Thai Basil Chicken Noodles are a stir-fried delight with tender chicken, fresh basil, and colorful veggies all on a bed of noodles. It’s quick to make and full of flavor!
Whenever I’m in a hurry, this dish is my go-to! It’s like a hug in a bowl, and the smell of basil makes my kitchen feel like a Thai restaurant. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flat Rice Noodles: These are essential for this dish. If you can’t find them, you can use other types like egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch, but the texture will differ!
Chicken: Chicken thighs are juicier and full of flavor, but chicken breasts work perfectly too. For a lighter option, consider tofu or shrimp as a substitute.
Thai Basil: This key ingredient gives the dish its unique flavor. If unavailable, you can use sweet basil or even regular basil, but the taste will be a bit different. Try adding a bit of fresh mint for an interesting twist!
Chilies: The Thai bird chilies add heat, but you can adjust according to your taste. Feel free to use jalapeños or skip them entirely for a milder version.
How Do I Get That Perfect Stir-Fry?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, which is key to keeping the ingredients vibrant and tender:
- Make sure your pan or wok is hot before adding any oil. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. If you add too much at once, it’ll steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Keep things moving! Stir frequently so everything cooks evenly and nothing burns.
These simple tips can make a big difference in achieving that restaurant-quality stir-fry at home! Happy cooking!
Delicious Thai Basil Chicken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles and Chicken:
- 8 oz flat rice noodles (or wide rice noodles)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red Thai bird chilies, sliced thin (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color, optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For Serving:
- Lime wedges (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Get your ingredients ready, and you’ll have this delicious dish on the table in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by soaking or cooking the flat rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are just tender but still firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside for later.
2. Heat the Oil:
In a wok or large skillet, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it’s hot. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers.
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced chilies into the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Add the sliced chicken to the pan and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked and nicely browned. This will add great flavor to your dish!
5. Toss in the Veggies:
Next, add in the sliced onion and julienned red bell pepper. Stir-fry them together for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened and vibrant in color.
6. Combine the Noodles:
Carefully add the cooked noodles back into the wok, mixing them with the chicken and vegetables to combine everything evenly.
7. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and sugar. This sauce will bring all the flavors together!
8. Sauce it Up:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, noodles, and veggies. Toss everything together quickly to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
9. Add Fresh Basil:
Finally, stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and cut green onions, cooking for another minute until the basil wilts and releases its lovely aroma.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from heat and serve your Thai basil chicken noodles immediately. Add a few lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick, if you’d like!
This flavorful dish is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and aromatic basil. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Noodles?
Yes! While flat rice noodles are traditional, you can substitute with egg noodles, spaghetti, or even udon. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle you choose!
What if I Don’t Have Thai Basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, you can use regular sweet basil or even a mix of basil and mint for a fresh flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste will be slightly different than the original recipe!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or seitan for a delicious vegetarian version. You can also add more veggies like stir-fried mushrooms or broccoli for added texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm them in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to help with moisture!