Why You’ll Love Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles Recipe
This recipe is packed with bold flavor, protein, and saucy noodles in every bite. It tastes like takeout but is easy to make at home in under an hour. You can also adjust the spice level, swap the noodles, or add vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sesame oil or avocado oil
- Ground chicken
- Fresh ginger
- Garlic
- Coconut sugar
- Tomato paste
- Fresh basil
- Hot chili paste
- Reduced sodium soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Water
- Ramen noodles, spaghetti, fettuccine, or rice noodles
- Fresh basil for serving
- Roasted cashews or peanuts
- Red pepper flakes
Directions
Cook the ground chicken in oil over medium-high heat until browned. Add ginger, garlic, and coconut sugar, then continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in tomato paste, basil, and hot chili paste. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and water, then simmer until the sauce thickens.
Meanwhile, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Drain them, add them to the sauce, and toss until fully coated.
Serve hot with extra basil, chopped nuts, and red pepper flakes.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu, cubed tofu, or chickpeas instead of chicken.
For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles or gluten-free noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.
For a milder version, reduce the chili paste and add more tomato paste.
For extra vegetables, stir in cooked broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, green beans, carrots, or snow peas.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Reheat in the microwave until hot, adding a splash of water if the noodles seem dry.
FAQs
Can I make these noodles less spicy?
Yes. Use less hot chili paste and add more tomato paste to keep the sauce rich without as much heat.
What noodles work best?
Ramen noodles work very well, but spaghetti, fettuccine, rice noodles, soba, or udon can also be used.
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey is a good substitute and works the same way in the recipe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes. Use tofu or chickpeas instead of ground chicken.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, snow peas, and green beans all work nicely.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce.
Can I make it nut-free?
Yes. Simply skip the cashews or peanuts.
What can I use instead of coconut sugar?
Brown sugar or regular sugar can be used in a similar amount.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes. It stores well for a few days, making it a good meal prep option.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook them just until al dente, then toss them with the sauce right before serving.
Conclusion
Sweet and spicy hot chili chicken noodles are a bold, satisfying dinner with tender noodles, savory chicken, and a rich chili sauce. They’re easy to customize, quick enough for a weeknight, and full of flavor.
Sweet & Spicy Hot Chili Chicken Noodles
Spicy, savory chili chicken noodles tossed in a flavorful sauce with tender chicken and vegetables. This quick and satisfying dish delivers bold heat and comforting texture in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles of choice
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili paste or chili garlic sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and cook chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced bell pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Return chicken to the pan and stir in soy sauce, chili paste, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Add cooked noodles and toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust chili paste to control the spice level.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp.
- Use gluten-free noodles and soy sauce if needed.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
