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; 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce, plus 1 tablespoon; 1/4 cup sweet Thai chili sauce; 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon chopped sushi ginger; 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; 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 so satisfying about the crunch of garlic combined with tender chicken and silky noodles in the Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe. This dish is a beautiful balance of textures and flavors that’ll make your dinner table feel like a cozy Thai street market—right in your own kitchen.

A large white speckled plate holds a vibrant dish with three clear layers: the bottom layer shows wide, flat noodles in a shiny brown sauce, the middle layer has bright red and orange bell pepper strips mixed with fresh green herbs and sliced green onions, and the top layer is golden-brown bite-sized pieces of fried chicken sprinkled with white sesame seeds. The dish is well-lit by sunlight, casting warm highlights and shadows that make the textures of the noodles, vegetables, and chicken stand out. Around the plate, fresh green basil leaves and a glass of amber liquid are visible on a rustic wooden table, with a white marbled surface underneath. 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

I’m a big fan of meals that come together quickly but don’t skimp on flavor—this recipe checks both boxes beautifully. The garlicky crispy chicken adds a hearty, irresistible crunch to the classic silky noodles dressed in a tangy, slightly sweet Thai sauce. Honestly, it’s one of those meals that both impresses and feels like a warm hug at the same time.

Crunchy and Tender: The chicken crisps up perfectly while staying juicy inside for that perfect texture contrast.
Flavor Explosion: The sauce hits with sweet, salty, a little heat, and lots of garlic which keeps you coming back for more.
Simple but Special: Uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients you can find anywhere, making it easy on weeknights.
Customizable: It adapts well if you want to add more veggies or swap out chicken for tofu or shrimp.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe plays a role in building that amazing flavor and texture combination. Let’s break down why these ingredients are the perfect team and a few tips to get the best from each.

Flat lay of wide rice noodles arranged loosely on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl of golden toasted sesame oil, a small white bowl of dark tamari soy sauce, a small white bowl of bright red sweet Thai chili sauce, a small white bowl of clear rice vinegar, a few thin slices of pale pink chopped sushi ginger on the side, a small pile of deep red chili flakes, a cluster of raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, a small mound of white flour, a few cloves of whole uncracked garlic with clean white shells, a halved shallot showing pale purple layers, two thinly sliced bell peppers—one red and one yellow, a bunch of freshly chopped green scallions, a handful of vibrant green Thai basil leaves, and a small scattering of tan 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: These soak up the sauce elegantly but hold their shape well, giving a silky mouthfeel without turning mushy.
Tamari or soy sauce: Adds the backbone of salty umami flavor; I prefer tamari for a slightly richer and gluten-free option.
Sweet Thai chili sauce: Gives a balanced sweetness with mild heat, crucial for that authentic Thai twist.
Toasted sesame oil: Just a dash here delivers that signature nutty aroma that elevates the whole dish.
Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness nicely.
Sushi ginger: This little zingy addition brightens up each bite—don’t skip it!
Chili flakes: Control the heat level with these; I usually add a pinch or two but adjust to your spice tolerance.
Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs give extra juiciness and flavor but breasts work fine too if you want leaner meat.
Flour or cornstarch: Creates that irresistible crispy coating when the chicken cooks.
Salted butter: Adds richness and helps develop that golden crust on the chicken, plus it’s great for cooking the aromatics.
Garlic and shallot: The dynamic duo that infuses the dish with savory depth.
Bell peppers and scallions: Fresh, crunchy veggies for texture and color contrast.
Basil (Thai or regular): The herbaceous punch that makes it unmistakably Thai.
Sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for a final nutty crunch and a beautiful 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

One of the best things about the Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe is just how easy it is to tweak so it suits your taste buds or what’s in your fridge. I often play around with the veggies based on season and keep it flexible with protein choices.

Variation: Swapping chicken for shrimp gives a lovely seafood twist that cooks super fast and keeps the dish light.
Vegetable Boost: Add snap peas, baby corn, or bok choy to the stir-fry for extra crunch and nutrition.
Spice it up: If you love heat, double the chili flakes or add fresh sliced bird’s eye chilies for an authentic punch.
Gluten-free options: Use tamari and cornstarch to keep the recipe gluten-free without losing any flavor or texture.

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

A round white plate filled with wide, dark brown noodles layered at the bottom, mixed with small chunks of browned meat and bright red bell pepper pieces. On top, there are fresh green herb leaves and light green sliced spring onions scattered evenly. The dish is sprinkled with tiny white sesame seeds, adding texture and detail. Two chopsticks with blue and yellow handles rest on the left side of the plate. The plate is placed on a rustic wooden surface with scattered green herbs nearby. Warm natural sunlight shines over the dish creating light and shadow contrasts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the noodles to silky perfection

Start by cooking your wide rice noodles exactly as the package directs—usually soaking or boiling them just until pliable and tender but not mushy. Drain those well and set aside. I like rinsing them in cold water post-cook to stop any carryover cooking and prevent sticking. This way, when you toss them later with the sauce, they keep their texture just right.

Step 2: Mix your flavorful sauce

Whisk together tamari or soy sauce, Thai chili sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, fresh chopped ginger, chili flakes, and a little water to loosen things up. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse—take a moment here to taste and adjust, especially if you like it sweeter or tangier.

Step 3: Sear the chicken for crispy perfection

Toss your sliced chicken in flour or cornstarch—it’s this step that gives you those coveted crispy edges. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t crowd the pan! Let it cook undisturbed until one side is golden and crispy—about 5 minutes—then flip. Stir in an extra pat of butter, a splash of tamari, and the garlic; cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute. This garlic butter combo gives the chicken that extra punch of flavor that’ll have you licking your fingers.

Step 4: Sauté the veggies and combine everything

Remove the chicken and in the same skillet, toss in the sliced shallot, bell peppers, and scallions. Let them soften just enough to stay crisp and add vibrant color—around 5 minutes works well. Then add the prepared sauce, cooked noodles, and chicken back into the pan. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so the sauce evenly coats all the noodles and chicken. Cook together for a few minutes until warmed through and perfectly saucy. Stir in half the basil right at the end for a fresh pop of herby brightness.

Step 5: Garnish and serve immediately

Serve up your Thai noodles warm, garnished with the rest of the basil and a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. The aroma alone will make you want to dive right in!

Top Tip

From my many times cooking this dish, I’ve learned a few key tricks that really elevate the final result and make the process smoother. Trust me, following these will save you time and disappointment in the kitchen.

Pat dry your chicken: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so really dry your chicken slices before coating with flour for the best crunch.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook your chicken in batches if needed; this prevents steaming and helps achieve that golden crust.
Fresh herbs last: Adding basil right at the end preserves its bright flavor and color, making your dish visually and flavorfully fresh.
Timing matters: Combine all elements right before serving and avoid overcooking the noodles in the pan, or they’ll get mushy.

How to Serve Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe

Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with freshly chopped Thai basil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds because they add that touch of freshness and crunch that makes every bite memorable. Sometimes I add a side squeeze of lime if I’m feeling fancy—it really brightens the whole tray.

Side Dishes

Pair these Thai noodles with a simple cucumber salad or steamed jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce. For a heartier meal, a light soup like Tom Yum or a crisp Asian slaw balances out the rich flavors wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to serve the noodles in individual bowls lined with banana leaves for that authentic Thai vibe. You can also top with edible flowers or extra fresh herbs for a fun visual twist that always sparks conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it keeps well for up to 3 days, though the chicken crisps slightly soften. If you want to keep that texture, store components separately—especially the chicken.

Freezing

I usually don’t freeze this dish because the noodles tend to get mushy after thawing, but the cooked chicken freezes well if you want to prep protein ahead. Just reheat gently to avoid drying it out.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend pan-warming the noodles over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, and gently reheating the chicken separately to help bring back some crispness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe?

Yes! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them—they’ll be slightly less juicy than thighs but still tasty when cooked properly.

What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?

Wide rice noodles are preferred for this recipe because they soak up the sauce beautifully and hold their shape well. You can find them in most Asian grocery stores or online. Avoid thin noodles as they might get mushy.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

Patting the chicken dry before coating it in flour or cornstarch is key. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan so the chicken has space to develop a golden crust instead of steaming. Using salted butter adds richness and helps crispiness too.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use tamari instead of soy sauce and cornstarch instead of flour to make this recipe gluten-free without compromising the flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Garlic Chicken Thai Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes I come back to time and again when I want something comforting, tasty, and pretty quick to get on the table. It feels like a small celebration each time I cook it, with that gorgeously crispy chicken and vibrant sauce that wows every time. I hope you’ll enjoy making it and sharing it as much as I do—can’t wait to hear how your kitchen smells after you make it!