This Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe brings together crispy pan-seared chicken, tender rice noodles, fragrant garlic, and a sweet-savory chili soy sauce. The keyword appears right at the beginning to support strong search visibility while keeping the tone friendly and natural. This dish is fast, bold in flavor, and perfect for home cooks craving a takeout-style meal in under 30 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
This noodle bowl is everything busy cooks love: quick to prep, endlessly customizable, and made with simple pantry ingredients. The chicken develops a crispy coating thanks to a light cornstarch toss, while garlic, butter, and a Thai-inspired sauce deepen the flavor. It’s satisfying, balanced, and easy to adjust for spice levels, veggies, or protein swaps.
Ingredients for Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles
For the Noodles
- 8 oz (225 g) wide rice noodles
For the Crispy Garlic Chicken
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (14 g) flour or cornstarch
- 3 tbsp (42 g) salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (12 g), chopped
- ½ tsp salt (3 g)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (1 g)
For the Sauce
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) additional tamari/soy sauce
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) water, to thin the sauce
- 1 tbsp (10 g) sushi-style chopped ginger (optional)
- ¼–½ tsp chili flakes (optional, adjust for spice level)
Vegetables & Garnish
- 2 bell peppers (200 g), thinly sliced
- 4 scallions (30 g), chopped
- 1 cup (25 g) Thai basil or sweet basil, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Ingredient Notes (Substitutions & Healthy Swaps)
- Protein: Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work too. Replace with tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms for vegetarian versions.
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and stick with rice noodles (naturally gluten-free).
- Lower Fat: Replace butter with avocado oil or light olive oil.
- Sweeter or Spicier: Increase Thai chili sauce for sweetness or add more red pepper flakes for heat.
- Veggie Options: Zucchini, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, or snap peas all work beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain and rinse briefly to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare and Crisp the Chicken
Toss 1 lb (450 g) sliced chicken with 2 tbsp cornstarch/flour, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tbsp butter.
Add the chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Stir in 4 cloves chopped garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3 – Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a splash of butter or oil if needed.
Add 2 sliced bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in scallions and cook 1 minute more.
Step 4 – Build the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- ⅓ cup soy/tamari
- 1 tbsp extra soy/tamari
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- Water as needed
- Ginger & chili flakes (optional)
Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 5 – Combine Everything
Add the cooked rice noodles and crispy chicken into the skillet.
Toss until the noodles are glossy and fully coated in sauce.
Fold in 1 cup fresh basil for aroma and brightness.
Step 6 – Serve
Garnish with sesame seeds and extra basil. Serve hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Chicken crisps best when spaced apart.
- Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic doesn’t deliver the same depth of flavor.
- Cut chicken evenly: Ensures consistent cooking and crisping.
- Add basil at the end: Keeps its fragrance vibrant.
- Taste the sauce first: Adjust vinegar, chili, or sweetness before adding noodles.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Drunken Noodles-Style: Add Thai chilies or extra chili flakes.
- Garlic Lovers’ Edition: Double the garlic and finish with fried garlic chips.
- Veggie-Heavy Version: Add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Citrus Twist: Add lime zest or juice for brightness.
- Peanut Noodle Variation: Stir in 1 tbsp peanut butter for extra creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a cucumber salad for freshness.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or bok choy.
- Add dumplings or spring rolls for a takeout-style dinner.
- Drizzle extra Thai chili sauce on top for heat lovers.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with 1–2 tbsp water to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to rice noodle texture changes.
Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles — Quick Dinner Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles recipe brings together crispy pan-seared chicken, tender rice noodles, fragrant garlic, and a sweet-savory chili soy sauce for a fast, bold, takeout-style meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) wide rice noodles
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (14 g) flour or cornstarch
- 3 tbsp (42 g) salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (12 g), chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt (3 g)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (1 g)
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) tamari or soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) additional tamari/soy sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) water, to thin sauce
- 1 tbsp (10 g) chopped ginger (optional)
- 1/4–1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 2 bell peppers (200 g), thinly sliced
- 4 scallions (30 g), chopped
- 1 cup (25 g) Thai basil or sweet basil, roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse briefly, and set aside.
- Toss 1 lb (450 g) sliced chicken with 2 tbsp (14 g) flour or cornstarch, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 3 tbsp (42 g) butter. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Stir in 4 cloves garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a splash of butter or oil if needed. Add 2 sliced bell peppers and sauté 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in scallions and cook 1 minute more.
- Whisk together 1/3 cup soy/tamari, 1 tbsp extra soy/tamari, 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1–2 tbsp water, and optional ginger and chili flakes. Pour into skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add cooked rice noodles and crispy chicken to the skillet. Toss until noodles are glossy and coated in sauce. Fold in 1 cup fresh basil.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and extra basil. Serve hot.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crisping. Use tamari for a gluten-free option. Add vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for more texture. Taste the sauce and adjust vinegar, chili, or sweetness before tossing with noodles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
(Approximate, based on 4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Carbs | 60 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 1420 mg |
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FAQ About Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes. Egg noodles, udon, lo mein, or even spaghetti work well. Rice noodles keep the dish gluten-free and soak up the sauce beautifully, but any noodle shape will adapt.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Pat the chicken dry, coat lightly with cornstarch, and cook in hot butter or oil without overcrowding. Adding the chicken back at the final step keeps it from softening.
Is there a way to make this dish less salty?
Use low-sodium soy or tamari and reduce the chili sauce slightly. You can also add a splash of water or chicken broth to dilute the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, mushrooms, or a mix of vegetables. The sauce is naturally vegetarian.
What can I use instead of sweet Thai chili sauce?
You can blend honey with a little sriracha, or mix maple syrup with chili flakes for a similar sweet-spicy effect.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles — Quick Dinner Delight recipe delivers fast flavor, crispy texture, and a satisfying bowl of noodles that feels both comforting and exciting. With customizable heat, flexible proteins, and a sauce that comes together in seconds, it’s a reliable weeknight favorite with takeout-quality taste. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew or explore more on Pinterest for your next meal idea!