Thai Basil Chicken Noodles are a tasty dish packed with flavor! The mix of tender chicken, fresh basil, and chewy noodles makes it a winner for any meal.
I love how quick it is to whip up, especially when I’m hungry! Just throw everything in the pan, and you’re ready to enjoy a delicious bowl in no time. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Noodles: These are perfect for soaking up flavors. If you can’t find rice noodles, you can use wide egg noodles or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Chicken Breast: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breast for its lean flavor, but you can swap it for ground chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different twist!
Thai Basil: This herb is what gives this dish its unique flavor. If you can’t find Thai basil, sweet basil works too, but expect a milder taste. You could also try adding a bit of mint for freshness!
Sauces: The combination of soy, fish, and oyster sauces creates depth. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, switch to mushroom or soy sauce, and skip the fish sauce.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking juicy chicken is crucial for your noodle dish. Here’s how to do it:
- Slice the chicken into even strips for uniform cooking.
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high so the chicken gets nice grill marks without drying out. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Let the chicken sear and don’t rush flipping. It needs about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Check for doneness; the chicken should be cooked through and have no pink inside.
With these tips, expect deliciously tender and flavorful chicken in your Thai Basil Chicken Noodles! Enjoy every bite! 🥢
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles or flat wide noodles
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Veggies:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (substitute with sweet basil if unavailable)
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chili (adjust for heat preference)
For Serving:
- Fresh lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thai dish takes about 20 minutes from start to finish, including prep time and cooking time. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
First, soak or cook the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they are tender but still a little firm, so they hold up well in the stir-fry. Drain and set them aside.
2. Slice the Chicken:
Take your chicken breast and slice it into thin strips. This helps it cook evenly and quickly.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until they’re fully cooked and have a nice golden color. Once done, remove them from the pan and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Veggies:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced onion until they smell great and become translucent, which takes about 2 minutes.
5. Add the Bell Pepper:
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and cook for another 2 minutes until it starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch.
6. Make the Sauce:
Now, add in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Stir everything together to combine the flavors well.
7. Combine With Chicken:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss it with the sauce to coat the chicken evenly.
8. Add Noodles and Basil:
It’s time for the noodles! Add the cooked noodles, fresh Thai basil leaves, and green onions to the pan. Gently toss everything together over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes until the basil wilts and the noodles are warmed through.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give your dish a taste and feel free to add a bit more fish sauce, soy sauce, or chili if you want to kick up the flavor!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Thai Basil Chicken Noodles immediately, garnished with extra basil leaves and lime wedges on the side if you like a zesty finish. Enjoy your meal!
Dig into this fragrant and flavorful dish that combines grilled chicken, fresh herbs, and perfectly cooked noodles. Happy cooking! 🍜
Can I Use Other Noodles Instead of Rice Noodles?
Absolutely! If you can’t find rice noodles, you can substitute them with wide egg noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti. Just be mindful of the cooking times to ensure they don’t become mushy.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you love heat, feel free to add more chili garlic sauce or fresh chopped chili to the dish. You can also toss in some Thai bird’s eye chilies for an extra kick!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or oil to keep the noodles from drying out.
Can I Use Different Proteins?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.