If you’re craving a dish that hits every note on your flavor scale, you have to try the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe. This meal brilliantly combines tender, savory ground chicken with that perfect balance of heat and sweetness, all tossed with fresh basil and chewy noodles for an unforgettable dinner experience. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and excitement to the table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each one playing a crucial role in creating the vibrant taste, texture, and gorgeous color of the dish. From fresh herbs to bold sauces, every component helps take this recipe to the next level.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that deepens the flavor profile.
- Ground chicken (1 pound): The tender protein base that soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- Freshly grated ginger (1 tablespoon): Brings a zesty warmth and bright kick to the mix.
- Garlic cloves, thinly sliced (6): Infuses the dish with mouthwatering, savory depth.
- Coconut sugar (1 tablespoon): Offers a subtle sweetness to balance the heat elegantly.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds rich umami and a pleasant tangy base for the sauce.
- Fresh chopped basil (2 tablespoons): Imparts fresh herbal notes and wonderful color.
- Hot chili paste (3 tablespoons): The star for heat, lending bold spice and complexity.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Brings salty, savory umami without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Provides a bright acidity that lifts the whole dish.
- Water (2 cups): Used to simmer and meld all the fantastic flavors together.
- Ramen noodles (10 ounces): The perfect chewy noodles to soak up the sauce, though spaghetti or rice noodles work too.
- Fresh chopped basil ribbons: For garnish, adding fresh color and aroma at the end.
- Chopped roasted cashews or honey-roasted peanuts: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Extra red pepper flakes: For those who want to ramp up the heat even more.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating your sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 5 minutes. Breaking the chicken into medium-sized chunks ensures every bite is packed with juicy flavor and perfect texture. This base will soak up all the delicious sauce later.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Now it’s time to layer in the flavors. Stir in the freshly grated ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and a tablespoon of coconut sugar. Cook everything together for 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and your kitchen smells positively divine. These ingredients awaken the senses and create a sweet-spicy foundation.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Mix in the tomato paste, fresh chopped basil, and the hot chili paste. Let these ingredients mingle in the pot for 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing their flavors to marry. After that, pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring this rich, fragrant sauce mixture to a gentle simmer to start infusing the chicken with bold, balanced flavor.
Step 4: Let it Simmer
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and encourage thickening. This slow simmer concentrates all the incredible flavors into a luscious, sticky sauce that perfectly coats the noodles later on.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
While the sauce is working its magic, cook your noodles in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until just al dente. Whether you choose ramen, spaghetti, or rice noodles, the goal is noodles with a satisfying bite. Drain them carefully and set aside until the sauce is ready.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the drained noodles straight into the simmered sauce. Toss everything together so each strand is generously coated with the vibrant Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil ribbons, crunchy chopped nuts, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little extra punch.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes — fresh basil ribbons add an irresistible herbaceous burst and beautiful color, while the roasted cashews or honey-roasted peanuts provide a satisfying crunch. For heat lovers, a few extra red pepper flakes will send your tastebuds soaring.
Side Dishes
This dish is a showstopper on its own, but pairing it with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed veggies like bok choy or snap peas creates a lovely contrast of textures and coolness to balance the heat. A light soup or simple miso also complements it well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe in individual bowls lined with lettuce leaves for a hand-held approach. You can also elevate presentation by placing the noodles over a bed of fragrant jasmine rice or tossing in some sautéed mushrooms or baby corn for extra variety.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover noodles and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld wonderfully, making it even tastier the next day. Just keep the garnishes separate until serving.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too! Place cooled noodles and sauce together in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the sauce’s great texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish fresh before enjoying again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, pork, or even finely chopped chicken breast can work beautifully. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The heat level is flexible. Using hot chili paste gives a noticeable kick, but you can adjust the amount or choose a milder chili paste if you prefer less spice. Adding extra red pepper flakes is optional for those who want more heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute ground chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Use a vegan soy sauce and check your chili paste for any non-vegan ingredients to keep it plant-friendly.
What type of noodles works best?
Ramen noodles are great for their texture and absorbency, but feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, rice noodles, or whatever you have on hand. Just be mindful of the cooking times so your noodles turn out perfectly.
Can I prepare elements of this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the sauce in advance and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss with freshly cooked noodles. Garnish just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe enough—it’s a fantastic combination of bold flavors, inviting textures, and comforting warmth that always hits the spot. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish feels special yet easy to make. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite go-to meal!
Print
Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring ground chicken cooked in a savory, spicy sauce made with ginger, garlic, tomato paste, and hot chili paste. Tossed with tender ramen noodles and garnished with fresh basil ribbons and crunchy roasted nuts, this recipe combines a balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors for a satisfying meal ready in 45 minutes.
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 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
- 3 tablespoons hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cup water
- 10 ounces ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)
Garnishes
- Fresh chopped basil (basil ribbons)
- Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred)
- Extra red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it into medium-sized chunks for even cooking.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the freshly grated ginger, sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the mixture is fragrant, allowing flavors to develop.
- Build the sauce: Mix in tomato paste, chopped basil, and hot chili paste. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring constantly, then add the reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine the flavors.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens nicely, about 30 minutes. This slow simmer allows the sauce to deepen in flavor and reduce to the perfect consistency.
- Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook noodles in boiling salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained noodles to the thickened sauce and stir well to coat evenly. Divide the noodles into serving bowls, then garnish with fresh basil ribbons, chopped roasted cashews or peanuts, and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes for added heat if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use ground chicken for a lean protein option, but ground turkey can be substituted if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of hot chili paste and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
- Ramen noodles work well, but feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles depending on your preference or dietary needs.
- To make it vegetarian, substitute ground chicken with plant-based crumbles and use vegetarian soy sauce.
- Cooking the sauce low and slow allows flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken; do not rush this step.
