If you’re craving a meal that bursts with flavor and a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, you’re going to love this Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe. It’s a vibrant, comforting dish that marries tender ground chicken with a rich, aromatic sauce loaded with garlic, ginger, fresh basil, and a fiery kick from chili paste. The noodles soak up that delicious sauce perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe comes together in under an hour and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to achieving the bold flavors and satisfying textures that make this dish truly special. Each item plays a vital role, from the fragrant basil that brightens the noodles to the savory soy sauce that deepens the sauce’s complexity.
- Sesame oil or avocado oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic base for cooking the chicken and infusing the dish with flavor.
- Ground chicken: The tender protein that absorbs all the delicious spices and sauces perfectly.
- Freshly grated ginger: Brings a warm, slightly zesty note that lifts the whole dish.
- Garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Provides a fragrant punch that complements the spicy elements.
- Coconut sugar: Balances heat with a subtle, caramel-like sweetness.
- Tomato paste: Gives body and a slight tang, enriching the sauce’s depth.
- Fresh chopped basil: Adds a fresh, herbal brightness that makes the noodles sing.
- Hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek): Packs a spicy punch essential for that fiery kick.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Enhances umami and saltiness without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar: Provides acidity to balance richness and spice.
- Water: Helps simmer and thicken the sauce just right.
- Ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles): The perfect vehicle to carry the luscious sauce and tender chicken.
- Fresh chopped basil ribbons: For garnish, adding extra fragrance and a pop of green color.
- Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred): Brings crunch and a subtle sweetness for contrast.
- Extra red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who want to turn up the heat even more.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, seasoning it generously with salt and pepper as it cooks. Break it into medium-sized chunks and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 5 minutes. This step locks in flavor and gives your dish a great meaty texture.
Step 2: Build the Aromatics
Next, stir in freshly grated ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Let everything cook together for 4–5 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through and the kitchen smells incredible. This step softens the garlic and releases ginger’s warmth, setting the stage for your spicy sauce.
Step 3: Mix in the Sauce Base
Add tomato paste, freshly chopped basil, and hot chili paste to the pot. Stir the mixture and cook it for 30 seconds to 1 minute to wake up the flavors. Then pour in reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Stir everything together and bring the sauce to a simmer. This is where all the magic melds together into something irresistible.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Turn the heat down to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes. This crucial step thickens the sauce, concentrating all those delicious flavors until it clings perfectly to your noodles. Patience here really pays off.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While your sauce bubbles away, cook the noodles in boiling salted water until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain them thoroughly and set aside, ready to soak up that rich sauce.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked noodles to your thickened sauce, stirring well to coat every strand and piece of chicken. Portion the noodles into bowls and garnish with fresh basil ribbons, chopped roasted nuts, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want an extra spicy kick. Serve immediately while warm and aromatic.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil ribbons add a burst of herbal freshness and lovely green contrast, while chopped roasted cashews or peanuts provide a delightful crunch that balances the tender noodles and chicken. A sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes is perfect if you love turning up the heat even more.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own but pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad, steamed bok choy with sesame, or even some simple pickled vegetables to cut through the richness. These companion dishes help round out the meal and add refreshing layers of texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the noodles in individual shallow bowls with the garnishes arranged artfully on top. You can also make it fusion-style by wrapping the noodles and chicken in fresh lettuce leaves, creating handheld bites that are fun and finger-friendly. Either way, bright colors and textured toppings will delight your guests visually and on the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the noodles and sauce will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier.
Freezing
This Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe freezes well without losing much flavor. Portion the cooled dish into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, satisfying meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Stir frequently to heat evenly and keep the noodles from sticking. You can also microwave leftovers covered for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure a warm, delicious finish.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork work wonderfully here, and even diced chicken breast can be used if you prefer chunks over ground meat. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.
How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the sambal oelek chili paste. If you love spicy food, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or more chili paste. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili paste.
What can I use if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be a substitute, but it won’t have the same vibrant flavor and fresh aroma. If fresh basil isn’t available, try adding fresh cilantro or mint leaves for a different but tasty herbal note.
Are there good vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground chicken for firm tofu or tempeh crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Just brown them well to get a nice texture and follow the same steps for the sauce.
What type of noodles works best in this recipe?
Traditional ramen noodles are ideal because they soak up sauce well, but you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles depending on your pantry and preference. Just adjust cooking times to achieve al dente texture.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe is a lively, heartwarming dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet flavorful enough to impress any guest. The way the basil and chili meld with savory chicken and noodles is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I love eating it — it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a go, and get ready to fall in love!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil recipe combines tender ground chicken cooked in a flavorful mixture of ginger, garlic, coconut sugar, tomato paste, and hot chili paste, simmered to perfection in a rich sauce. Tossed with tender ramen noodles and garnished with fresh basil, roasted cashews, and red pepper flakes, this dish delivers a harmonious balance of heat, sweetness, and aromatic freshness perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
- 3 tablespoons hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 10 ounces ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)
Toppings & Garnishes
- Fresh chopped basil (basil ribbons)
- Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred)
- Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Add sesame oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it into medium-sized chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Add aromatics and sweetness: Stir in freshly grated ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the mixture is fragrant.
- Incorporate flavor bases: Mix in tomato paste, fresh chopped basil, and hot chili paste. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute to deepen the flavors, then add reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and concentrates in flavor, about 30 minutes.
- Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook your choice of noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained noodles to the thickened sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Divide into bowls and garnish with fresh basil ribbons, chopped roasted cashews or peanuts, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ramen noodles with spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the amount of hot chili paste to control the spice level according to taste.
- For a nut-free version, omit the cashews or peanuts.
- Use reduced sodium soy sauce to better control the salt content in the dish.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while simmering the sauce to prevent sticking or burning on the bottom of the pot.
