Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles (20-Minutes) Recipe

Sizzling Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles Recipe

Whipping up crispy garlic chicken drunken noodles takes just twenty magical minutes in your kitchen.

Stir-frying creates an explosion of flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant garlic and tender chicken merge with silky noodles for an irresistible meal.

Southeast Asian street food inspires this quick and satisfying dish that packs serious punch.

Spicy, savory notes weave through each delectable bite, promising a culinary adventure.

Minimal ingredients and lightning-fast preparation mean you can enjoy restaurant-quality goodness without complex cooking techniques.

Grab your wok and let hunger be your guide to this mouthwatering sensation.

Why Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Whip up a restaurant-worthy meal in just a few minutes with minimal cooking skills required, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results fast.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold Asian-inspired flavors from tamari, chili sauce, garlic, and fresh basil, this dish delivers a mouthwatering combination of crispy chicken and perfectly coated noodles that will tantalize your taste buds.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping proteins or using gluten-free alternatives, this one-pan wonder works great for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or when you want a satisfying meal without complicated preparation.
  • Texture Triumph: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy chicken, tender noodles, and crunchy vegetables that create a multi-dimensional eating experience.

Ingredients For Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles

Proteins:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that provides the main protein for the dish.
  • Eggs: Not mentioned in the recipe.
Noodles and Starches:
  • Noodles: Base of the dish that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
  • Flour: Used to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Shallot, Bell Peppers, Green Onions: Fresh vegetables that add crunch and depth to the recipe.
  • Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to the chicken.
  • Basil: Provides a fresh and aromatic herb finish to the dish.
Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Tamari/Soy Sauce: Provides a salty and umami base flavor.
  • Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and spicy element to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to the dish.
  • Sesame Oil: Contributes a nutty and rich undertone.
  • Ginger: Offers a warm and slightly spicy note.
  • Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat to the overall flavor profile.
Fats and Garnishes:
  • Butter: Creates a rich and crispy texture for the chicken.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provides a crunchy and nutty garnish.
  • Water: Helps to thin and balance the sauce.

How To Cook Drunken Noodles Quickly

How To Cook Drunken Noodles Quickly

Step 1: Boil Delicious Noodles

Cook the noodles following the package instructions until they reach perfect tenderness.

Drain the noodles completely and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together the sauce ingredients:
  • Tamari or soy sauce
  • Sweet Thai chili sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Sesame oil
  • Fresh ginger
  • Chili flakes

Add water and mix until well combined.

Step 3: Crisp Up Chicken Perfectly

Coat chicken pieces in flour for a golden exterior.

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Cook the chicken until it turns crispy and golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Add extra butter and tamari, then sprinkle minced garlic.

Cook for an additional minute and transfer chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Sauté Vibrant Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in:
  • Sliced shallots
  • Colorful bell peppers
  • Chopped green onions

Sauté the vegetables for 5 minutes until they become slightly tender.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce over the vegetables.

Add the cooked noodles and crispy chicken back to the skillet.

Toss everything together, allowing the sauce to coat each ingredient.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Stir in fresh basil leaves.

Remove from heat and transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle with additional basil and sesame seeds.

Serve hot and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Tips For Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles

  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels before coating with flour to ensure maximum golden-brown, crunchy exterior.
  • Replace rice noodles with wide egg noodles or udon for different textures and flavor profiles while maintaining the dish's essence.
  • Adjust chili flakes and sweet Thai chili sauce according to personal heat tolerance, adding gradually to balance flavors.
  • Chop vegetables and measure sauce ingredients beforehand to streamline the 20-minute cooking process and reduce kitchen stress.
  • Add fresh basil just before serving to preserve its vibrant color and aromatic qualities, creating a more dynamic taste experience.

Flavor Variations For Drunken Noodles

  • Vegetarian Drunken Noodles: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu, pressing and coating with cornstarch for crispy texture. Sear tofu in same method as chicken, ensuring golden-brown edges.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Swap regular flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and confirm all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Thai Seafood Variation: Substitute chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood. Reduce cooking time to prevent overcooking, maintaining tender protein and crisp vegetable texture.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Replace traditional noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Adjust cooking time and sauce consistency to complement lighter vegetable base.

Pairing Suggestions For Drunken Noodles

  • Perfect Party Platter: Arrange the drunken noodles on a large wooden board with extra fresh basil scattered around, creating a gorgeous family-style presentation that invites everyone to dig in.
  • Restaurant-Style Sidekick: Serve alongside crisp cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to add refreshing contrast and balance the rich, spicy noodle flavors.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with a soft-fried egg or sprinkle extra crispy chicken pieces for added texture and protein boost that makes the dish even more satisfying.
  • Spice Lover's Dream: Provide small dishes of extra chili oil, sriracha, and crushed red pepper flakes so guests can customize their heat level and make the meal their own.

Storage Guidelines For Drunken Noodles

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled noodles to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Prevents freezer burn by removing excess air.
  • Warm slightly over medium-low heat with a splash of water or additional sauce. Stir gently to prevent noodles from sticking or breaking. Takes about 3-5 minutes.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of water to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Check temperature before serving.

FAQs

The name comes from Thai street food culture, where these spicy noodles were traditionally enjoyed with alcohol, giving them a playful “drunk” nickname.

  • How spicy are these noodles?

The heat level depends on the chili flakes and Thai chili sauce you use. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing these ingredients.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute with rice noodles, wide rice noodles, or even spaghetti if you don’t have traditional Thai noodles available.

  • Is this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your flour is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Print
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Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles (20-Minutes) Recipe

Crispy Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles (20-Minutes) Recipe


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4.6 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Garlic Chicken Drunken Noodles dance with bold Thai-inspired flavors in a quick 20-minute culinary adventure. Spicy, savory ribbons of noodles and tender chicken promise a restaurant-quality meal you can effortlessly create at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch

Noodles and Sauces:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) wide rice noodles
  • 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) plus 1 tablespoon tamari/soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweet Thai chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
  • 1 shallot (sliced)
  • 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced)
  • 4 scallions (chopped)
  • 1 cup Thai or regular basil (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon sushi ginger (chopped)
  • Chili flakes
  • 3 tablespoons salted butter
  • Sesame seeds (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare rice noodles according to package instructions, then thoroughly drain and set aside.
  2. Create a vibrant sauce by whisking together tamari, Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced ginger, and chili flakes. Dilute with water to achieve desired consistency.
  3. Coat chicken pieces in flour, ensuring even coverage. Heat skillet over medium temperature and melt butter. Sauté chicken until golden and crisp, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Add additional butter and tamari, then introduce minced garlic. Cook for one minute until fragrant, then transfer crispy chicken to a separate plate.
  5. In the same skillet, sauté shallots, bell peppers, and green onions for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  6. Pour prepared sauce into the skillet, then immediately add drained noodles and reserved chicken. Gently toss ingredients to ensure even coating.
  7. Continue cooking for 3-4 minutes, allowing sauce to thicken and completely envelop noodles and vegetables.
  8. Incorporate fresh basil leaves, stirring briefly to release aromatic herbs.
  9. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with remaining basil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and flavorful.

Notes

  • Swap tamari for gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners.
  • Use cornstarch instead of flour for a crispier chicken coating that’s also gluten-free.
  • For a lighter version, replace butter with olive oil and reduce the amount by half.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes or using different types of fresh chili peppers.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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