If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting noodles, the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe is here to sweep you off your feet. This delightful meal perfectly balances the heat of chili paste with the fresh aroma of basil and the savory richness of ground chicken, all brought together by a sticky, tangy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe delivers warmth, spice, and satisfying textures in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors. From the fragrant ginger and garlic that build the foundation, to the punchy hot chili paste and fresh basil that add layers of complexity, every component is thoughtfully chosen to make this dish unforgettable.
- Sesame oil (or avocado oil): Adds a nutty, aromatic base that enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Ground chicken: The lean protein that absorbs all the spices and sauce beautifully.
- Freshly grated ginger: Infuses a bright, zesty warmth important for balance.
- Garlic cloves, thinly sliced: Offers a pungent, savory depth that elevates every bite.
- Coconut sugar: Brings a subtle sweetness that mellows out the heat.
- Tomato paste: Thickens the sauce and contributes a rich umami background.
- Fresh chopped basil: Delivers herbal freshness and a slight peppery note.
- Hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek): Packs the perfect fiery kick that defines the dish.
- Reduced sodium soy sauce: Gives salty, savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through sweetness with a tangy brightness.
- Water: Needed to simmer the sauce and bring everything together.
- Ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles): Acts as the comforting, silky canvas for the sauce.
- Fresh chopped basil (for garnish): Adds a stunning pop of color and fresh aroma at the end.
- Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred): Provides crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- Extra red pepper flakes: Optionally intensified heat for those who dare.
How to Make Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Step 1: Cook the chicken
Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season well with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes. Break it into medium-sized chunks while it browns to ensure even cooking and a great texture. This forms the hearty, protein-packed base for your dish.
Step 2: Add aromatics
Next, stir in the freshly grated ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Let the mixture cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the kitchen fills with the irresistible fragrance of ginger and garlic mingling with the sweetness of sugar. This step builds layers of flavor essential to the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe.
Step 3: Build the sauce
Now, add tomato paste, chopped basil, and the hot chili paste to the pot. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds to a minute to awaken the flavors. Then pour in the reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water, mixing everything well. Bring this to a simmer where the sauce starts to come together, thickening as it cooks.
Step 4: Simmer to perfection
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally. The goal here is to allow the sauce to naturally thicken and intensify in flavor over approximately 30 minutes. This slow simmer is key for the deep, rich taste that makes the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe so rewarding.
Step 5: Cook the noodles
While your sauce is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles until al dente, following the package instructions closely. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside, ready to soak up that spicy, savory sauce.
Step 6: Combine and serve
Finally, toss the drained noodles into the pot with your luscious sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat each strand. Serve immediately, garnished generously with fresh basil ribbons, chopped roasted nuts for crunch, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those wanting an extra heat boost. Every forkful will be a harmonious dance of spicy, sweet, and herbaceous flavors that celebrate the essence of the Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe.
How to Serve Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil ribbons add vibrant color and an aromatic lift that ties the whole dish together. Toasted roasted cashews or peanuts lend an irresistible crunch and subtle sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the heat. If you’re in the mood for more fire, sprinkle on extra red pepper flakes to dial up the spice.
Side Dishes
This dish stands strong on its own, but pairing it with simple sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed bok choy brings freshness and balance to the meal. A light Asian slaw with sesame dressing or quick-pickled vegetables also complements the spicy and sweet notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the noodles in individual bowls lined with banana leaves or offering small lettuce cups as vessels for the chicken and noodles. You can also sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens as a fancy flourish that impresses without adding complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before storing to preserve flavors and textures.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this dish in advance for busy days, freezing is an option, though noodles might slightly soften upon thawing. Store the sauce and chicken together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then reheat gently before adding freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce is too thick. For best texture, cook fresh noodles separately and combine just before serving to retain that perfect bite.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of ground chicken?
Yes! If you prefer, you can finely chop chicken breast into small pieces, but ground chicken gives the dish its signature texture and absorbs the flavors more evenly. Cooking times may vary slightly with whole pieces.
What’s the best substitute for hot chili paste?
If you don’t have sambal oelek, try sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or even a blend of red pepper flakes with a touch of tomato paste for similar heat and flavor profiles.
Are there vegetarian or vegan versions of this recipe?
Absolutely. You can substitute the ground chicken with tofu crumbles, tempeh, or sautéed mushrooms for a plant-based alternative, and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Can I make this dish milder for kids?
Definitely. Reduce the amount of hot chili paste and skip the extra red pepper flakes. The coconut sugar and tomato paste will still ensure the noodles are flavorful without too much heat.
What type of noodles works best?
Ramen noodles provide a perfect chewy texture, but feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles depending on what you have on hand. Just watch the cooking times and adjust accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Getting cozy with this Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe means inviting bold flavors and comforting textures into your kitchen and heart. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug with a fiery kiss, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own. Give it a try, and let this dish become one of your all-time favorites after just one taste.
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
This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil is a flavorful 45-minute dish combining tender ground chicken with a spicy, tangy sauce infused with fresh basil and ginger. Ramen noodles are coated in the sauce and topped with crunchy roasted nuts and extra red pepper flakes for a satisfying meal with layers of heat and sweetness.
Ingredients
Protein & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Noodles & Garnishes
- 10 ounces ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)
- Fresh chopped basil (basil ribbons) for garnish
- Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred)
- Extra red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Heat sesame oil in a large pot 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 for even cooking.
- Add aromatics: Stir in freshly grated ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Mix in tomato paste, chopped fresh basil, and hot chili paste. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute to marry the flavors, then add reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to low and let the sauce cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and flavors concentrate, about 30 minutes.
- Cook the noodles: While the sauce simmers, boil a pot of salted water and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Combine and serve: Add the drained noodles to the thickened sauce in the pot, stirring well to coat every strand. Divide into serving bowls and garnish generously with basil ribbons, chopped roasted cashews or peanuts, and extra red pepper flakes if you like. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use avocado oil if you prefer a milder oil flavor instead of sesame oil.
- Adjust the amount of hot chili paste and red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- For gluten-free options, substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free noodles.
- Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of water.
- Swap out ground chicken with ground turkey or vegetarian crumble for variations.
