If you are looking for a vibrant, flavorful dish that packs a punch and satisfies every craving, then this Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe is about to become your new go-to. This dish masterfully combines tender chicken that’s perfectly marinated and stir-fried with a fiery chili-garlic sauce, bright vegetables, and silky Asian noodles. The balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet notes will have your taste buds dancing and your dinner guests asking for seconds. It’s a dazzling and accessible meal that brings the heart of Asian cooking right to your dining table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of ingredients that each play an essential role. From the fresh garlic and chilies that bring heat and aroma, to the delicate balance of sauces that create deep umami flavors, every component is thoughtfully chosen to elevate the dish’s taste, texture, and color.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Ensures quick cooking and tender bite-sized pieces.
- 1 egg white: Helps create a light coating that seals in juices and adds a slight velvety texture.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Provides a subtle crust and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or rice wine or dry sherry): Adds fragrant depth and authentic Asian flair.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The foundational seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce: Offers the essential salty and savory backbone.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings rich, slightly sweet, oceanic notes for complexity.
- 2 teaspoons fish sauce: Adds a punch of umami and traditional Southeast Asian character.
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar: Balances heat and saltiness with mild sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Combined with water to create a perfect sauce consistency.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps smooth out the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For high-heat frying and developing flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts intense aroma and sizzling flavor.
- 2 red chilies, seeded and finely chopped: Provides vibrant heat and color without overwhelming.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds crunch and a touch of sweetness.
- 4 green onions, chopped: Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green.
- 7 ounces Asian-style noodles, cooked according to package directions: The perfect vehicle for the sauce and chicken.
- Fresh cilantro leaves: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.
- Lime wedges: Squeeze on just before eating for 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 in a mixture of egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, salt, and pepper. This simple marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also creates a silky coating that locks in moisture during stir-frying. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to absorb all that wonderful flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish, perfectly balancing salty, sweet, and umami tastes with just a hint of thickness that will cling to every strand of noodle and piece of chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a wok or large skillet. Add the marinated chicken, cooking it quickly until it turns opaque and no longer pink. This quick stir-fry ensures the chicken stays juicy with a light exterior crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the pan, then toss in the minced garlic, chopped chilies, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry until these ingredients soften and release their vibrant colors and aromas, building a lively flavor base that complements the chicken perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce
Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked Asian noodles and prepared sauce. Toss everything together vigorously so the noodles absorb the sauce, and the chicken mingles with the spiced vegetables. Remove from heat and finish by stirring in the chopped green onions for a fresh, crisp bite.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your colorful creation to serving bowls or plates. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro leaves and offer lime wedges on the side to squeeze over. These final touches add brightness and layers of herbaceous and citrus notes that elevate this dish to extraordinary home-cooked greatness.
How to Serve Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges are more than just pretty additions—they brighten the flavors and add a zing that balances the richness of the sauce. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with lightly steamed or stir-fried greens such as bok choy, baby spinach, or snap peas to bring a fresh crunch and garden-fresh notes to the meal. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing can also cleanse the palate with its cool, crisp qualities.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual family dinner, serve it straight in large bowls for easy sharing. For a special occasion, try plating the noodles in neat nests with the chicken artfully arranged on top, then garnished with cilantro and a lime wedge. You could also layer everything in a large platter family-style to invite everyone to dig in communal-style and enjoy the vibrant colors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe keeps really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious choice for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, separate the noodles and chicken with sauce from any fresh garnishes. Store the main dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Keep in mind noodles may lose a bit of their original texture after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help revive the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Asian-style noodles complement this dish best, you can use alternatives like spaghetti or rice noodles. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions and toss in the sauce quickly to prevent clumping.
What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry is a great substitute, or you can use rice wine vinegar with a pinch of sugar for a similar depth of flavor without alcohol.
How spicy is the chili in this recipe?
The red chilies offer a medium heat level that can be adjusted by using fewer seeds or swapping for milder peppers. Feel free to increase the amount if you love a serious kick of spice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, as many traditional versions contain wheat. Double-check labels to suit your dietary needs.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and swap fish sauce for tamari or soy sauce with a splash of mushroom broth to keep it plant-based while maintaining robust flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about the fusion of bold chili-garlic flavors and tender chicken tossed with silky noodles. This Chili Garlic Chicken with Asian Noodles Recipe is a joyous celebration of texture, spice, and umami packed in every bite. I promise, once you try it, this dish will find a special place in your recipe rotation. So don’t hesitate—gather your ingredients, get cooking, and share this vibrant meal with friends or family today!
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: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Chili Garlic Chicken recipe features tender, thinly sliced chicken breasts marinated and stir-fried to perfection with a savory and spicy sauce. Combined with vibrant vegetables, Asian-style noodles, and garnished with fresh cilantro and lime, this dish offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 & Garnish
- 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
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine thinly sliced chicken breasts with egg white, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to coat and let it marinate for 5 to 10 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside for use later.
- 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 the chicken turns opaque and is cooked through, no longer pink inside. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Add minced garlic, chopped red chilies, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry these vegetables until they 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. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together, stirring constantly to ensure the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables evenly. Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve hot, accompanied by lime wedges for squeezing over the dish to add a fresh, tangy brightness.
Notes
- Shaoxing wine can be substituted with dry sherry or rice wine if unavailable.
- Adjust the number of red chilies according to your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and verify oyster sauce ingredients.
- Use fresh Asian-style noodles or substitute with rice noodles or thin spaghetti if preferred.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
