Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
If you crave a perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and aromatic flavors, this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe is destined to be your new favorite. Imagine twirly noodles slicked with a glossy, chili-spiked sauce, juicy bites of chicken, and a shower of fresh basil that perfumes the whole dish — every forkful is a vibrant, fresh, and completely satisfying experience. It’s bold, balanced, and an absolute crowd-pleaser for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe comes together with everyday ingredients you may already have on hand, each one playing a starring role: chewy noodles, tender chicken, zippy aromatics, and lots of herbs. Don’t skip a single one — every element brings texture, color, and crave-worthy flavor to your bowl.
- Rice noodles or lo mein noodles (8 ounces): The backbone of every good noodle dish—choose your favorite for the perfect texture.
- Sesame oil (1 ½ tablespoons, divided): Adds a nutty aroma and silkiness to the stir-fry.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): The source of all that juicy, meaty goodness; thighs are extra succulent but breasts work beautifully too.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The simplest seasoning for letting the fresh ingredients shine.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Lends a pungent foundation that brings out all the other flavors.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Adds a warm, slightly spicy note that takes the sauce up a notch.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Delivers deep umami and that irresistible salty hit.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds sweetness, depth, and a little gloss to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings rich, tangy-sweet flavor to every bite.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): That perfect balance for the heat—don’t skip it!
- Chili garlic sauce (1–2 tablespoons, adjust to taste): The “hot” in hot chili noodles, and entirely customizable for your spice level.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the sauce with a gentle tang.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (½ cup): Helps bring everything together into a luscious sauce.
- Red bell pepper (1, thinly sliced): A pop of natural sweetness and color.
- Green onions (½ cup, chopped): For a mild crunch and a burst of green.
- Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, Thai basil preferred): Essential for that fresh, aromatic finish; the more, the merrier.
- Toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges (for serving): For that toasty crunch and a fresh squeeze that ties it all together.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by getting your noodles just right! Cook your rice or lo mein noodles according to the package directions until they’re al dente — you want them tender but with a little bite left. Once cooked, drain them immediately, rinse with cold water to halt the cooking (and to keep them from sticking), then set aside. These noodles will soak up so much saucy flavor in the final toss!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Grab your largest skillet or wok and heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high. Add the thinly sliced chicken, seasoning well with salt and pepper. Let the chicken sizzle, turning it occasionally, until it’s deeply golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Scoop it out and set aside — you’ll add it back later for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
Into the same pan, add your remaining half-tablespoon of sesame oil, then toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and those jewel-bright red bell pepper slices. Stir-fry everything for just 2 to 3 minutes, until you can smell that mouthwatering aroma and the peppers are slightly softened but still vibrant.
Step 4: Mix the Sweet & Spicy Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce (remember, start mild and add more for a bigger kick!), rice vinegar, and chicken broth. Whisk it all together until smooth. This sauce is the soul of the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe — glossy, balanced, and totally slurp-worthy.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Pour your sauce into the hot skillet, letting it come to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan, tossing everything together until the noodles are cloaked in the luscious, spicy-sweet sauce. Just before serving, stir in the chopped green onions and fresh basil leaves so the herbs stay bold and punchy.
Step 6: Serve Hot with Toppings
Spoon the steaming noodles and chicken into bowls, then shower with toasted sesame seeds and a few squeezes of lime. This final flourish brings crunch, color, and a citrusy brightness that makes every bite truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Add a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for eye-catching crunch, and don’t forget the fresh lime wedges on the side. A quick squeeze of lime juice right before eating wakes up all the flavors and gives the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe a lovely, zesty finish.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own but plays well with others! Try pairing with quick pickled cucumbers, a crunchy Asian slaw, or some steamed edamame to keep things light and fresh. If you want to make the meal even heartier, a bowl of simple miso soup or fluffy jasmine rice is always welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve the noodles straight from the skillet at the table, family-style, or portion them into individual bowls for an elegant dinner party vibe. For lunchboxes or meal prep, pack the noodles with extra lime and basil on the side so every bite stays vibrant and herby. You can even serve the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe cold or at room temperature for a refreshing, picnic-ready meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making every leftover bite even more delicious!
Freezing
While fresh basil is at its best when eaten right away, the noodles and chicken do freeze well without the herbs. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to one month. Add a handful of fresh basil after reheating to recapture that authentic flavor in every bowl.
Reheating
Your Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe reheats easily on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or water as you warm it up to loosen the sauce and keep the noodles from drying out. Stir in more basil at the end for that signature freshness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Rice noodles keep things gluten-free, but lo mein, udon, or even spaghetti work in a pinch for this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe. Choose what you love or have on hand.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes! Substitute sliced extra-firm tofu for the chicken for a completely vegetarian version. Make sure to press the tofu and sear until golden for best texture.
What if I can’t find Thai basil?
Regular Italian basil is a great substitute, though Thai basil does add a unique licorice-like aroma. If you want to mimic Thai basil’s distinct flavor, toss in a few mint leaves along with your basil.
How spicy is this dish, and can I tone it down?
The heat level is easy to adjust! Start with one tablespoon of chili garlic sauce for a gentle warmth, and go up to two (or more) if you really want a kick. For extra-mild, use less chili sauce and offer hot sauce on the side.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the noodles and sauce in advance, and cook the chicken a few hours before serving. Store everything separately, then toss together and heat through just before your guests arrive. Add fresh basil and garnishes at the last moment for the brightest flavor.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe, it just might become a weeknight staple and a favorite for gatherings. With its punchy sauce, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, this dish is a celebration of bold flavors that is both easy and rewarding to make at home. Roll up your sleeves and give it a try — there’s truly nothing like homemade noodle magic!
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Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil recipe is a delicious Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sauces, and aromatic basil leaves. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
Rice Noodles:
8 ounces
Sesame Oil:
1 ½ tablespoons (divided)
Chicken:
1 pound boneless skinless thighs or breasts (thinly sliced)
Salt and Pepper:
to taste
Garlic:
4 cloves (minced)
Ginger:
1 tablespoon (grated)
Soy Sauce:
2 tablespoons
Oyster Sauce:
1 tablespoon
Hoisin Sauce:
2 tablespoons
Honey:
2 tablespoons
Chili Garlic Sauce:
1–2 tablespoons
Rice Vinegar:
1 tablespoon
Chicken Broth:
½ cup low-sodium
Red Bell Pepper:
1 (thinly sliced)
Green Onions:
½ cup chopped
Fresh Basil Leaves:
1 cup (Thai basil preferred)
For Serving:
Toasted sesame seeds and lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions, drain, rinse, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Brown chicken in 1 tbsp sesame oil, then set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Cook garlic, ginger, and bell pepper in remaining oil.
- Make Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, chili garlic sauce, rice vinegar, and broth.
- Combine: Add noodles, chicken, and sauce to the pan, toss to coat.
- Finish: Stir in green onions and basil before serving. Garnish with sesame seeds and lime wedges.
Notes
- You can use tofu as a chicken substitute for a vegetarian version.
- Adjust chili garlic sauce for more heat.
- Thai basil offers the best flavor, but regular basil works well too.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
