Thai Basil Chicken Noodles are a tasty mix of chicken, fresh basil, and yummy noodles. It’s a quick and colorful dish that’s packed with flavor and makes your taste buds dance!
Honestly, who can resist that amazing smell of basil and garlic? I love whipping this up for a weeknight dinner—it’s quick, fun to make, and always makes me feel like a chef at a fancy restaurant!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rice Noodles: Wide rice noodles are a must for this dish. If you can’t find them, you can easily use other noodles like linguine or even spaghetti. Just cook them slightly less than usual to avoid mushiness!
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness and flavor. However, if you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. Tofu can be a great vegetarian alternative!
Thai Basil: Thai basil gives a unique flavor that’s key here. If you can’t find it, regular basil is a decent substitute, but the taste will be different. You can also try adding a bit of mint for an interesting twist!
sauces: For the sauces, soy sauce and oyster sauce are essentials for flavor depth. If you’re vegetarian, substitute oyster sauce with mushroom sauce, which has a nice umami flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cook Rice Noodles?
Cooking rice noodles just right can be tricky. You want them tender but not mushy. Follow these steps for success:
- Soak rice noodles in hot water for about 20-30 minutes or cook them briefly in boiling water based on package instructions.
- Once they are al dente, drain and toss them with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
- Don’t forget to add them to the pan at the end to heat through without overcooking!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
To keep your chicken tender and flavorful, follow these tips:
- Cut the chicken into thin slices for quicker cooking.
- Let the chicken sear well in hot oil – this helps seal in juices!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear.
These tips will help you create a delicious and vibrant plate of Thai Basil Chicken Noodles! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz wide rice noodles (such as flat rice noodles)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (regular basil can be used as a substitute)
- 4 green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick meal that comes together nicely, perfect for any busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
Begin by soaking or cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions until they’re tender but still a little firm (this is known as al dente). Once done, drain them and give them a light toss with a little oil so they don’t stick together. Set aside while you prep the other ingredients.
2. 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. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden color. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside—this keeps it juicy!
3. Sauté Aromatics and Veggies:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary. Toss in the minced garlic and sliced chili (if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the julienned carrots and stir for 1-2 minutes until they are tender yet still crisp. This adds great color and texture!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now it’s time to bring the flavors together! Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir everything well to ensure that the chicken and veggies are nicely coated with the sauces.
5. Add Noodles and Basil:
Next, carefully add the drained noodles to the pan. Gently toss everything together so that the noodles are well combined with the chicken and veggies. Once mixed, remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh Thai basil leaves and half of the sliced green onions, allowing them to wilt slightly.
6. Serve:
Now, it’s time to serve your delicious creation! Transfer the Thai Basil Chicken Noodles to serving bowls. Garnish with the remaining green onions and a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Thai Basil Chicken Noodles!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute rice noodles with gluten-free alternatives like soba noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodles you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you want to avoid fish sauce, a great substitute is soy sauce mixed with a little bit of lime juice or vinegar to mimic that tangy flavor. You could also use coconut aminos for a milder taste that’s still savory!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent the noodles from drying out and heat them gently in a pan or microwave.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! Make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. For sauces, use vegetarian oyster sauce and replace fish sauce with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of lime juice. You’ll still get a flavorful and satisfying dish!
