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

There’s something utterly addictive about the sizzle of tender chicken and garlic mingling with noodles that have just the right crunch. This Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe hits all those notes—perfectly crispy chicken, bold garlic flavor, and saucy noodles that wrap around every bite. It’s quick, flavorful, and honestly, one of my favorite weeknight wins.

A white round bowl filled with a noodle dish, starting with wide flat brown noodles as the base layer. On top, there are crispy golden-brown pieces of cooked meat scattered across, mixed with slices of red and orange bell peppers. Thin slices of green onions and fresh green herbs are sprinkled over, along with small white sesame seeds. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh green leaves around and a glass of golden liquid nearby, sunlight casting shadows over the scene. 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 Noodles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m pretty sure these crispy, garlicky noodles will become a staple, especially when you want dinner that’s fuss-free but feels special. Over time, this recipe has become my go-to for when I want something comforting yet exciting.

Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The secret dusting of flour and butter pan-fry turns chicken into golden bites you’ll want to savor.
Balanced Saucy Noodles: The tangy, slightly sweet sauce clings to the noodles just right—never soggy, always flavorful.
Bold Garlic Punch: Garlic takes center stage, adding that irresistible aroma and deep flavor that makes the dish pop.
Quick & Simple: It comes together in about 20 minutes flat, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination brings together a perfect balance of textures and flavors. From crispy chicken to the lightly sweet, garlicky sauce working in harmony with sweet chili and sesame oil—each ingredient plays a purposeful role to elevate the dish.

Flat lay of wide rice noodles arranged loosely beside a small mound of sliced boneless skinless chicken thighs, a few bright red and yellow thinly sliced bell pepper strips, a handful of chopped Thai basil leaves, four whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl filled with dark amber tamari soy sauce, another small white bowl with vibrant red sweet Thai chili sauce, a small white bowl of glossy toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl containing clear rice vinegar, a small neat pile of finely chopped pale pink sushi ginger, a scattering of red chili flakes, a few whole garlic cloves and a small pile of roughly chopped garlic, thinly sliced pale purple shallot rings, a bunch of chopped green scallions, a small heap of toasted sesame seeds, and a small mound of white flour—all ingredients are fresh and natural, laid out symmetrically on simple white ceramic dishes and bowls 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: These hold sauce well and have a satisfying chewy texture that pairs beautifully with crisp chicken.
Tamari/Soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness that deepens the flavor without overpowering.
Sweet Thai chili sauce: Brings gentle sweetness and a little spicy kick that livens up the noodles.
Toasted sesame oil: A little drizzle adds nuttiness and warmth to the whole dish.
Rice vinegar: Balances sweetness with tang, lifting the flavor profile brilliantly.
Sushi ginger: Adds subtle zing and freshness; if you love that slight bite, don’t skip it.
Chili flakes: Spice is optional but highly recommended for a little heat.
Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay juicy and flavorful; breasts work if you prefer leaner meat.
Flour or cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible crispy crust on the chicken.
Salted butter: For richness and to achieve that perfect sear on the chicken and aromatics.
Garlic: The star of the show—don’t skimp here, it provides the iconic flavor.
Shallot: Adds subtle sweetness and depth.
Bell peppers: Bring color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness.
Scallions: Fresh oniony notes to brighten everything up.
Basil (Thai or regular): Herbal freshness that finishes the dish with vibrancy.
Sesame seeds: For garnish—adds lovely texture and a toasty finish.

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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’ve tweaked this Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe countless times, and it’s fun to customize! Whether you want more heat, veggies, or a lighter version, there’s lots of room to play here.

Spicy Boost: I sometimes add fresh chopped Thai chilies or sambal oelek for extra punch, and it really wakes up the dish.
Veggie Explosion: Feel free to toss in snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms to stretch the veggies and add texture.
Protein Swap: Tofu or shrimp works well if you want a different protein or a pescatarian twist.
Gluten-Free: Just make sure to use tamari and gluten-free soy sauce options, and the noodles are naturally gluten-free rice noodles.

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

A large grey plate is filled with three main layers: the base layer of wide, flat, brown noodles, on top of which there are bright red bell pepper pieces and green leafy herbs scattered throughout. The top layer consists of small golden-brown cooked meat pieces, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Two wooden chopsticks with blue and white patterned handles rest on the left side of the plate, which is set on a rustic wooden table with warm sunlight casting shadows. A glass of light amber liquid is partially visible on the left, and fresh green herbs are placed on the right side of the table. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Noodles to Perfect Tenderness

Follow the package instructions carefully and cook the wide rice noodles until al dente. You want them soft enough to be tender but still with a slight bite so they don’t turn mushy once tossed with sauce. Drain them well and set aside so they don’t stick.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce

In a bowl, mix the tamari, sweet Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, chopped sushi ginger, and chili flakes. Then add a bit of water to loosen it up so it’s saucy but not thick. This sauce dances perfectly on the noodles without weighing them down.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Chicken in Butter and Flour

Toss the sliced chicken with flour or cornstarch—this step is key for that crispy crust. Melt 2 tablespoons of salted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook without moving until the bottom is golden, about 5 minutes. Flip, add the last tablespoon of butter, garlic, and a splash of tamari, then cook just another minute. That garlic butter sauce sears into the chicken and makes it irresistible.

Step 4: Sauté the Veggies and Combine Everything

In the same skillet, toss in the sliced shallots, bell peppers, and scallions. Let them soften for about 5 minutes but still keep some crunch—that fresh texture contrasts so well with the tender noodles and chicken. Add the sauce, then the noodles and chicken, tossing everything gently to coat evenly. Cook together for a few minutes so flavors meld.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Sesame Seeds

Stir in half your chopped basil right before taking the pan off the heat—this keeps the herbal notes fresh and vibrant. Serve garnished with the remaining basil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch.

Top Tip

From my experience, the magic to this Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe lies in the crispy chicken and perfectly balanced sauce. Here are a few tips that always help me nail it:

Flour Dusting: Don’t rush this step—thoroughly toss chicken in flour or cornstarch for max crispiness.
Butter Heat: Make sure your pan is medium-hot before adding the butter—too cool and chicken sticks, too hot and butter burns.
Garlic Timing: Add garlic towards the end of cooking the chicken for that front-and-center aroma without burning it.
Don’t Overcook Noodles: They’ll finish cooking in the sauce, so take them off heat a little early.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe

crispy garlic chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping the noodles with fresh chopped basil and sesame seeds because it adds such a lovely freshness and a tiny crunch that contrasts the tender noodles and chicken. Sometimes, I throw in some extra chili flakes or lime wedges on the side for that zingy brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to be a stand-alone, but I often serve it alongside a simple cucumber salad or some steamed Asian greens like bok choy or gai lan to keep things balanced and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the noodles in individual bowls topped with microgreens, crushed peanuts, and edible flowers for a festive look, making an everyday meal feel fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The noodles soak up sauce over time, so I recommend reheating gently and tossing with a little water or broth to loosen before serving.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this one because the noodles can get mushy, but if you want to, freeze the chicken separately and fresh-cook the noodles for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce. This brings the chicken back to crisp without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular spaghetti instead of wide rice noodles?

You can substitute regular spaghetti in a pinch, but the wide rice noodles absorb the sauce better and have a unique chewy texture that complements the crispy chicken. If using spaghetti, cook al dente and rinse to prevent sticking.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, and double-check that the rice noodles don’t contain any wheat. The flour coating can be replaced with cornstarch for a safe gluten-free option.

Can I prep this recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can chop all the veggies and slice the chicken ahead of time. Cooking the chicken last-minute means it stays crispy. Noodles can be cooked and refrigerated separately and warmed through before serving.

What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from getting soggy?

Coating the chicken in flour and cooking it in hot butter over medium heat without disturbing it helps develop a crust. Also, add the chicken back to the skillet right before serving to keep it crispy rather than letting it sit in sauce too long.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Garlic Chicken Noodles Recipe has become one of those comforting dishes I turn to whenever I want something effortless but packed full of flavor and texture. Once you get the hang of frying the perfect crispy chicken and mixing in the garlicky sauce, you’ll see why I rave about it so much. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new weeknight favorite too!