Description
This Peanut Chicken Noodles recipe combines tender, golden-brown chicken with silky rice or egg noodles tossed in a creamy, tangy homemade peanut sauce. Enhanced with fresh garlic, ginger, lime, and a hint of sweetness from honey, this dish is garnished with crunchy roasted peanuts and fresh scallions for texture and flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
Noodles
- 8 oz (225g) rice noodles or egg noodles
Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup (80g) creamy natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2-4 tbsp water (to thin sauce as needed)
Garnish
- 2-3 stalks scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts
- Chili flakes or sriracha (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Cook your choice of rice or egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and set them aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the peanut sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger to the same skillet. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, a splash of water to thin the sauce, and fresh lime juice. Mix thoroughly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the skillet with the peanut sauce. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly. Heat through for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by sprinkling the dish with thinly sliced scallions, crushed roasted peanuts, and optionally, chili flakes or sriracha for some heat. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious peanut chicken noodles.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs offer more juiciness while breasts are leaner.
- Adjust the water quantity in the peanut sauce to achieve your desired consistency.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili flakes or sriracha according to taste.
- Rice noodles provide a gluten-free option, whereas egg noodles are not gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
