shredded chicken can save time.
Thai Basil: Fresh Thai basil adds that unique flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use regular basil, though the taste will be a bit different. Mint is another interesting substitute!
Sauces: If you’re avoiding fish sauce, you can replace it with more soy sauce or a vegan alternative if needed. Just be aware the flavor will change slightly!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Noodles?
Cooking rice noodles properly is essential for a great finish. Follow these tips for success:
- Soak the noodles in warm water for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to soften them up.
- Make sure not to overcook them in boiling water – a minute or two is usually enough until they are just tender.
- Rinse the noodles under cool water after draining to stop the cooking process.
This ensures they won’t become mushy when you add them to the stir-fry later!
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles (wide, flat variety like Pad Thai noodles)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced thin (adjust to taste)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep work, like slicing and chopping ingredients, and then 20 minutes cooking everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Aim for them to be just tender (al dente). Once done, drain them well and set aside. This will ensure the noodles keep their shape and texture when mixed with the stir-fry.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. This mixture will add delicious flavor to your stir-fry, so set it aside for later.
3. Heat the Oil:
Take a large pan or wok and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. This will give your dish a nice sizzle when you add the ingredients!
4. Sauté Garlic and Chili:
Add the minced garlic and sliced red chili to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 30 seconds or until they’re fragrant. This step brings out the flavors in these aromatic ingredients.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Next, add the sliced chicken to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, or until it starts to brown and is fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
6. Add Vegetables:
Now, add the thinly sliced onion and julienned carrot to the pan. Stir-fry them together for about 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
7. Combine with Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture into the pan over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together to coat the ingredients evenly with that yummy sauce!
8. Toss in the Noodles:
Add the cooked rice noodles to the pan and toss everything together. This way, all the flavors mix beautifully.
9. Finish with Fresh Herbs:
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and green onions just until they wilt slightly. This adds a nice aromatic finish!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer your delicious Thai Basil Chicken Noodles to serving bowls. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an added crunch. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade meal!
Bon appétit! 🍜
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular rice noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or even quinoa noodles. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as cooking times may vary.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent the noodles from drying out!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add your favorite vegetables! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas all work great. Just toss them in after the chicken is cooked for a few minutes to keep them crisp.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili or omit it altogether. Alternatively, you can add chili sauce or flakes when serving to adjust the heat to your liking!