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 plus 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce; 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· 4.1 from 13 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors, irresistible textures, and a hint of spicy-sweet magic, you’re in for a treat with this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe. Picture tender, golden-crisp chicken bites mingling with wide, chewy rice noodles soaked in a vibrant, garlicky sauce—this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and just enough heat. Every bite feels like a warm, comforting hug that excites your taste buds and satisfies your soul, making it a standout recipe to add to your weeknight favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass measuring cup filled halfway with a dark brown liquid that has small red chili flakes floating in it. A silver metal spoon stands inside the measuring cup, resting against the side. The measuring cup is placed on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a green plate holding a soft pink, round flower next to a bunch of fresh green basil leaves. The lighting is warm, highlighting the liquid’s texture and the details of the flower and leaves. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, essential ingredients that each bring a unique layer to the final dish. The foundation is simple but impactful, ensuring you get a perfect blend of textures, colors, and tastes that work harmoniously together.

Wide rice noodles: These provide the chewy, satisfying base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Tamari or soy sauce: Adds a deep umami flavor to the dish, balancing saltiness perfectly.
Sweet Thai chili sauce: Offers a subtle sweetness and gentle heat that lifts the entire meal.
Toasted sesame oil: Infuses a nutty aroma that plays wonderfully with the garlic.
Rice vinegar: A touch of acidity brightens the flavors and keeps the dish lively.
Sushi ginger: Adds a refreshing zing that complements the richness of the chicken.
Chili flakes: Provides heat and a pleasant kick to awaken your palate.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: The star protein, perfect for crisping up to golden perfection.
Flour or cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps achieve a beautiful sear on the chicken and veggies.
Garlic: The aromatic powerhouse that elevates the entire dish.
Shallot: Contributes a sweet, delicate onion flavor that softens when cooked.
Bell peppers: Bring color, crunch, and a mild sweetness.
Scallions: Freshness and a mild onion flavor brighten every bite.
Thai or regular basil: Adds herbal freshness and a pop of green color.
Sesame seeds: Toasted and sprinkled at the end for a lovely nutty crunch.

How to Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the noodles

Begin by cooking the wide rice noodles according to the package instructions. It’s super important not to overcook them here since they’ll soak in the sauce later. Once done, drain them well to avoid sogginess. These noodles are the chewy heart of the dish and soak up all the flavor perfectly.

Step 2: Mix the magical sauce

In a bowl, combine 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, and chili flakes. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of water to help the sauce coat the noodles without overpowering the other ingredients—the blend here is what makes the dish so vibrantly flavorful.

Step 3: Crisp up the chicken

Toss your chicken slices in flour or cornstarch to give them a beautifully crispy crust. Heat 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden and crisp, about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of butter, 1 tablespoon of tamari or soy sauce, and all the chopped garlic, cooking together for another minute—this step infuses the chicken with rich roasted garlic goodness before you set it aside.

Step 4: Sauté the vegetables

In the same skillet, add the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and scallions. Cook them gently to keep some crunch but bring out their natural sweetness, about 5 minutes. Using the same pan means those lovely browned chicken bits and garlic bits also flavor the veggies, creating an irresistible base for your noodles.

Step 5: Combine and toss everything

Now, pour in the sauce along with the drained noodles and the crispy chicken. Toss everything together so the noodles get luxuriously coated with the sauce and heated through sufficiently—this usually takes 3 to 5 minutes. Finish by mixing half of the chopped basil into the skillet and then remove from heat—this allows the fresh herbal notes to stay bright and fragrant.

Step 6: Serve up the magic

Dish out the hot noodles onto plates and sprinkle generously with the remaining basil and toasted sesame seeds. The aroma alone at this stage is truly a mouthwatering invitation to dig in!

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like Thai basil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds are the perfect garnishes here. They add layers of flavor and texture that make every bite feel special. You could also add a lime wedge for a bright zing right before eating to freshen up the palate.

Side Dishes

Keep the sides simple to not take away from the star dish. A crisp cucumber salad, lightly dressed with rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar, works beautifully. Steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli also complement this boldly flavored main with their fresh crunch and earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles in large, shallow bowls to showcase the colorful veggies and crispy chicken pieces. Alternatively, plating them alongside a small dipping bowl of extra sweet chili sauce allows guests to customize their heat level. Garnishing with finely chopped scallions or a drizzle of chili oil adds a touch of elegance and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce naturally keeps the noodles moist, but the chicken may lose some crispiness. To help keep things fresh, store the chicken separately if possible and combine when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the cooked chicken and the noodles with sauce separately. The noodles may soften after freezing and thawing, so reheating gently with a splash of water or broth helps restore texture. Frozen portions are best eaten within 1 month.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent sticking. Stir gently until warmed through to avoid breaking the noodles. Microwaving is convenient but may result in uneven heating and softer noodles, so the stovetop method is recommended when possible.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well for this Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe. Just slice them thinly and be careful not to overcook, as breasts tend to be leaner and drier than thighs.

What type of noodles works best for this dish?

Wide rice noodles are the classic choice here for their chewy texture and ability to soak up sauce evenly. If you can’t find wide rice noodles, you can substitute with flat, wide wheat noodles or even fresh pasta in a pinch, though the flavor will subtly change.

How spicy is the dish?

The level of heat comes from the sweet Thai chili sauce and chili flakes, which you can adjust depending on your taste. Feel free to add more chili flakes for an extra kick or reduce them if you prefer milder flavors.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or your favorite hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant. Use a tamari-based sauce to keep it gluten-free and vegan, and swap butter for a plant-based alternative.

What’s the best way to get the chicken crispy?

Coating the chicken slices lightly in flour or cornstarch before frying in hot butter is key. Make sure your pan is hot before adding chicken, and avoid overcrowding so the pieces crisp up nicely rather than steam.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe is a truly delicious way to bring vibrant, layered flavors and textures to your dinner table with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special weekends when you want something that feels indulgent but isn’t complicated. Dive in, enjoy the cooking process, and most importantly, savor every bite of this irresistible dish – I promise it will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation!