If you love a dish that combines bold flavors with comforting textures, then this Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe is going to be your new weeknight favorite. It brings together tender chicken strips, crunchy fresh veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles all tossed in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that’s bursting with savory and slightly sweet notes. Whether you’re craving a quick dinner or an impressive meal to share, this recipe balances freshness and indulgence beautifully, making every bite a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might look simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe. From the tender chicken to the crunchy peanuts and vibrant vegetables, they harmonize to deliver taste, texture, and color in every mouthful.
- 8 ounces rice noodles or spaghetti: Choose rice noodles for an authentic texture or spaghetti if you want a pantry-friendly option.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that complements the peanut sauce.
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or avocado): Perfect for cooking chicken without overpowering the flavors.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips: Quick-cooking, tender protein that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, pungent base flavor that wakes up the dish.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Adds sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced: Fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green for garnish.
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: Offers extra crunch and deep nutty flavor.
- Chopped cilantro for garnish: Adds fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Peanut Sauce Ingredients
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: The creamy, rich base of the sauce that makes everything irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the sauce with a hint of tang.
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Provides natural sweetness to round out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin): Adjusts sauce consistency for perfect coating.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start off by cooking your noodles according to the package instructions until they are perfectly tender. Once cooked, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent any clumping. Set them aside — the noodles will be ready to soak up all that peanut goodness soon.
Step 2: Whisk the Peanut Sauce
While the noodles are cooking, mix together your creamy peanut sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and sriracha with warm water until the sauce is smooth and just pourable. Tasting as you go can help you achieve the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the sesame oil and neutral oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly browned at the edges. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken strips that will blend seamlessly with the sauce.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Vegetables
Once the chicken is just about done, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then toss in the shredded carrots and sliced red bell pepper, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes. The veggies should become tender-crisp, keeping their vibrant color and delightful crunch, which really elevates the dish’s texture.
Step 5: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked noodles and the peanut sauce to your skillet. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat every strand and piece of chicken with that luscious peanut flavor. Heat through for a minute or two so all the ingredients meld together perfectly. Now your Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe is ready to impress!
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A fresh shower of sliced green onions, crunchy chopped peanuts, and bright cilantro on top adds a final burst of flavor and texture that makes every bite exciting. These simple garnishes also make your dish look inviting and restaurant-worthy at home.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed edamame. These options keep the meal balanced, feeding your cravings for freshness while complementing the richness of the peanut sauce without overwhelming it.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests? Serve the Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe in individual bowls topped with extra herbs and nuts. Or, try twisting the noodles into neat nests on a platter, garnished boldly with slices of lime and chili flakes for added flair and a customizable kick.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue absorbing the sauce flavors, making the lunch the next day just as delicious — if not better — than when freshly made.
Freezing
While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind the texture of the noodles may soften upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the peanut sauce separately if possible, and mix it fresh when you reheat to maintain that outstanding flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat your Peanut Chicken Noodles gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the dish’s freshness and texture, but if in a hurry, use a microwave-safe bowl and reheat in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Tofu and shrimp make fantastic alternatives in this Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe. Tofu adds a great plant-based option that soaks up the sauce, while shrimp brings a sweet, briny contrast that pairs perfectly with the peanut flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it can be. Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this a great choice for gluten-sensitive diners.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes sriracha to add a gentle heat, but it’s completely optional. You can adjust the amount or omit it entirely depending on your heat preference, making this dish kid-friendly or spicy enough for those who like a kick.
Can Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe be served cold?
Yes! This dish is delightful served warm or chilled as a noodle salad. The flavors tend to deepen when cold, making it a refreshing choice for warmer days or packed lunches.
What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth, luscious sauce in this Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe. Avoid natural peanut butter that separates easily unless you mix it thoroughly — you want the sauce to be velvety and cohesive.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both special and approachable, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. Its delightful balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements makes it a go-to that you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with the effortless flavors and satisfying textures that make every forkful a joyful experience.
Print
Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Peanut Chicken Noodles is a flavorful and easy-to-make Asian-inspired main dish featuring tender chicken strips and colorful vegetables tossed with rice noodles in a creamy, savory peanut sauce. This quick stovetop recipe balances sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or refreshing noodle salad served warm or cold.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces rice noodles or spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (like canola or avocado)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the rice noodles or spaghetti according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Make Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, and sriracha if using. Gradually add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
- Cook Chicken: Heat sesame oil and neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in shredded carrots and sliced red bell pepper and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Toss Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles and peanut sauce to the skillet. Toss everything carefully together until the noodles, chicken, and vegetables are evenly coated with the peanut sauce and warmed through.
- Serve and Garnish: Divide the peanut chicken noodles among plates or bowls. Top with sliced green onions, chopped roasted peanuts, and fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be enjoyed warm as a comforting meal or chilled as a noodle salad for a refreshing option.
- For variation, substitute chicken with tofu or shrimp to suit your preference or dietary needs.
- Leftover peanut chicken noodles store well in the refrigerator and make a delicious next-day lunch.
