Name: Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Chicken and Basil Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or reduced sodium); 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (or substitute with regular soy sauce); 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, packed; 2 teaspoons fish sauce; 3 cloves garlic, peeled and grated or finely minced; 8 ounces wide rice noodles, fresh or dried and prepared according to package instructions (thin rice noodles may be substituted); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or preferred cooking oil; 1 to 3 bird’s eye chiles, seeded if desired and sliced thinly (adjust to taste or omit if sensitive to heat); ½ pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly (can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs); 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips (any bell pepper color can be used); 4 green onions, trimmed and sliced into 1-inch segments (use both white and green parts); 1 cup Thai holy basil or Thai basil leaves, loosely packed (substitute with regular basil if needed); Lime wedges, sriracha, and hot sauce, optional and as desired

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving a sensational dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Chicken and Basil Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender wide rice noodles, perfectly coated in a rich, savory sauce, mingling with succulent chicken, crisp vegetables, and fragrant Thai basil. This recipe brings the vibrant street-food magic of Thailand right to your kitchen, making every bite an exciting dance of spicy, sweet, and umami notes that will keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an arrangement of cooking ingredients on a white marbled surface. In the center right, there is a white bowl filled with flat, wide, ivory-colored rice noodles that have a slightly shiny texture. Above and to the left, a white bowl holds light pink raw sliced chicken meat. To the left, there is a large red bell pepper with a smooth surface and fresh appearance. Below it, a bunch of fresh green onions with long green stalks and white bulbs is placed horizontally. Near the bottom center, a whole garlic bulb with white papery skin rests on the surface. Above it, a small clear glass bowl contains brown sugar, and to its right, another glass bowl has a clear liquid, likely water or oil. On the top right, fresh green basil leaves are placed on a white plate. There are also three small white bowls with dark sauces, light brown sauce, and a dark thick sauce positioned around the main ingredients. At the lower right corner, a black bowl holds several bright red chili peppers. The entire scene is well-lit, showing clean, fresh, and vibrant ingredients ready for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these straightforward yet essential ingredients is key to nailing the authentic taste and pleasing texture of this dish. Each element plays its part, whether it’s the aromatic garlic that adds depth, the fresh basil that perfumes the stir-fry, or the fiery chiles that bring just the right kick.

Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory backbone that’s iconic in Thai cooking.
Soy sauce: Balances saltiness and umami for depth of flavor.
Dark soy sauce: Contributes color and a slightly sweeter, deeper taste.
Water: Helps blend the sauce ingredients smoothly without overpowering.
Light brown sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that offsets the spice.
Fish sauce: Gives an authentic salty tang that’s essential for true Thai flavor.
Garlic: Fresh and fragrant, it infuses the dish with wonderful aroma.
Wide rice noodles: The star of the dish, their chewy texture absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Vegetable oil: A neutral cooking base for sautéing ingredients evenly.
Bird’s eye chiles: The spicy heart of the dish, use according to your heat preference.
Boneless chicken breast: Tender and lean, perfect for quick stir-frying.
Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch.
Green onions: Offer sharpness and subtle sweetness, using both white and green parts.
Thai holy basil or Thai basil leaves: Impart a distinctive fresh, spicy herbaceous note unique to this recipe.
Lime, Sriracha, hot sauce (optional): For that extra zing and heat at serving time.

How to Make Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Chicken and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Sauce

First, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauces, water, light brown sugar, fish sauce, and freshly grated garlic in a bowl or large measuring cup until the sugar dissolves. Taste and feel free to tailor it with extra garlic, fresh ginger, or red pepper flakes. This sauce is your flavor powerhouse, so get ready for your kitchen to fill with incredible aromas!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles Perfectly

Boil your wide rice noodles according to package instructions, but be careful not to overcook — they should be tender yet still springy. Drain and toss them in a tiny bit of oil right away to prevent sticking, which will make the stir-fry process smooth and prevent clumping.

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the thinly sliced chicken breast strips, and cook for about five minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll want the chicken to be golden on the outside and tender inside. Once done, transfer it to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables and Chiles

Using the same skillet (no need to wash it out—those flavorful bits stuck to the pan are a plus!), add a splash more oil if necessary. Toss in sliced bird’s eye chiles and cook for about thirty seconds until fragrant, then stir in sliced red bell peppers and green onions. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender, stirring constantly to keep everything lively and fresh.

Step 5: Combine Noodles with Sauce and Veggies

Return the noodles to the skillet, pour the sauce over the top, and use tongs to toss everything until the noodles are evenly coated and beautifully glossy. This step ensures every strand soaks in the spicy, savory goodness that defines this recipe.

Step 6: Add Basil and Return Chicken to the Pan

Finally, sprinkle in the basil leaves and the cooked chicken, giving everything a good toss. The heat wilts the basil just enough to release its signature aroma without losing its bright, fresh flavor. Now, your Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Chicken and Basil Recipe is ready for the table.

How to Serve Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Chicken and Basil Recipe

A large gray pan filled with wide, flat noodles coated in a glossy light brown sauce, mixed with thin strips of cooked light beige meat scattered throughout. There are slices of red bell pepper and bright green herbs and spring onions mixed in, adding touches of red and green colors. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth on the upper left, a white plate with fresh green herbs on the upper right, and small bowls with sliced green onions and red chili peppers near the bottom. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Serving your drunken noodles with freshly squeezed lime wedges elevates the dish with lovely brightness. A drizzle of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce adds a customized heat level. Fresh basil leaves on top also make for a stunning presentation and amplify the herbaceous notes.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a light and refreshing cucumber salad on the side or perhaps some steamed jasmine rice if you want to stretch the meal. A crisp Asian slaw adds crunch and cooling contrast to the spicy stir-fry, making every bite well balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the noodles in individual leaf bowls made from large lettuce leaves or banana leaves for a festive Thai street-food vibe. Garnish with crushed peanuts or fried shallots to introduce texture and make your dinner feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover drunken noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak in the flavors further, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for optimum texture.

Freezing

This dish doesn’t freeze as well due to the fresh basil and the texture of the noodles, which can become mushy upon thawing. For best results, prepare fresh when possible or freeze components like the sauce separately.

Reheating

When ready to eat leftovers, gently reheat in a hot skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to loosen any clumps. Avoid microwaving if you can, as the noodles and chicken hold up better with a quick stir-fry refresh.

FAQs

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu or hearty mushrooms and replace fish sauce with a vegetarian soy-based alternative. You’ll still get those irresistible flavors that make drunken noodles so beloved.

What kind of noodles work best?

Wide rice noodles are traditional and give the dish its chewy, satisfying bite. If you can’t find them, thin rice noodles work as a substitute, but avoid getting them too soft during cooking.

How spicy is the dish?

The bird’s eye chiles pack quite a punch, but you can adjust the quantity to your tolerance or omit them for a milder version. Red chili flakes also work well if you want gentler heat with easier portion control.

Why use Thai holy basil instead of regular basil?

Thai holy basil has a peppery, slightly spicy fragrance that complements the salty, sweet tastes in the dish perfectly. If you can’t find it, Thai basil or even sweet basil will work — just keep in mind the flavor profile will vary slightly.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

You can make the sauce in advance and keep it chilled. Also, prepping and slicing the vegetables and chicken will speed up cooking on the day you serve. Just cook the noodles fresh for best texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Drunken Noodles: Spicy Thai Stir-Fried Wide Rice Noodles with Chicken and Basil Recipe, it’s going to become a go-to in your cooking rotation. It’s vibrant, quick to make, and endlessly satisfying. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, turn up your favorite Thai playlist, and dive into a dish that’s richly flavorful and totally crave-worthy.