Name: Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 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 sushi ginger, chopped; 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·4 from 6 reviews

If you love bold flavors with a tantalizing crunch, you are going to fall head over heels for this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe. It’s a delightful marriage of crispy chicken, garlicky goodness, and buddha bowls of vibrant veggies tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that clings perfectly to wide rice noodles. Each bite bursts with texture and layers of flavor that make this dish a standout weeknight winner. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to a cozy dinner, this recipe guarantees a plate full of warm comfort and exciting taste with every forkful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass measuring cup filled with a dark brown liquid that has small red chili flakes floating in it, with a metal spoon placed inside the cup. The cup sits on a white marbled surface, and behind it there is a white plate holding a green herb bunch and a large pink textured flower. The lighting casts soft shadows and gives a warm, natural feel to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe just right means starting with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play an essential role. From the tender chicken coated in a flawless crisp to the aromatic garlic and the bright pop of fresh basil, here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.

8 ounces wide rice noodles: The perfect chewy base that captures all the sauce beautifully.
1/3 cup, plus 1 tablespoon tamari/soy sauce: Adds rich umami depth and saltiness with a touch of savory balance.
1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce: Sweet heat that brings just the right amount of spice and a hint of tanginess.
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil: For that irresistible nutty aroma and flavor that rounds out the sauce.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a mild acidity, keeping the dish lively.
1 tablespoon sushi ginger, chopped: Brings a refreshing zing and subtle sweetness.
Chili flakes: Adds a customizable kick of heat to suit your spice level.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced: Perfectly tender and easy to crisp up in the pan.
2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch: Essential for creating that coveted crispy coating on the chicken.
3 tablespoons salted butter: Enriches the dish with a luscious, savory finish.
4 cloves garlic, chopped: Packs an irresistible punch of aromatic flavor.
1 shallot, sliced: Softens and sweetens, adding layers to the savory profile.
2 bell peppers, thinly sliced: Bring bright color and juicy crunch to the dish.
4 scallions, chopped: Fresh herbal notes that complement the garlic beautifully.
1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped: Herbaceous and fragrant, a must-have for authentic flavor.
Sesame seeds, for serving: A final sprinkle for nutty crunch and visual appeal.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

First, prepare the wide rice noodles according to the package directions. This step is all about getting them perfectly tender so they can soak up every drop of that luscious sauce later on. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside—ready to mingle with the crispy chicken and vibrant veggies.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor-Packed Sauce

Combine 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, and chili flakes in a bowl. Add 1/4 cup water to balance the flavors and create a sauce that’s both bold and perfectly saucy. This blend is what breathes life into the noodles, giving them their signature punch.

Step 3: Coat and Crisp the Chicken

Take your sliced chicken thighs or breasts and toss them in flour or cornstarch. This simple step is the secret to that amazing crunch. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden and crispy, about five minutes. Just before removing the chicken, add 1 tablespoon tamari and the chopped garlic, stirring for one more minute to infuse the meat with that irresistible garlicky aroma.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, use those lovely flavorful bits left behind to cook the shallots, bell peppers, and scallions. Cooking them for about five minutes softens the veggies while keeping a bit of their fresh crunch. This step adds vibrant color, texture, and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the dish.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the veggies, then add the drained noodles and crispy chicken. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every noodle and slice of chicken is coated in that irresistible sauce. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes until everything is heated through and infused with flavor. Just before serving, stir in half the chopped basil to brighten the whole dish, then remove from heat.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe

A white plate with wide flat noodles forming the bottom layer, showing a light glossy orange color mixed with slices of red bell pepper. On top of this sits a layer of small browned fried pieces of chicken, scattered thickly. The dish is garnished with thin slices of bright green spring onions and fresh green herbs, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with some leafy greens and a glass of amber liquid nearby. The lighting is warm and natural, highlighting the textures and colors vividly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle the dish generously with the remaining fresh basil and a handful of toasted sesame seeds right before serving. These garnishes add fresh aroma, an herbaceous lift, and a final nutty crunch that makes every mouthful pop with flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This dish really shines on its own, but if you want to add something on the side, consider a light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and a sprinkle of chili flakes to complement the spiciness. Alternatively, serving with crispy spring rolls or a simple steamed vegetable like bok choy works wonderfully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe in individual lettuce cups for a refreshing bite-sized treat. Another idea is to platethe noodles in bowls and garnish with extra fresh herbs, lime wedges, or a drizzle of peanut sauce for a fusion touch that surprises and delights your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners. Just be mindful that the chicken’s crispiness softens a bit when stored.

Freezing

This dish freezes best without the fresh herbs and garnishes. Freeze portions in zip-top freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 2 months. To help maintain texture, freeze the noodles and chicken separately if possible.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid microwaving straight away, as that can make the noodles mushy. Toss in fresh basil after reheating to restore the bright herbal notes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both boneless skinless chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier and crisp up nicely, but breasts will still deliver great flavor and texture if you prefer.

What if I don’t have wide rice noodles?

No worries if wide rice noodles aren’t available. You can substitute with flat egg noodles or even pad thai-style noodles. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The chili flakes and sweet Thai chili sauce provide a moderate level of heat, but you can easily customize the spice level by adding more or less chili flakes or choosing a milder sauce depending on your preferences.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a medley of mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version. Just be sure to crisp them up well to maintain that lovely texture contrast.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Yes, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce and ensure your rice noodles are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe without worry.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe has a way of turning ordinary nights into flavorful celebrations. With its crispy chicken, garlicky kick, and vibrant veggies all wrapped up in a delicious sauce, it’s truly a dish to savor and share. I encourage you to give it a try—and once you do, I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for a satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and exciting.