If you’re searching for a dish that’s bright, comforting, and just the right amount of indulgent, look no further than Peanut Chicken Noodles. Imagine tender noodle strands tangled with juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, nutty sauce that’s bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s one of those meals you’ll crave on repeat—and the best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you need that quick, feel-good dinner. Trust me, once you try these noodles, you might just declare them your new favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple, relying on fresh, colorful ingredients and a few staples that pack a huge punch in both taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role, coming together for that signature Peanut Chicken Noodles magic.
- 8 oz rice noodles: They soak up that luscious peanut sauce beautifully and have the perfect chewy texture.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced): Slicing it thin makes for quick, even cooking and maximum sauciness.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps everything from sticking.
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Adds vivid color and sweet crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: These bring a subtle natural sweetness and a satisfying bite.
- 3 green onions (sliced): Lively and fresh, their mild sharpness rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: For that irresistible, silky peanut sauce you’ll want to lick from the spoon.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Provides salty depth and classic savory notes.
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and umami—don’t skip it!
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Gives the sauce just enough tang to balance the richness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A drizzle of honey pulls everything together and amplifies the flavor.
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil: Just a splash for that toasty, nutty aroma that makes the kitchen smell amazing.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Robust and aromatic, they infuse the sauce with gentle heat.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds zing and brightness to every forkful.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick—amp it up if you love spice.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps create the silky, pourable consistency for the sauce.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish: These are more than a decoration—they add crunch and a burst of fresh flavor at the finish!
How to Make Peanut Chicken Noodles
Step 1: Prep the Noodles
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender but still have a little bite, drain them and set aside. Give them a quick toss with a bit of oil to keep them from sticking together while you prepare everything else.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast, spreading it out so it browns rather than steams. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop color, then stir and cook until beautifully golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same skillet (no need to clean all those tasty brown bits!), toss in the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until they’re tender but still wonderfully crisp—this keeps a lovely crunch in your Peanut Chicken Noodles.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Sauce
While the veggies are softening, grab a bowl and whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, and water. It should come together into a velvety, fragrant sauce with a shiny finish. Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak a little—for more heat, just sprinkle in a bit more red pepper!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and that gorgeous peanut sauce right into the skillet with your vegetables. Fold everything together with a pair of tongs, making sure every strand and morsel gets lovingly coated in sauce. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until everything’s glossy and piping hot throughout. That’s it—dinner is ready!
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Noodles
Garnishes
No bowl of Peanut Chicken Noodles is complete without a shower of chopped peanuts and freshly chopped cilantro. The peanuts add that addictive crunch and a burst of extra flavor, while the cilantro brings brightness and a hit of herbal freshness. You can also add extra green onions or even a squeeze of lime for extra zing if you like!
Side Dishes
These noodles are hearty on their own, but they pair beautifully with simple sides. Try serving with crisp cucumber salad, a plate of steamed edamame, or some sautéed greens for a balanced meal. Hot jasmine tea or a light broth-based soup also make excellent companions if you’re feeding a hungrier crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to elevate your presentation, serve Peanut Chicken Noodles in shallow bowls and swirl the noodles into a neat nest. Finish with generous sprinkles of chopped peanuts and cilantro, or set them up as part of a noodle bar so everyone can customize their toppings—think sliced chili, toasted sesame seeds, lime wedges, or even a spoonful of extra sauce on top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), allow the Peanut Chicken Noodles to cool to room temperature and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors get even cozier together as they rest.
Freezing
Freezing works best if you store the noodles and sauce separately, but if they’re already mixed, no worries—just pack into a freezer-safe container once cooled completely. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or a drizzle of extra soy sauce to loosen things up. Warm gently in a nonstick skillet over medium-low, stirring frequently, until heated through. The microwave works in a pinch, just be sure to stir halfway through so everything heats evenly. Garnish after reheating for the freshest flavor!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While rice noodles give that classic, chewy texture, you can swap in soba, udon, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, and you’ll still have delicious results.
What’s the best peanut butter to use?
Creamy, unsweetened peanut butter works beautifully and gives the most balanced flavor. If you only have sweetened peanut butter, just reduce the honey slightly to avoid overpowering the dish.
How can I make this vegetarian or vegan?
It’s easy to make Peanut Chicken Noodles vegetarian—simply swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan hoisin sauce. For full vegan, make sure your noodles and sauces don’t contain any hidden animal products.
Is this recipe spicy?
On its own, the spice level is quite gentle. If you love heat, feel free to bump up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha both to the sauce and as a garnish. If you’re serving kids, you can skip the spice entirely.
Can I prep any parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can slice the vegetables and chicken up to a day ahead, and even whisk together the sauce. When it’s time to cook, everything comes together in a flash, making Peanut Chicken Noodles a perfect candidate for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the easiest, most irresistible Peanut Chicken Noodles you’ll ever make. I hope these become as beloved in your home as they are in mine. Give them a try and discover just how quick and delicious weeknight dinners can be!
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Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Chicken Noodles recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish with tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce served over rice noodles. It’s easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Rice Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (thinly sliced)
Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions (sliced)
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Garnish:
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the rice noodles: According to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, cook the sliced chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, cook the bell pepper and carrots until slightly softened.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water until smooth.
- Combine everything: Add noodles, chicken, and sauce to the skillet with vegetables. Toss until coated and heated through.
- Serve: Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
