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Thai Peanut Noodles With Chicken - Creamy, Savory, Weeknight Comfort

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Noodles: 8–10 oz rice noodles, spaghetti, or linguine
  • Chicken: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
  • Oil: 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola, avocado, or peanut oil)
  • Aromatics: 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp fresh ginger (grated)
  • Veggies: 1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced), 2 cups shredded cabbage or carrots, 3 green onions
  • Peanut Sauce: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3–4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1–2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (to taste)
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup warm water or unsalted chicken broth (to thin)
  • Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, lime wedges, sesame seeds
  • Optional extras: Bean sprouts, snap peas, or spinach

Instructions
 

  • Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop the cooking. Toss with a teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking.
  • Make the peanut sauce. In a bowl, whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, honey, chili sauce, and sesame oil. Add warm water or broth a little at a time until the sauce is smooth and pourable, like heavy cream. Taste and adjust: more soy for salt, more lime for tang, more honey for sweetness, more chili for heat.
  • Prep the chicken and veggies. Pat chicken dry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Slice bell pepper and chop green onions. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
  • Sear the chicken. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
  • Stir-fry aromatics and veggies. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add bell pepper and cabbage (or carrots). Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  • Combine everything. Return chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cooked noodles and pour in most of the peanut sauce. Toss gently with tongs until everything is coated. If it looks dry, add more sauce or a splash of water.
  • Finish and garnish. Stir in green onions. Turn off the heat. Top with chopped peanuts, cilantro, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve with extra sauce on the side.