Thai Basil Chicken Noodles are a fun and tasty dish! This meal features juicy chicken, fresh basil, and simple noodles all tossed together in a delicious sauce. It’s packed with flavor!
You won’t believe how quick it is to whip up. When I make this, I can almost smell the dinner bell ringing before it’s even on the table. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Noodles: Wide rice noodles give this dish its signature texture. If you can’t find them, try using thin spaghetti or rice vermicelli. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is my go-to for tenderness, but feel free to use thigh meat or even shrimp for a different flavor. Tofu is a great vegetarian option too!
Thai Basil: The star ingredient here, Thai basil has a unique flavor that’s hard to replicate. If it’s unavailable, use regular basil or mint, bearing in mind the taste will change slightly.
Oyster Sauce: If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using soy sauce or mushroom sauce instead. These will help keep the flavor profile while accommodating dietary needs.
How Can I Make Sure My Noodles Don’t Stick Together?
Sticking noodles can be frustrating! To avoid this, make sure to coat the cooked noodles lightly with oil right after draining them. This keeps them separate and helps prevent clumping.
- Follow the package instructions for cooking time to avoid overcooking.
- Drain the noodles well and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- After rinsing, toss the noodles with a bit of oil to keep them slick.
Doing this will allow them to stay perfectly cooked and ready for mixing with your flavorful stir-fry! Enjoy your cooking experience!
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dish:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (pad thai or flat rice noodles)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green peas
- 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Fresh lime wedges (for serving)
Time Needed:
This delicious meal takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15-20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a wonderful, home-cooked meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Start by preparing the wide rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain them well and set them aside. This will be the base of your dish!
2. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside for later.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breast. Cook the chicken, stirring frequently, until it is fully cooked and lightly browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add the Vegetables:
Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Then toss in the sliced red bell pepper, snap peas (or green peas), julienned carrot, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry everything for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine the Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the sauce over the entire mixture and toss everything together until well-coated. This is where all those delicious flavors come together!
6. Finish with Basil:
Finally, add the fresh Thai basil leaves to the skillet and stir just until they are wilted. This will give your dish that wonderful aromatic flavor!
7. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and serve your Thai Basil Chicken Noodles immediately. Don’t forget to include fresh lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick!
Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful experience with these Thai Basil Chicken Noodles! They’re sure to impress family and friends alike!
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with your choice of protein, such as shrimp, beef, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.
What Can I Use Instead of Thai Basil?
If you can’t find Thai basil, try using regular basil or even mint. While the flavor will vary slightly, they will still add a lovely freshness to your dish.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water or oil if the noodles seem dry.