Bursting with bold flavours and vibrant veggies, this Chilli Chicken Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry is a quick and satisfying weeknight hero! Juicy chicken, thick and chewy Hokkien noodles, and a spicy, tangy sauce come together in a wok to create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
It’s perfect for customising—toss in your favourite veg, adjust the chilli to your liking, or swap the chicken for prawns or tofu. Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is the ultimate no-fuss meal that’s sure to impress your taste buds and your dinner guests!
Ingredients needed
This lineup brings bold flavours and vibrant colours to your stir-fry. With the perfect mix of ingredients, you’re all set for a dish that’s fresh, flavourful, and seriously satisfying!
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and ideal for stir-frying. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Chicken breasts work too but may be slightly drier.
- Thai Basil: This fragrant herb adds a signature peppery, anise-like flavour. Find it in Asian grocery stores for an authentic touch.
- Hokkien Noodles: Chewy noodles that absorb sauce beautifully. Quick soak in boiling water to separate—avoid overcooking.
- Soy Sauce: Light soy adds savoury depth, while dark soy gives a richer flavour.
- Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds nutty aroma; avoid overheating to retain fragrance.
- Sugar: Balances sweet, salty, and savoury flavours. Brown or palm sugar adds richness.
- Ginger & Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic provide warmth and depth—essential for authentic flavour.
- Red Chilli: Adds heat; adjust for spice preference or use milder chillies.
Recipe tips & notes
These quick tips will make sure your stir-fry is packed with flavour and cooked to perfection. Follow these for a flawless dish every time!
- Fresh Thai Basil: Add the basil at the very end to preserve its fresh, peppery flavour. Overcooking it can make it lose its vibrant taste.
- Noodle Care: Be gentle when folding in Hokkien noodles to prevent them from breaking apart.
- Balance Flavours: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan. Adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed.
- Ginger & Chilli: Thinly slicing the ginger and finely chopping the chilli ensures the flavours are evenly distributed.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the noodles are hot and the basil is just wilted.
Substitutions & additions
Switch things up, or add some extras to make this dish your own! These ideas make it easy to customise based on what you love or have on hand.
- Protein: Swap chicken thighs with prawns, beef, tofu, or mushrooms. Rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute.
- Noodles: Use rice, udon, egg, or low-carb zucchini noodles.
- Vegetables: Add snap peas, capsicum, broccoli, or bok choy. Carrots, cabbage, or frozen veggies work too.
- Basil Alternatives: Sweet basil, spinach, coriander, or mint are great substitutes.
- Sauce Variations: Try fish sauce, lime juice, hoisin, or gluten-free tamari.
- Spice It Up: Add chilli, sriracha, sambal oelek, or smoked paprika.
- Extra Crunch: Garnish with sesame seeds, peanuts, or fried shallots.
- Citrus Kick: Squeeze lemon or lime to brighten flavours.
How to make this recipe
This easy step-by-step guide ensures every element of your stir-fry comes together seamlessly. Get ready to serve a dish that’s fresh, fragrant, and full of exciting flavours!
Step 1
In a large frying pan or wok, heat on medium. Sauté garlic, ginger, and red chilli until softened and fragrant.
Step 2
Add bite-sized chicken thighs to the same pan and stir until fully cooked, ensuring even browning.
Step 3
Cook Hokkien noodles according to the packaging, then drain and gently fold them into the chicken mixture, taking care not to break the noodles.
Step 4
Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a bowl until the sugar dissolves. Pour the sauce into the pan, stirring to combine. Add Thai basil and cook just until wilted.
Chilli Chicken Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken thighs diced
- 1 cup Thai basil
- 200 g Hokkien noodles
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame oil
- 2 Ginger slices
- 3 Garlic cloves crushed
- 1 Red chilli finely diced
Garnishes (optional)
- Fresh lemon
- Thai basil
- Chilli flakes
Instructions
- In a large frying pan or wok over medium heat, heat a small drizzle of oil. Add garlic, ginger, and chilli, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and softened, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add the chicken thighs to the pan, stirring to coat them in the aromatics, and cook until fully cooked through and lightly golden on the edges.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Hokkien noodles according to the packet instructions, ensuring they are just tender. Drain the noodles and gently fold them into the chicken mixture, being careful not to break them as you combine.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Pour the sauce into the pan, stirring everything together so the noodles and chicken are evenly coated.
- Add the Thai basil, tossing gently until the leaves are just wilted. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon slices, additional chilli, and extra Thai basil if desired, for a bright and flavourful finish.
Nutrition
Storage & reheating
Enjoy your Chilli Chicken Hokkien Noodle Stir Fry again with these storage and reheating tips. They’ll keep the flavours fresh and the noodles perfectly tender.
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as noodles may become mushy.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of basil?
Regular basil can work, but Thai basil has a distinct flavour that elevates the dish.
What if I don’t have Hokkien noodles?
Rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti can be used as substitutes.
How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
Rinse cooked noodles under cold water and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap chicken for tofu and use a plant-based oyster sauce for the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on the amount of chilli you use. Adjust it to suit your preference.