If you are seeking a vibrant, crave-worthy meal that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, the Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe is exactly what your dinner table has been missing. This dish brings together tender slices of chicken marinated to perfection, explosive chili and garlic notes, and silky Asian noodles that soak up every bit of the savory sauce. Every bite delivers an exciting balance of heat, umami, and freshness that feels both exotic and utterly comforting. It’s fast to prepare yet impressive enough to share with friends or enjoy any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, each playing a pivotal role in bringing harmony to the dish’s texture, flavor, and color. From the tender chicken and al dente noodles to the spicy aromatics and umami-packed sauces, every component works in delicious concert.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bite.
- Egg white: Helps the chicken marinade adhere for a silky texture.
- Cornstarch: Used in the marinade and sauce to add body and slight crispness.
- Shaoxing wine (or rice wine/dry sherry): Adds depth and a subtle fragrance to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that highlight the other flavors.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Provides savory, salty notes without overpowering.
- Oyster sauce: Offers sweet and briny richness essential to Asian sauces.
- Fish sauce: A little goes a long way to deepen umami complexity.
- Brown sugar: Balances the heat and salt with gentle sweetness.
- Water: Used to thin the sauce slightly for perfect coating.
- Vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for pungent, aromatic heat.
- Red chilies: Finely chopped and seeded to control the spice level.
- Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and vibrant color.
- Green onions: Stirred in last for a fresh, mild onion flavor.
- Asian-style noodles: Cooked al dente to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Bright garnish that elevates the dish’s aroma.
- Lime wedges: Served alongside to add a zesty finish.
How to Make Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by tossing the thinly sliced chicken breasts with egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, salt, and pepper. This process is a game-changer ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender after cooking. Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes so the flavors can meld and the chicken gains a beautiful velvety coating.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water. This mixture is your key to that unforgettable savory-sweet umami punch. The cornstarch will thicken the sauce just right when added to the hot pan, ensuring every noodle and chicken piece is luxuriously coated.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the pieces are just cooked through and no longer pink inside. This quick, high-heat sear locks in the juices perfectly. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest while you cook the veggies.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the wok along with the freshly minced garlic, chopped red chilies, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry these for a few minutes until the garlic turns fragrant and the peppers soften but still hold a satisfying crunch. These aromatics and fresh veggies provide both texture and a vibrant pop of color that makes the dish so inviting.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the drained, cooked Asian-style noodles. Pour in your prepared sauce and toss everything vigorously over the heat so each component is coated evenly with that luscious mixture. Finish by stirring in the chopped green onions off the heat for a fresh burst of flavor that brightens every bite.
How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh garnishes. Sprinkle fresh cilantro leaves over your dish to add an herbaceous brightness and serve it with lime wedges on the side. Squeezing fresh lime juice just before eating adds a lively burst of acidity that cuts through the richness, perfectly balancing the chili garlic flavors.
Side Dishes
This Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe shines as a complete meal on its own but can be paired beautifully with simple steamed bok choy or a crunchy Asian slaw for extra greens. A bowl of miso soup or light cucumber salad also complements the fiery, savory profile while keeping things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style experience, serve this dish in a beautiful large bowl garnished with cilantro and lime wedges around the edges. Alternatively, plate it in individual bowls topped with extra sliced chilies or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an eye-catching finish. The vibrant colors and textures make it almost too pretty to eat — almost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delightful.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to separate the chicken, noodles, and sauce into portions before freezing for optimal texture when reheated. Stored properly in freezer-safe containers, the dish can last for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave them covered to retain moisture. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally to heat through evenly while keeping the noodles from sticking together.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and tenderness, which can make the dish even juicier and more flavorful. Just slice them thinly and marinate as directed.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the amount and type of red chilies you use. Removing the seeds reduces the spice significantly. Feel free to adjust according to your preferred spice tolerance by adding more or fewer chilies.
What kind of noodles work best?
Asian-style noodles like egg noodles, rice noodles, or even soba noodles are great choices. The key is to cook them al dente so they hold up well when tossed with the sauce and chicken without getting mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and replace the oyster and fish sauces with soy sauce or a vegan stir-fry sauce. The garlic and chili combination still delivers plenty of punch!
Is Shaoxing wine necessary?
While Shaoxing wine adds a lovely depth, you can substitute it with dry sherry or any rice cooking wine you have on hand. If you prefer to omit alcohol, simply skip it or replace it with a little chicken broth for moisture.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying this Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe enough. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something special without fuss or stress. Bold, balanced, and brimming with fresh ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite go-to in your kitchen too. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the delicious journey of flavors that this recipe promises!
Print
Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chili Garlic Chicken recipe offers a flavorful, quick stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken breast marinated and cooked with a savory, spicy sauce packed with garlic, red chilies, and fresh vegetables. Served over Asian-style noodles and garnished with cilantro and lime wedges, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances heat and savory umami flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 egg white
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice wine or dry sherry)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Stir-Fry & Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 7 ounces Asian-style noodles, cooked according to package directions
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced chicken breasts with egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the chicken.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth, forming the stir-fry sauce.
- Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add minced garlic, seeded and chopped red chilies, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the cooked Asian-style noodles and the prepared sauce. Toss everything together to ensure the sauce thoroughly coats ingredients. Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions.
- Serve: Garnish the chili garlic chicken with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Enjoy your flavorful and spicy meal!
Notes
- For a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chilies or remove the seeds completely.
- Shoaxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or rice wine if unavailable.
- Ensure noodles are cooked al dente so they don’t become mushy when stir-fried.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt levels in the dish.
- Additional vegetables like snap peas or broccoli can be added to increase nutrition and texture.
