Go Back
- 8 oz rice noodles - 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced - 1 red bell pepper, julienned - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed - 2 carrots, spiralized or julienned - 3 green onions, chopped - 3 tablespoons peanut butter - 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice - Crushed peanuts - Fresh cilantro - Lime wedges The main ingredients start with rice noodles, which are light and easy to cook. They soak up flavors well. The chicken breast adds protein and heartiness to the dish. I love the vibrant color of the red bell pepper, the crunch from the snap peas, and the sweetness of the carrots. For the sauce, peanut butter is the star. It gives a creamy texture and rich flavor. Low sodium soy sauce keeps it savory without too much salt. Sesame oil adds a nutty taste, while honey or maple syrup brings a touch of sweetness. Fresh ginger and garlic pack in a lot of flavor, and lime juice brightens everything up. Finally, garnishing with crushed peanuts adds crunch. Fresh cilantro gives a herby finish, and lime wedges are perfect for squeezing over the dish. Each ingredient plays a role in making this meal truly delightful. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, cook the rice noodles. Follow the package instructions closely. Aim for al dente, which means they should still have a slight bite. Once they are cooked, drain them well. Rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps them stay firm. Set the rinsed noodles aside while you move on. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sesame oil and let it warm up. Once hot, add thinly sliced chicken breast. Sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want it to turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Check that the juices run clear to ensure safety. Now, it’s time to add some vibrant colors. Add the julienned red bell pepper, snap peas, and spiralized or julienned carrots. Stir-fry these veggies for about 3-4 minutes. You want them tender yet crisp. This keeps their bright colors and nutrients intact. In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they are smooth and well blended. This sauce will tie all your flavors together. Add the cooked rice noodles to the skillet with chicken and vegetables. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over everything. Use tongs or a spatula to toss all ingredients together. Ensure the noodles are well coated in the sauce. Heat everything through for about 2-3 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat. Fold in the chopped green onions for freshness. Serve the delicious noodles in individual bowls. Garnish each bowl with crushed peanuts, cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side. This adds flavor and makes your dish look beautiful. - Cook al dente: Cooking rice noodles al dente is key. This means they should be firm but not hard. They will soak up sauce and flavors later. - Prevent sticking: Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water. This halts cooking and helps prevent them from sticking. Toss them with a little oil if you want extra help. - Even cooking: Cut the chicken into thin slices. This helps it cook evenly and quickly. Don’t overcrowd the pan while cooking. It allows heat to circulate, giving you nice browning. - Alternative cooking methods: Grilling chicken gives a nice smoky flavor. You can also bake or broil it. Just ensure it reaches a safe temperature of 165°F. - Different nut butters: If you want to switch things up, use almond or cashew butter. Each nut butter brings a new flavor and texture to your dish. - Making it spicier: Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce for heat. Start with a little and taste as you go. This way, you can control the spice level. Pro Tips Perfect Noodle Texture: To achieve the best texture, ensure you don’t overcook the rice noodles. Rinse them under cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and color by incorporating additional vegetables such as broccoli, zucchini, or baby corn for a more vibrant dish. Adjusting Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce for a flavorful kick. {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Start by replacing the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Tofu soaks up flavors well and adds protein. Tempeh gives a nutty taste and chewy texture. For the sauce, use plant-based options like almond butter instead of peanut butter. Make sure to choose soy sauce that is vegan. If you need gluten-free options, select gluten-free rice noodles. They cook just like regular noodles and taste great. For the sauce, use gluten-free soy sauce. This keeps the dish safe for those with gluten allergies. Feel free to add more vegetables to your noodles. Broccoli or bok choy work well and add color. You can also toss in nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Peanuts are a classic choice, but sunflower seeds or cashews are tasty too. These additions make the dish even more filling and fun. To keep your Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. This prevents them from drying out and keeps the flavors intact. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. When stored properly, the dish can last about three to four days in the fridge. You can reheat your noodles in two ways: using a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the noodles in a bowl and cover them loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat on medium-low, stirring frequently until warmed through. This helps prevent them from drying out. Yes, you can freeze Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles! To do this, let the dish cool completely before freezing. Use a freezer-safe container and make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it using the stovetop method for the best texture. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. You spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the noodles, chicken, and veggies takes another 15 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Yes, you can use other noodles. Some great options include soba noodles or udon noodles. These noodles have different textures. Soba noodles are thin and chewy, while udon noodles are thick and soft. Both work well with the peanut sauce. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook and store the noodles and chicken in advance. Just keep the sauce separate to prevent soggy noodles. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Many sides pair well with this meal. You might enjoy a simple cucumber salad for crunch. Steamed broccoli also adds color and nutrition. Another option is spring rolls for a fun appetizer. These sides enhance the meal's flavors. Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or sriracha to the sauce. For milder flavors, skip these spicy ingredients. This way, you can make the dish as hot or mild as you want. This blog post covers how to make Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles. We went through the key ingredients, from rice noodles to flavorful sauce components. You learned how to cook each element perfectly and combine them for a delightful dish. We explored variations for different diets and provided tips for storing and reheating. In closing, this recipe is fun and adjustable. You can make it your own or impress guests. Enjoy your cooking journey and savor each bite of your creation!

Thai Peanut Chicken Noodles

A delicious and colorful dish featuring rice noodles, chicken, and a creamy peanut sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rice noodles
  • 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, julienned
  • 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
  • 2 unit carrots, spiralized or julienned
  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, freshly grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • to taste unit crushed peanuts for garnish
  • to taste unit fresh cilantro for garnish
  • to taste unit lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Begin by cooking the rice noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process, ensuring they stay firm. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.
  • In a large skillet or wok set over medium-high heat, add the sesame oil. Once hot, incorporate the thinly sliced chicken breast. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and exhibits a golden brown color.
  • With the chicken perfectly cooked, introduce the julienned red bell pepper, trimmed snap peas, and spiralized or julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry these vibrant veggies for about 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain tender yet crisp and colorful.
  • In a separate mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), freshly grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
  • Add the prepared rice noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the mixture. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss everything together until the noodles are thoroughly coated in the sauce and heated through, about 2-3 minutes of stirring.
  • Once combined, remove the skillet from heat and fold in the chopped green onions for added freshness. Serve the delectable noodles in individual bowls, garnishing each with crushed peanuts, a handful of fragrant cilantro, and a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over the dish.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, consider using deep bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.
Keyword chicken, noodles, peanut sauce, Thai cuisine