If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors, delightful textures, and a hint of spice, look no further than this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe. It takes the beloved comfort of wok-tossed noodles and elevates it with exquisitely crispy chicken, aromatic garlic, and vibrant Thai basil, creating a bowl that’s bursting with life in every bite. This recipe is a celebration of layers: the softness of wide rice noodles meets the satisfying crunch of golden chicken, all coated in a tangy, savory sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re making dinner for friends or just treating yourself, this dish has the magic to impress and comfort at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe is in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role—from the tender chicken thighs that crisp up wonderfully to the crisp-tender bell peppers adding color and sweetness. The sauce ingredients bring the unmistakable tangy and spicy notes that make drunken noodles a crowd favorite.
- 8 oz wide rice noodles: These provide the perfect chewy base that soaks up the sauce marvelously.
- ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and umami that ties the dish together.
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce: Brings a sweet heat that balances the savory elements delightfully.
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: Introduces a subtle acidity to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tbsp sushi ginger, chopped: Adds a fresh zing and complexity.
- Chili flakes, to taste: Customizable spice level to suit your heat preference.
- ¼ cup water: Helps to loosen the sauce and integrate all components.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced: Choosing thighs will give juicier, richer chicken, but breasts also work wonderfully.
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch: Essential for creating that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
- 3 tbsp salted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve the perfect sear.
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped: The star aromatic that infuses every bite with warmth.
- 1 shallot, sliced: Brings a gentle sweetness that complements the bell peppers.
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced: Adds color, crunch, and natural sweetness.
- 4 scallions, chopped: A fresh, oniony bite that lightens the dish.
- 1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped (divided): The herbaceous finish that’s simply irresistible.
- Sesame seeds, for serving: For a touch of nuttiness and attractive garnish.
How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the noodles
Start by preparing your wide rice noodles according to the package instructions. Drain them thoroughly once they’re tender but still have a pleasant chew. Setting them aside allows you to focus on perfecting the chicken and sauce without the noodles getting soggy. This foundation is key to the dish’s overall texture and taste.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, chili flakes, and water. This combination is where the magic happens—the sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory notes come together to create a sauce that will coat every noodle and piece of chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Cook the chicken
Toss the sliced chicken in flour or cornstarch, ensuring each piece is lightly coated—this step is what makes the chicken irresistibly crispy. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed until golden brown and crisp, about 5 minutes. Next, add the remaining tablespoon of butter, a splash of tamari or soy sauce, and chopped garlic. The garlic will sizzle and release its fragrant oils, adding another layer of flavor. Remove the chicken once cooked through and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Sauté the vegetables
Using the same skillet, add the sliced shallots, bell peppers, and scallions. Sauté these until they soften but still retain some crunch, approximately 5 minutes. This step adds freshness and texture contrast, making each bite vibrant and exciting. The vegetables also soak up some of the leftover butter and chicken flavors in the pan.
Step 5: Combine and finish the noodles
Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked noodles and pour the prepared sauce over everything. Toss well to coat ingredients evenly, cooking together for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This helps the noodles absorb the sauce fully and heats all components through. Right before taking off the heat, stir in half of the chopped basil to release its aromatic fragrance without overwhelming the dish.
Step 6: Serve and garnish
Transfer the drunken noodles to a serving platter or bowls. Garnish generously with the remaining fresh basil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that perfect finishing touch. Serve these Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe hot to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and textures.
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds not only enhance the visual appeal but add fresh herbal and nutty notes that perfectly round out the dish. For those who like a little more heat, a few extra chili flakes on top can boost the excitement.
Side Dishes
This lively noodle dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crisp cucumber salad to refresh the palate. A light miso soup or a side of pickled vegetables also complements the rich and bold flavors of the drunken noodles beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party highlight, serve the noodles family-style on a large platter topped with fresh herbs and lime wedges for guests to customize. You could also serve them in individual bowls lined with banana leaves for an exotic touch that delights and impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain the texture of the noodles and chicken.
Freezing
While you can freeze the leftovers, it’s best stored fresh for optimal texture. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and reheat thoroughly after thawing, though the chicken might lose some crispiness.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles. This method helps maintain moisture without making the chicken soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine though thighs tend to stay juicier and offer a richer flavor. Just be careful not to overcook breasts to keep them tender.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe allows you to adjust the spice level using chili flakes and sweet Thai chili sauce. Start mild and add more to suit your heat tolerance.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for tofu or a hearty vegetable like mushrooms, and use tamari or soy sauce accordingly. The flavors remain vibrant and satisfying.
What’s the best type of noodles for drunken noodles?
Wide rice noodles are traditional and ideal as they absorb sauces well and have the perfect chewy texture. Fresh or dried varieties both work with proper preparation.
Why do we coat the chicken in flour or cornstarch?
The coating provides a crispy crust when cooked, creating a wonderful textural contrast with the tender noodles and juicy chicken inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and exciting about this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe. It’s a dish that brings together layers of flavor and texture effortlessly, making every meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re new to Thai cooking or an experienced fan, this recipe invites you to enjoy the magic of homemade drunken noodles with crispy chicken that will keep you coming back for seconds. Give it a try and share the joy at your table!
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Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles recipe features wide rice noodles tossed in a flavorful blend of tamari, sweet Thai chili sauce, and fresh herbs, paired with crispy chicken thighs and sautéed vegetables. A quick and delicious Thai-inspired stir-fry perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 8 oz wide rice noodles
Sauce
- ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sushi ginger, chopped
- Chili flakes, to taste
- ¼ cup water
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp flour or cornstarch
- 3 tbsp salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce (used during cooking)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 shallot, sliced
- 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced
- 4 scallions, chopped
- 1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped (divided)
- Sesame seeds, for serving
Instructions
- Cook noodles: Prepare the wide rice noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside to prevent them from sticking.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, chili flakes to taste, and water. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the chicken: Toss the sliced chicken with flour or cornstarch to evenly coat. Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until crispy and browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the remaining butter, 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce, and chopped garlic. Cook for another minute until fragrant. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and chopped scallions. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft but still slightly crisp.
- Combine and finish: Return the prepared sauce, cooked noodles, and cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the noodles are well coated and heated through. Stir in half of the chopped basil just before removing from heat.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts depending on your preference; thighs will yield a more tender, flavorful result.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your heat tolerance.
- Using tamari instead of soy sauce makes the recipe gluten-free.
- For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable-based sauces.
- Be careful not to overcook the vegetables to maintain their crunch and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
