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Thai Basil Pesto Noodles

Thai Basil Pesto Noodles

A flavorful noodle dish topped with a spicy brown sugar chicken. Easy and delicious!
Cuisine Thai/Asian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Lane from With Two Spoons

Ingredients

  • 2 cups thai basil leaves
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 Tablespoons peanuts
  • 1 1/2 Tablespoons dark sesame oil
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 Tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/2 of a 14 oz box of rice noodles
  • 1/2 cup matchstick carrots
  • 1/4 cup green onions
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup crushed peanuts

Instructions

  1. THAI BASIL PESTO:
  2. Place thai basil leaves, garlic, peanuts, sesame oil, sugar, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce and crushed red pepper into a food processor.
  3. Pulse until smooth.
  4. CHICKEN:
  5. Mix brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, and cayenne pepper in a gallon sized ziplock bag.
  6. Add chicken breasts and coat with rub.
  7. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes.
  8. Heat skillet over medium-high heat and add canola oil.
  9. When canola oil is hot, add rub-coated chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
  10. Keep heat on the lower side as the sugar in the rub will burn if too hot. (Don't worry if it blackens, that is OK)
  11. Remove chicken and allow to sit for 5 minutes.
  12. Slice chicken.
  13. NOODLES:
  14. Boil a pot of water.
  15. Place noodles into boiling water, remove from heat and allow to soak for 8-10 minutes until tender.
  16. Drain noodles and place into a large bowl.
  17. Stir 1/4 cup of thai basil pesto into warm noodles.
  18. Add carrots and green onions.
  19. Separate noodles into 4 bowls.
  20. Place one quarter of the sliced chicken on top of each bowl of noodles.
  21. Garnish with cilantro, peanuts, and extra pesto if desired.