There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of noodles that’s bursting with bold, vibrant flavors and a touch of sweetness. Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles with Chicken is a recipe that delivers exactly that – a perfect harmony of spicy, sweet, and savory all tossed together with tender chicken and crisp veggies. Using 8 oz of rice noodles, this dish is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and made from simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking for a crowd-pleaser, these noodles will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why This Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles with Chicken Stands Out

This recipe stands out because it balances the zing of garlic with the subtle heat and sweetness of chili sauce, creating a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of rice noodles. The chicken breast stays juicy and tender, while the crunchy snap peas and sweet bell pepper add freshness and texture. What’s more, this dish is incredibly versatile and can be easily customized to your taste or what you have on hand. Unlike many noodle dishes that require long marinating or complex steps, this one comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy cooks. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredient Notes

Rice Noodles (8 oz): Choose thin or medium-width rice noodles for the best texture. Soak them in warm water until just tender, then drain to prevent overcooking later.
Chicken Breast (1 lb): Skinless and boneless chicken breast sliced thinly ensures quick cooking and tender bites. You can substitute with thigh meat if you prefer a bit more richness.
Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons): Use any neutral oil such as canola or sunflower oil for stir-frying.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent aroma and depth of flavor.
Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): The base of the sauce. Look for a good quality brand that’s not overly sweet or watery.
Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds umami and saltiness. Low-sodium soy sauce works well if you want to control salt levels.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat and adds a natural sweetness.
Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Red, yellow, or orange bell pepper works best for a pop of color and mild sweetness.
Snap Peas (1 cup): Adds crunch and freshness to the dish. You can substitute with sugar snap peas or snow peas.
Green Onion (1, chopped): For garnish and a mild onion flavor that brightens the dish.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch for garnish.

Toolbox for This Recipe

Large Bowl: For soaking the rice noodles.
Nonstick Skillet or Wok: Essential for stir-frying the chicken and vegetables evenly.
Sharp Knife: To slice chicken and vegetables thinly and evenly.
Cutting Board: For prepping ingredients safely.
Spatula or Tongs: To toss everything together without breaking the noodles.
Measuring Spoons & Cups: Accurate measuring ensures balanced flavors.

Build Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles with Chicken Step by Step

Step 1: Prep the Rice Noodles

Start by soaking the 8 oz of rice noodles in warm water according to package instructions—usually about 10 minutes. You want them soft but still a little firm since they’ll continue cooking in the pan. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Slice the Chicken and Veggies

While noodles soak, thinly slice the chicken breast for quick and even cooking. Slice one bell pepper into thin strips and chop the green onion. Rinse the snap peas and trim the ends if needed.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey. This sauce is the heart of the dish, combining sweet, salty, and spicy notes.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 5: Sauté Garlic and Veggies

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced bell pepper and snap peas, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.

Step 6: Combine Noodles, Chicken & Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the drained noodles. Pour the sweet chili garlic sauce over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the noodles and ingredients evenly.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onion and toasted sesame seeds on top for a final burst of flavor and texture. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Warm & Cool Weather Spins

In colder months, add a splash of chicken broth to the sauce for a comforting, saucier noodle bowl.
For a refreshing summer twist, serve the noodles chilled with fresh cucumber ribbons and a squeeze of lime.
Swap snap peas with blanched broccoli or green beans for seasonal variety.
Add a handful of shredded carrots or bean sprouts for extra crunch and color.

Steer Clear of These

Don’t over-soak the rice noodles – soggy noodles will ruin the texture.
Avoid cooking the chicken over too high heat to prevent dryness.
Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be golden and fragrant, not bitter.
Skip watery or overly sweet sweet chili sauces that can throw off the balance.

Save for Later: Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the noodles, warming gently on the stovetop or microwave. Avoid freezing, as the texture of rice noodles may become mushy.

Quick Q&A

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! While rice noodles are traditional here, you can substitute with soba, udon, or even spaghetti if needed. Just adjust soaking and cooking times accordingly.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay juicy. Just slice them thinly and cook thoroughly like the breast.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth or water to keep the dish flavorful.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild to moderate from the sweet chili sauce. You can ramp it up by adding fresh chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like more kick.

What to Make After This

Try the Air Fryer Chicken And Potatoes for an easy and hearty next meal.
Whip up some Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders for a juicy, flavorful chicken option.
If you want a comforting pasta dish, the Creamy Lemon Pasta is a bright and luscious choice.

Ready to Cook?

Sweet Chili Garlic Noodles with Chicken is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying dish that anyone can master. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a restaurant-worthy meal on your table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes: sweet, spicy, garlicky, and packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds are in for a treat!

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