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Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil Recipe

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4.4 from 14 reviews

Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring ground chicken simmered in a spicy chili and tomato sauce, infused with fresh basil and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfectly paired with tender ramen or alternative noodles, this comforting meal balances heat and sweetness with a touch of acidity and crunchy nuts for texture. Ideal for a warming weeknight dinner that satisfies both spice lovers and noodle enthusiasts.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 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
  • 10 ounces ramen noodles (spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles will also work)

For Serving

  • Fresh chopped basil (recommend basil ribbons on top)
  • Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted is delicious!)
  • Extra red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Brown the Chicken: Add sesame oil to a large pot and heat over medium-high. Add the ground chicken, seasoning generously with salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat into medium chunks, for about 5 minutes until golden underneath.
  2. Add Aromatics and Sugar: Stir in grated ginger, sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes more, breaking the meat into smaller pieces until nearly cooked through.
  3. Add Sauce Ingredients: Mix in tomato paste, fresh chopped basil, and hot chili paste, stirring for 30 seconds to 1 minute to combine flavors.
  4. Simmer the Sauce: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered. Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens, approximately 30 minutes.
  5. Cook the Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Combine and Serve: Once the sauce is ready, stir the noodles into the meat sauce to coat evenly. Divide into bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil ribbons, chopped cashews or peanuts, and extra red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of hot chili paste or omit red pepper flakes.
  • Substitute noodles with spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles for different textures.
  • Use avocado oil if you prefer a milder oil flavor over sesame oil.
  • Honey roasted nuts add a pleasant sweet crunch contrast to the spicy noodles.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian Fusion
  • Diet: Low Fat