Description

This Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles with Basil recipe combines tender ground chicken in a fragrant and fiery sauce made with fresh ginger, garlic, tomato paste, and chili paste. Simmered to perfection and tossed with your choice of noodles, this dish is garnished with fresh basil, crunchy roasted nuts, and optional red pepper flakes for an irresistible balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

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 tablespoon tomato paste
2 tablespoon fresh chopped basil
3 tablespoons hot chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 cup water
10 ounces ramen noodles (or spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles)

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil (basil ribbons)
Chopped roasted cashews or peanuts (honey roasted preferred)
Extra red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the chicken: Add sesame oil to a large pot and place over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it into medium-sized chunks as it cooks.
Add aromatics: Stir in freshly grated ginger, thinly sliced garlic, and coconut sugar. Continue cooking for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through and the mixture is fragrant.
Build the sauce: Mix in tomato paste, chopped fresh basil, and hot chili paste. Cook this mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld.
Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the reduced sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 30 minutes.
Cook the noodles: While the sauce is simmering, cook your choice of noodles in boiling salted water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Combine and serve: Add the drained noodles to the thickened sauce, stirring well to coat them evenly. Divide the noodles among bowls and garnish generously with fresh basil ribbons, chopped roasted nuts, and optional extra red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or pork based on preference.
Adjust the amount of chili paste to control spiciness according to your taste.
Ramen noodles can be replaced with spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles for different textures.
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and noodles.
The sauce thickens best when simmered uncovered; stirring occasionally prevents sticking.
Add extra fresh basil at the end for a more vibrant herbal flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian Fusion