If you’re craving something that hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, a touch spicy, and utterly comforting—then this Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine tender chicken slices and perfectly cooked noodles enveloped in a luscious peanut sauce that’s as rich in flavor as it is quick to whip up. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or simply want a meal that feels like a warm hug, this dish combines fresh veggies and a zingy sauce for a bowl that’s bursting with texture and taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance—each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the silky peanut butter to the crisp bell peppers that add freshness and color to your plate.
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles: Choose your favorite noodle for the perfect base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced: Tender protein that cooks quickly and pairs flawlessly with peanut sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Essential for sautéeing chicken and veggies without overpowering flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds a crunchy, sweet contrast and vibrant color.
- 1 cup shredded carrots: Introduces natural sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- 2 green onions, sliced: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and garnish.
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: Adds irresistible crunch and reinforces the peanut flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional): Brightens up the dish with herbal freshness.
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates that signature creamy, nutty sauce.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides savory umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the sauce’s savoriness with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds tang and brightness for a well-rounded taste.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Customize the heat level to your liking for a spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Infuses a subtle toasted aroma that elevates the sauce.
- 1/2 cup warm water: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency, ensuring it coats every noodle.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Offers a fragrant base note that makes the dish irresistible.
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that brightens the overall profile.
How to Make Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by preparing your noodles according to the package instructions, whether you opt for spaghetti or rice noodles. Drain them well and set aside because these noodles will soak up all the delicious peanut sauce later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the thinly sliced chicken and cook until it’s beautifully golden and cooked all the way through, about five to six minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm.
Step 3: Cook the Veggies
In the same pan, add the colorful red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté these for two to three minutes so they soften slightly but still maintain a bit of crunch, which adds a lovely texture contrast to the dish.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the veggies cook, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, warm water, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Whisk everything vigorously until the sauce is smooth and pourable, adjusting water as needed for the perfect consistency.
Step 5: Combine and Heat Through
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained noodles. Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the entire mixture and toss everything to coat evenly. Let it cook together for one to two minutes just to warm through and let the flavors marry beautifully.
How to Serve Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Top your dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions, crunchy chopped peanuts, and a handful of chopped cilantro if you like. These garnishes add freshness, crunch, and a burst of color that make the meal feel as joyful visually as it tastes.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair these peanut chicken noodles with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. The crisp, cool veggies complement the creamy, rich noodles perfectly, creating a vibrant and balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your noodles in individual bowls lined with lettuce leaves for a fresh wrap experience, or arrange the noodles on a large platter for a family-style meal. You could even add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds on top for extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles will soak up more sauce over time, making them even more flavorful, so don’t be surprised if they taste great the next day!
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating and tossing with freshly cooked noodles.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to heat evenly and keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives for the sauce?
Absolutely! If you or your guests have a peanut allergy, try sunflower seed butter or almond butter, but keep in mind the flavor profile will change slightly. Adjust seasonings as needed to balance the taste.
What can I use instead of chicken?
This recipe is very versatile. You can swap chicken for tofu, shrimp, or even thinly sliced beef to suit your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply replace the soy sauce with tamari and use rice noodles instead of wheat-based spaghetti. This keeps the flavor intact while making the dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diners.
Is this recipe spicy? How can I control the heat?
The heat mostly comes from sriracha or chili garlic sauce, which you can adjust or omit based on your tolerance. You could also add fresh chili slices or chili oil if you want to kick up the spice level.
Can I add more vegetables to the Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to toss in broccoli florets, snow peas, zucchini ribbons, or snap peas alongside the bell pepper and carrots. This adds freshness, nutrition, and extra crunch for a well-rounded meal.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that comes together quickly, tastes delicious, and delivers on comfort—and that’s exactly why you should try this Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe soon. It’s one of those meals that feels both special and effortlessly doable, perfect for busy nights when you still want something nourishing and flavorful. I promise, once you try it, it’ll become a reliable favorite in your dinner rotation!
Print
Peanut Chicken Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Peanut Chicken Noodles are a deliciously savory and slightly spicy dish made with tender chicken, noodles, and a creamy peanut sauce that’s packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and can be customized with your favorite veggies for a complete and satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or rice noodles
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup warm water (to thin as needed)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Prepare Sauce: While vegetables cook, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and warm water in a bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust water to achieve desired consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained noodles. Pour the peanut sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the peanut chicken noodles warm, garnished with sliced green onions, chopped roasted peanuts, and optionally chopped cilantro for freshness.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal preparation.
- Add broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini for extra veggies and texture.
- Make it gluten-free by substituting tamari for soy sauce and using rice noodles.
- Adjust sriracha amount to control spice level according to taste.
