Peanut Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Say hello to your new weeknight winner! Peanut Chicken and Noodles is the answer to every craving for something easy, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor. Tender strips of chicken, fresh crunchy veggies, and perfectly chewy noodles get wrapped up in a creamy, savory-sweet peanut sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe is guaranteed to please. Let’s dive into the colors, textures, and tastes that make Peanut Chicken and Noodles a dish to crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a peek at the lineup! These everyday ingredients combine so effortlessly, yet each one is essential for the magic of Peanut Chicken and Noodles. Each item adds its own pop of color, texture, or flavor, creating that irresistible balance in every bite.
- Rice noodles or spaghetti (8 oz): Choose rice noodles for a classic Asian vibe, or spaghetti if that’s what you have handy; either way, you get a fun, slurpable foundation.
- Chicken breasts (1 pound, thinly sliced): Slicing the chicken thin not only cooks it quickly, but helps it soak up all the wonderful peanut sauce.
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): The neutral canvas that helps everything sizzle and shine in the skillet.
- Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix (2 cups): Adds crunch, color, and a boost of healthy goodness without any extra effort.
- Carrot (1, julienned): For a pop of color and natural sweetness—it’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
- Green onions (¼ cup, chopped): Sprinkle these on for a fresh, zippy finish.
- Chopped peanuts (¼ cup, for garnish): Adds that all-important crunch and brings out the nuttiness of the sauce.
- Fresh cilantro or lime wedges (optional): Lifts everything with a hint of brightness and freshness on top.
- Creamy peanut butter (⅓ cup): The star of the peanut sauce—choose a smooth, natural peanut butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Delivers that signature umami depth and savory punch.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Balances the richness of the sauce with a gentle tang.
- Honey or brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Just a touch of sweetness makes the sauce utterly craveable.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A little goes a long way for aromatic, toasty flavor.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Packs a warming, zesty bite—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (1 clove, minced): A single clove adds wonderful savory depth.
- Warm water (¼–⅓ cup, to thin the sauce): Just enough to make your sauce silky-smooth and pourable.
How to Make Peanut Chicken and Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling your noodles according to the package directions. Whether you’re using rice noodles for a little extra chew or classic spaghetti, the key is to cook them just right so they stay springy, not mushy. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside—you’ll want them ready to soak up all the peanutty goodness later.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, add the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Now, drizzle in the warm water a little at a time, whisking until the sauce is gorgeously smooth and pourable. Don’t rush this part—the sauce is what makes Peanut Chicken and Noodles shine, so take a second to taste and adjust to your liking!
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a roomy skillet over medium-high heat. Add your thinly sliced chicken and let it cook for about 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through. The slices should get a little golden edge which means tons of flavor! Once the chicken is ready, it’s time to move on to the veggies.
Step 4: Add Veggies for Crunch and Color
Toss in the shredded cabbage (or that handy coleslaw mix) and the julienned carrots. Sauté for another 2 minutes—just long enough for them to soften a bit but still keep their crunch and those lovely bright colors.
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Reduce the heat to medium, then add your cooked noodles to the pan. Pour in the peanut sauce and toss with tongs or two big spoons until everything is beautifully coated and heated through. Make sure nothing is sticking together—every strand or piece deserves that creamy peanut dressing!
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
Top your steaming Peanut Chicken and Noodles with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for crunch. If you like, finish with some fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a finishing zing.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken and Noodles
Garnishes
The classic finishing touches make all the difference! A flurry of chopped peanuts and fresh green onions brings crunch and vibrant color. For more freshness, add torn cilantro leaves and pop a lime wedge on the side—give it a squeeze before eating for an irresistible hit of brightness.
Side Dishes
While Peanut Chicken and Noodles can happily stand on its own, it pairs beautifully with a crisp cucumber salad, simple edamame, or even lightly steamed broccoli. Fresh fruit like pineapple or orange segments are a cooling contrast to the savory sauce, making your meal feel truly restaurant-worthy.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the bowl! Try serving Peanut Chicken and Noodles in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer. Or pack it in individual jars or containers for picnic-ready meals. If you’re entertaining, sprinkle on black sesame seeds and extra herbs for a striking centerpiece dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Peanut Chicken and Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they mingle, making leftovers a lunchtime treat you’ll look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze Peanut Chicken and Noodles, though the noodles’ texture may change slightly after thawing. For best results, freeze just the chicken and sauce mixture, and add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to eat. Everything should keep well in the freezer for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave leftovers in 30-second bursts, stirring until heated through. For the stove, toss everything in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Add fresh garnishes just before serving for the best flavor and crunch.
FAQs
Can I use another nut butter besides peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work beautifully with the same quantities, giving the sauce a unique twist while still keeping every bit of the creamy, craveable vibe of classic Peanut Chicken and Noodles.
What type Main Course
Rice noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce beautifully, but spaghetti, linguine, or even soba noodles work wonderfully. Use whatever you have on hand—just avoid overly delicate noodles as they can fall apart in the sauce.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, cooked in the same way. You could also add more veggies, like sautéed bell peppers or snap peas, for a totally satisfying vegetarian Peanut Chicken and Noodles.
Can I add more veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to add red bell pepper, snap peas, baby spinach, or any favorite stir-fry veggies. This recipe is a wonderful way to use up leftovers or sneak in more produce for extra color and crunch.
How do I make it spicier?
To give Peanut Chicken and Noodles an extra kick, simply stir in a dash (or more!) of sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the sauce. Start small and taste before adding more—you can always spice it up at the table, too.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Peanut Chicken and Noodles, it’s sure to earn a regular spot in your dinner rotation. With its creamy, nutty sauce, just-right veggies, and irresistible noodles, this dish creates comforting moments in every delicious bite. Give it a go, have fun with the flavor twists, and enjoy sharing it with family or friends—it might just become your new favorite!
Print
Peanut Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy-to-make recipe for Peanut Chicken and Noodles that features tender chicken strips and rice noodles tossed in a flavorful peanut sauce. This Asian-inspired dish is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
Rice Noodles:
- 8 oz rice noodles or spaghetti
Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro or lime wedges (optional)
Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- ¼–⅓ cup warm water to thin
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients, adding warm water until smooth and pourable.
- Cook the chicken and vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned, then add cabbage and carrot. Saute briefly.
- Combine everything: Reduce heat, add cooked noodles, and pour in the peanut sauce. Toss until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Top with green onions and peanuts. Optional: garnish with cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- Add a splash of sriracha for extra heat.
- This recipe can be made with leftover rotisserie chicken or 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: 720 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
