If you’ve ever craved those smoky Thai street-style noodles that hit you with heat, sweetness, and a punch of basil—you’re in for a treat.
These Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fried Noodles are everything I love about Southeast Asian comfort food: chewy rice noodles, tender chicken, a rich savory sauce, and the unmistakable aroma of holy basil.
Quick, vibrant, and better than takeout.
Why I Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of flavors – Savory, spicy, sweet, and umami in every bite.
Bold basil aroma – Fresh Thai holy basil makes the dish sing.
Street-style smokiness – Tossed on high heat for that charred edge.
Customizable heat – Adjust chilies to your spice tolerance.
Quick cook, big payoff – Done in under 30 minutes.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Main Ingredients
Wide rice noodles – Soft, chewy, and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Chicken thighs or breast – Sliced thin for fast, even cooking.
Baby bok choy – Adds crunch and freshness.
Holy basil – Thai basil adds authentic flavor (not Italian basil).
Chili peppers – Bring the heat!
Stir-Fry Sauce
Soy sauce, dark soy sauce & oyster sauce – Umami trio.
Fish sauce & brown sugar – Classic sweet-salty Thai flavor.
Chicken stock – Loosens the sauce and coats the noodles.
White pepper – A subtle kick.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Soak noodles, don’t boil – Prevents mushy texture.
Slice chicken thinly – Cooks quickly and evenly.
Stir-fry on high heat – Essential for the signature char.
Use a large wok or skillet – You need space to toss properly.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – Stir-fry in batches if needed.
How to Make Thai Basil Chicken Stir-Fried Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Thinly slice the chicken and marinate briefly with soy sauce.
Step 2: Soak the Noodles
Soften the rice noodles in hot water, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prep the Vegetables
Clean and cut bok choy. Pluck the basil leaves.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet with oil until mostly cooked.
Remove and keep warm.
Step 6: Stir-Fry the Aromatics
In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, chilies, and green onion until fragrant.
Step 7: Add the Veggies
Toss in bok choy and stir-fry briefly.
Step 8: Bring It All Together
Add the noodles, chicken, basil, and sauce.
Toss on high heat until noodles are coated and slightly charred.
Step 9: Serve
Plate immediately. Garnish with green onion or extra basil if desired.
What to Serve It With
Cucumber salad – Cool and crisp to balance the heat.
Fried egg on top – Adds richness and texture.
Thai iced tea or lime soda – Refreshing and sweet.
Extra chili vinegar – For spice lovers.
Crushed peanuts or fried shallots – For crunch.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap protein – Use shrimp, tofu, or beef instead of chicken.
Milder version – Use fewer chilies or mild red pepper.
No holy basil? – Use Thai basil or sweet basil in a pinch.
Gluten-free option – Use GF soy sauce and oyster sauce.
More veggies – Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat – Use a hot pan to revive texture; microwave only if needed.
Freeze? – Not ideal—noodles can get mushy when thawed.
Sauce – Can be mixed and stored ahead in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I boil the noodles instead of soaking?
It’s better to soak in hot water to avoid overcooking them.
Is Thai basil the same as holy basil?
Not quite—holy basil has a peppery bite, while Thai basil is sweeter. Both work well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely—use tofu, vegetable stock, and skip the fish sauce or use soy sauce.
What if I don’t have a wok?
Use the largest skillet you have. Just be sure it’s hot and you don’t overcrowd.
How spicy is this dish?
Moderately spicy. Adjust chilies to taste or remove seeds for less heat.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
You can, but you won’t get the seared flavor from raw-to-hot pan cooking.
Can I prepare anything ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce, marinate the chicken, and soak the noodles in advance.
Final Thoughts
These stir-fried Thai basil noodles are packed with bold, savory flavor and come together in a flash.
It’s my go-to when I want something vibrant and satisfying but don’t want to wait for delivery.
Once you master the toss and char, you’ll be making this again and again—better than your favorite takeout, every single time.
