Name: Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces wide rice noodles; 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, plus 1 tablespoon; 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon chopped sushi ginger; Chili flakes, to taste; 1/4 cup water; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch; 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 shallot, sliced; 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced; 4 scallions, chopped; 1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped (divided); Sesame seeds, for serving

Jump to Recipe

There is something utterly satisfying about the Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles that just makes you want to dive right in and savor every bite. This dish brings together tender, crispy chicken with bold, garlicky flavors and wide rice noodles soaked in a tangy, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a vibrant, colorful meal loaded with fresh veggies and fragrant Thai basil that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or impressing guests with bold flavors, Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles is your new go-to for a taste adventure that is easy to make yet utterly unforgettable.

Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, vibrant ingredients that work together to create a dynamic dish full of textures and flavors. Each element plays its part, from the crunchy chicken coating to the sweet and tangy sauce, and of course those lovely, tender noodles that soak it all in.

Wide rice noodles (8 ounces): These noodles provide the perfect chewy base that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Tamari or soy sauce (1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Adds a salty, umami depth with a touch of richness.
Sweet Thai chili sauce (1/4 cup): Brings in just the right amount of sweetness and mild heat for a balanced flavor profile.
Toasted sesame oil (2 tablespoons): A fragrant oil that gives a nutty aroma accentuating the dish’s Asian-inspired palette.
Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle tang that brightens up the entire dish.
Chopped sushi ginger (1 tablespoon): Provides a fresh, zesty kick that complements the garlic and chili.
Chili flakes: Adjustable heat that enhances the dish without overwhelming it.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 pound): Offers tender, juicy protein with a crispy coating once cooked.
Flour or cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Essential for creating that crispy crust on the chicken.
Salted butter (3 tablespoons): Adds richness and a luscious finish to the chicken and veggies.
Chopped garlic (4 cloves): The unmistakable star that infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
Sliced shallot (1): Delivers a mild sweetness and subtle onion flavor.
Thinly sliced bell peppers (2): Contribute vibrant color and a crunchy, fresh texture.
Chopped scallions (4): Adds a fresh, green onion flavor that brightens each bite.
Chopped Thai or regular basil (1 cup): A refreshing herbaceous note that elevates the whole dish.
Sesame seeds, for serving: Sprinkle on top for a little nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the noodles

Start by cooking the wide rice noodles according to the package instructions. This step is crucial because perfectly cooked noodles will soak up all the fantastic sauce flavors without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a bowl, mix 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, and chili flakes. Stir in about a quarter cup of water to loosen the sauce so it can coat the noodles evenly. This sauce is the heart of the dish, packing layers of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes you’ll love.

Step 3: Crisp the chicken

Place the sliced chicken in a large bowl and toss it with flour or cornstarch to ensure a crispy finish after cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes so it gets beautifully golden and crunchy. Then add the remaining butter, a tablespoon of tamari/soy sauce, and the chopped garlic; cook for an additional minute to infuse all those irresistible garlicky flavors. Remove the chicken and keep it warm.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and chopped scallions. The vegetables cook for about 5 minutes, softening while still retaining a lovely crunch. This step fills your kitchen with mouthwatering smells and ensures each bite bursts with freshness and color.

Step 5: Combine everything

Add the prepared sauce, the drained rice noodles, and the crispy chicken back into the skillet with the veggies. Toss everything gently to combine, letting the sauce thicken slightly and coat every delicious strand of noodle. Cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, then stir in half of the chopped basil, bringing a fragrant herbal brightness before removing the pan from heat.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles

Garnishes

When plating your Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles, sprinkle freshly chopped basil and toasted sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add pops of green and a nutty crunch that make each bite feel extra special and visually inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish is quite hearty on its own, but you can serve it alongside light cucumber salad or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli to add extra freshness and balance. A side of crispy spring rolls would also be a delightful complement.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests, try serving the noodles in a large family-style bowl garnished with full basil sprigs and wedges of lime for squeezing. Alternatively, plate individual portions on vibrant ceramic plates and drizzle some extra sauce on top for a restaurant-worthy touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to have a flavorful meal ready whenever you need a quick bite.

Freezing

While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze the noodles and chicken separately in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the basil or the sauce mixed with noodles as they may lose texture and flavor upon thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the noodles and chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Adding a splash of water or additional sesame oil helps restore moisture and that inviting, freshly cooked quality. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the noodles gummy.

FAQs

Can I use different types of noodles for Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles?

Absolutely! While wide rice noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce perfectly, you can experiment with flat egg noodles or even pasta like fettuccine. Just keep in mind the texture and cooking times may vary.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild to moderate thanks to chili flakes and Thai chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less chili according to your preference.

Is it okay to substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be cautious not to overcook them so they stay tender and juicy alongside the crispy coating.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Simply replace the chicken with tofu or a medley of mushrooms, and use tamari or soy sauce without fish ingredients. Swap butter for a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan-friendly.

What can I use if I don’t have Thai basil?

If Thai basil isn’t available, regular sweet basil is a fine substitute. It won’t have the exact same anise-like flavor, but it still adds a wonderful fresh and herbal note to the dish.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this vibrant, saucy, crispy, and utterly delicious dish in your meal rotation. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels indulgent and exciting, and I can’t wait for you to discover how simple it is to make such bold, unforgettable flavors at home. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and treat yourself to this irresistible taste of comfort and zest!

Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 30 reviews

Author: Simon
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

A flavorful and satisfying dish featuring crispy chicken thighs tossed with wide rice noodles and vibrant vegetables in a savory garlic and sweet chili sauce, garnished with fresh basil and toasted sesame seeds. This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Thai cuisine with an easy one-skillet method for a perfect weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Cook Noodles: Prepare the wide rice noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain well and set aside.
Make Sauce: In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup tamari/soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, chili flakes to taste, and 1/4 cup water. Mix well to create a balanced, flavorful sauce.
Prepare Chicken: Toss sliced chicken with flour or cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until crispy and cooked through.
Add Garlic and Season: To the skillet with chicken, add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon tamari/soy sauce, and chopped garlic. Cook for an additional minute to infuse the chicken with garlic flavor, then remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced shallot, bell peppers, and chopped scallions. Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat until vegetables are softened but still vibrant.
Combine and Toss: Return chicken to the skillet with vegetables. Add the sauce prepared earlier and the drained noodles. Toss everything together thoroughly, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce evenly coats the noodles, chicken, and vegetables.
Add Basil and Serve: Stir in half of the chopped basil, then remove the skillet from heat. Serve the noodles warm, garnished with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.

Notes

Substitute chicken breasts if preferred but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
Adjust chili flakes according to your heat tolerance for spiciness.
Use gluten-free tamari and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
You can add other vegetables like snap peas or carrots for added crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Thai