Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles
Highlighted under: Quick & Easy Meals
A tantalizing dish that combines the rich flavors of spicy peanuts with tender chicken and noodles, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that will transport your taste buds. The creamy peanut sauce gives the dish a unique twist, while the spices add a kick that will leave you craving more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A perfect balance of heat and nuttiness
- Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights
- Versatile ingredients that can be easily customized
A Flavorful Fusion
Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles offer a delightful fusion of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The combination of creamy peanut butter and spicy sriracha creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken and crisp vegetables. This dish is not just about taste; it's a celebration of textures, with the chewiness of the noodles and the crunch of the bell peppers. This balance makes every bite a rewarding experience.
Whether you’re a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this recipe has something for everyone. It's an adventure in flavors that transports you straight to the streets of Southeast Asia with every forkful. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat, this dish can also be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, making it an ideal option for the whole family.
Customizable Ingredients
One of the best features of Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles is their versatility. You can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp, making it a great option for vegetarians and seafood lovers alike. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on what you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can easily be added to the mix, providing not only color but also a wealth of nutrients.
The sauce can also be adjusted to suit your flavor profile. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha or add more honey for sweetness. Conversely, if you're looking for a fiery kick, increase the sriracha or add some chopped fresh chili. This adaptability ensures that you'll never get bored of this recipe, as you can continually make it your own.
Perfect for Meal Prep
If you're looking for a meal that can be prepped in advance, Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles are an excellent choice. The flavors improve as they sit, making leftovers taste even better the next day. Simply prepare a larger batch and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, you can quickly reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This dish also freezes well, so if you want to prepare it for future meals, just make sure to store it in an airtight container. When reheating frozen portions, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best results. With this recipe in your repertoire, you'll always have a quick and satisfying meal ready to go!
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Noodles
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor!
Instructions
Cook the Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and sliced chicken. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Add bell pepper and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
Combine with Noodles
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles!
Tips for the Best Results
To achieve the best flavor in your Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles, consider marinating the sliced chicken in a bit of soy sauce and lime juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This extra step enhances the chicken's taste and ensures it remains juicy and flavorful.
Also, be sure to cook the noodles just until they are al dente, as they will continue to soften when combined with the hot chicken and sauce. This will help maintain their texture and prevent them from becoming mushy.
Serving Suggestions
For an extra touch, serve your Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro on top. This not only adds a beautiful presentation but also enhances the overall flavor with additional crunch and freshness.
Pair this dish with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed edamame to create a well-rounded meal. The lightness of these sides complements the richness of the noodles, making for a satisfying dining experience.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
→ How can I adjust the spiciness?
You can reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder sauce if you prefer less heat.
→ Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add veggies like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas for added nutrition and texture.
Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles
A tantalizing dish that combines the rich flavors of spicy peanuts with tender chicken and noodles, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Quick & Easy Meals
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Noodles
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
For the Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
How-To Steps
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and sliced chicken. Cook until chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Add bell pepper and green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender.
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and water until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine.
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g