Description
You’ll crave these easy Asian peanut chicken noodles! Ready in 20 minutes, this creamy, savory dish is packed with flavor and better than takeout
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce:
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½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
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⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
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3 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
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2 tablespoons honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced or grated
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1–2 teaspoons sriracha or chili-garlic sauce (to taste)
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⅓ – ½ cup warm water (to thin to desired consistency)
For the Noodles & Chicken:
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8–10 oz dried noodles (spaghetti, linguine, ramen noodles, udon, or rice noodles)
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1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado, vegetable)
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1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
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Salt and black pepper
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2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, broccoli florets), thinly sliced
For Garnish & Toppings:
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3 green onions, thinly sliced
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¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
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¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts or cashews
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1 lime, cut into wedges
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Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha until smooth. The mixture will be thick. Gradually add the warm water, whisking continuously, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency that will coat the noodles. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the noodles and rinse briefly with cool water to stop the cooking (unless using rice noodles, which can stick). Toss with a tiny bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables
While the noodles cook, heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the hot skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and slightly golden. Remove the chicken to a clean plate.
In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed. Add your harder vegetables first (like carrots, broccoli) and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Add softer vegetables (bell peppers, snap peas) and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the cooked, drained noodles. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over everything.
Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together vigorously over low heat until every strand of noodle and piece of chicken and vegetable is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to a creamy, clinging consistency.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning—you might add a squeeze of lime juice or a dash more soy sauce.
Transfer to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve hot or at room temperature, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
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Large pot for boiling noodles
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Large skillet or wok
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Tongs
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Measuring cups and spoons
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g