Name: Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 8 ounces wide rice noodles; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced; 2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 shallot, sliced; 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced; 4 scallions, chopped; 1 cup Thai or regular basil, chopped; Sesame seeds, for serving; 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce; 1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce (for cooking chicken); 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; 3 tablespoons salted butter

There’s something irresistibly comforting about the crunch of garlic-infused chicken paired with silky, savory noodles in the **Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe**. It’s that perfect blend of textures and flavors that makes dinner feel like a celebration—even on a regular weeknight.

A shallow white bowl holds a vibrant dish with three main layers. The base layer is wide, flat noodles in a warm light brown sauce, loosely spread across the bottom. On top, pieces of golden brown cooked chicken, each with a slightly crispy texture, are scattered heavily in the center and to the sides. Bright red bell pepper slices and thin green scallion rings are spread evenly around and on the chicken. Small sesame seeds and tiny green leaves are sprinkled over the whole dish to add texture. The bowl rests on a white marbled surface with some green leaves and a glass of amber liquid nearby. The scene is lit brightly, highlighting the warm colors and textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the moment I first made this Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe, I knew it would become one of those dishes I’d reach for time and again. The bold garlicky notes combined with that irresistible crisp on the chicken keep me coming back—and you will feel the same!

Satisfyingly Crispy Chicken: The chicken crisps up beautifully without frying, giving you that perfect crunch with less fuss.
Layered Thai Flavors: Sweet chili, tamari, and toasted sesame oil create a sauce that’s tangy, savory, and a little bit spicy.
Simple to Prep, Quick to Cook: Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dish when time is tight.
Versatile and Customizable: Swap in your favorite veggies or protein for personal flair and dietary needs.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe plays its part in building the complex layers of flavor—while still keeping things approachable. Here’s the scoop on what makes them special when you bring it all together.

Flat lay of wide rice noodles arranged loosely, a small white bowl of tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of sweet Thai chili sauce, a small white bowl of toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of rice vinegar, a small white bowl with chopped sushi ginger, a small white bowl with chili flakes, raw boneless skinless chicken thighs sliced, a small mound of flour, three tablespoons of salted butter, four cloves of whole uncracked garlic, one sliced shallot, two thinly sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped scallions, chopped fresh Thai basil leaves, and a small white bowl of sesame seeds, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Wide Rice Noodles: Their broad shape holds onto the sauce perfectly, soaking up all those garlicky, tangy flavors.
Tamari or Soy Sauce: Adds the essential salty, umami depth that’s a cornerstone of this noodle dish.
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: Brings a lovely sweet heat that balances the savory ingredients beautifully.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Just a little goes a long way in delivering that warm, nutty aroma that defines Thai cuisine.
Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the butter and chicken.
Sushi Ginger: This chopped ingredient inserts a refreshing zing and a little bite that keeps the dish lively.
Chili Flakes: Control the heat level here—add more if you like it fiery or less if you prefer mild.
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Thighs give more juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well if you want a leaner option.
Flour or Cornstarch: Lightly coats the chicken to help it crisp up beautifully in the pan.
Salted Butter: Adds a creamy richness that ties the whole dish together.
Garlic: Obviously a star here—chopped fresh for that punch of flavor and aroma.
Shallot: Mild and sweet, it adds a subtle oniony note without overpowering.
Bell Peppers: For crunch and color, thinly sliced to soften just enough while keeping a little snap.
Scallions: Added at the end for fresh, mild onion flavor and great texture contrast.
Basil (Thai or Regular): The fresh herbaceousness of basil wakes up all the flavors and adds that unmistakable Thai touch.
Sesame Seeds: The perfect finishing touch to sprinkle on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible this Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe is—feel free to play around with whatever you’ve got. Sometimes I swap chicken for tofu or shrimp, and it always turns out delicious.

Vegetable Swap: I often swap bell peppers for snap peas or broccoli for some extra crunch and color variety—try whatever’s fresh at the market.
Heat Level: Adjust the chili flakes or add a splash of sriracha if you like it hotter; I usually keep it medium for family dinners.
Make It Gluten-Free: Be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce, and check your noodles are rice-based to keep things gluten-friendly.
Protein Options: Sometimes I like to use chicken breast for a leaner dish or swap in shrimp to switch up the flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe

A white round bowl filled with three main layers: the bottom layer is flat, wide, glossy brown noodles; the middle layer has small, golden-brown cooked pieces of meat scattered evenly; the top layer is sprinkled with bright green sliced spring onions, fresh green herbs, and white sesame seeds, adding texture and color. There are a few red bell pepper pieces mixed among the noodles and meat. Two wooden chopsticks with blue and white patterns rest on the left side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled textured surface with sunlight and shadows playing across the scene, with a glass of light brown drink near the top left edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the noodles perfectly

Start by cooking the wide rice noodles according to the package directions. A key tip I’ve learned is to drain them and then rinse under cold water to prevent sticking. Set them aside while you prep the sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Whip up the vibrant sauce

Mix together ⅓ cup tamari or soy sauce, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, and chili flakes. Thin the mixture with ¼ cup water to help it coat the noodles without being overpowering. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse, so taste as you go!

Step 3: Achieve crispy garlic chicken

Coat your sliced chicken in flour or cornstarch to help it develop that irresistible crispness. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium-hot skillet, then cook the chicken until it’s golden and crunchy—about 5 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon butter, a splash of tamari, and the garlic for the last minute to infuse that fragrant garlic flavor before removing the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté the veggies and build the dish

In the same pan (no need to clean it), toss in the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and green onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Then add your prepared sauce, noodles, and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything gently together, cooking for another 3-5 minutes—this is when the magic happens: the noodles soak up all those flavors.

Step 5: Finish with fresh basil and serve

Mix in half of the chopped basil right before you take the dish off heat. The fresh herb brightens and balances the richness. Serve warm, sprinkled with the remaining basil and a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds for that extra layer of aroma and crunch.

Top Tip

Through making this Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe many times, I've picked up some handy tips to help you nail the balance between crispy chicken and perfectly sauced noodles every single time.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet isn’t big enough; crowded chicken steams instead of crisps.
Use Medium-High Heat: This ensures a nice crust forms quickly without drying the chicken out.
Coat Chicken Lightly: Too much flour causes clumps—just a thin, even dusting is perfect for crisping.
Save Fresh Basil for Last: Add it off the heat to keep its vibrant color and flavor fresh.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe

Crispy Garlic Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of keeping garnishes simple but impactful. Fresh Thai basil doesn’t just look pretty, it lifts the entire dish with its fragrant, slightly sweet flavor. Toasted sesame seeds add a lovely crunch and nutty aroma that complements the chicken dramatically. Sometimes, I toss in thinly sliced red chilies for heat and color—especially if I’m serving guests who appreciate a little fire.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp cucumber salad or simple steamed greens dressed with a splash of lime. For a heartier meal, I sometimes add soup like Tom Yum or spring rolls to round out the experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this dish family style on a large platter garnished with extra basil, sliced chilies, and sesame seeds. It’s colorful and inviting—and perfect for sharing. Another fun trick is serving the noodles in banana leaf bowls or wrapping portions in lettuce cups for a hands-on twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles absorb the sauce more overnight, which makes them even more flavorful. To help the chicken stay a bit crispier, I store it separately when possible, then combine before reheating.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, I've found the texture of the noodles changes somewhat after thawing. If you want to freeze, separate chicken and noodles, freeze individually in airtight containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and soften the noodles. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the chicken’s crispness—it tends to get soggy otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner cut, just be mindful not to overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs. Slice them thinly to help them cook evenly and stay tender.

What type of noodles is best for this recipe?

Wide rice noodles are ideal because they soak up the sauce wonderfully and give you that authentic texture. If you can’t find wide ones, pad Thai noodles or even flat spaghetti can work in a pinch.

How spicy is the Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe?

The spice level is moderate and adjustable depending on how much chili flakes you add. You can easily ramp up the heat for those who like it fiery or dial it down by reducing the chili flakes or omitting them altogether.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. Use oil instead of butter to make it vegan. You might want to add extra veggies to bulk it up and maintain that satisfying texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe feels like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s easy enough to whip up any night but tastes like you put in a gourmet effort—which is why I never get tired of sharing it with friends and family. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll find a cozy spot in your recipe rotation too.