Peanut Noodles with Chicken
Peanut Noodles with Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors in every bite. This easy-to-make dish will have you coming back for more, thanks to the rich peanut sauce that ties everything together.
The tender chicken breast and al dente noodles are coated in a luscious peanut sauce made with coconut milk, sriracha, and a touch of brown sugar. This comforting meal is a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro, this dish becomes even more satisfying, offering a perfect harmony of flavors. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, these Peanut Noodles with Chicken are sure to please.
Peanut Noodles with Chicken – Ingredients
The velvety richness of natural peanut butter forms the heart of the savory sauce, blending seamlessly with the heat of sriracha for a bold kick. Brown sugar adds a perfect touch of sweetness, balancing the tangy lime juice.
Coconut milk provides a creamy, smooth texture, making the sauce luxuriously indulgent. Minced garlic and fresh ginger infuse the dish with aromatic warmth, while the chicken breast offers lean protein, soaking up the flavorful sauce.
Noodles serve as the ideal base, perfectly absorbing the vibrant sauce, while chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro add a satisfying crunch and a burst of freshness to complete the dish.
Peanut Noodles with Chicken: Recipe Tips
- Balance the Sauce: The key to a great peanut sauce is the right balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add a touch more brown sugar, or if you like more heat, increase the sriracha to your taste. Adjust the lime juice to add extra freshness and acidity if needed.
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Be cautious not to overcook the chicken. Since the pieces are small, they cook quickly, so aim for a golden-brown exterior with a juicy interior. Overcooked chicken can dry out, so take care to remove it from the skillet once it’s cooked through.
- Noodle Variety: While fettuccine works beautifully for this dish, feel free to use any long noodle of your choice. Rice noodles, spaghetti, or ramen will all soak up the peanut sauce just as well. For a gluten-free option, rice noodles are an excellent alternative.
What to Serve with Peanut Noodles with Chicken
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas are a fantastic way to add color, crunch, and nutrients to your meal. Their mild flavor complements the richness of the peanut noodles while offering a healthy, fresh contrast.
- Crispy Spring Rolls: Pairing the peanut noodles with crispy vegetable or shrimp spring rolls adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. The light and crunchy exterior of the rolls provides a delightful contrast to the creamy noodles.
- Garlic Bread: If you’re craving something a little heartier, serve the peanut noodles alongside some garlic bread. The savory, buttery bread complements the creamy and spicy sauce, making it the perfect addition to your meal.
FAQ for Peanut Noodles with Chicken
- Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before using as it may thicken when chilled.
- Can I use other proteins instead of chicken? Absolutely! You can swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even grilled beef. Just ensure your protein is cooked properly before adding it to the peanut sauce.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by replacing the chicken with tofu or another plant-based protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of the chicken cooking oil for extra flavor.
- How do I make the dish spicier? If you like more heat, increase the amount of sriracha in the peanut sauce or add red pepper flakes while cooking. You can also add a few dashes of hot sauce or chili oil at the end for extra spice.
Peanut Noodles with Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 fresh lime juice of 2 Tbsp
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 2 Tbsp sriracha
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 13.5 oz can of coconut milk
- 1 boneless skinless chicken breast (approx. ⅔ lb)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 8 oz noodles e.g., fettuccine, spaghetti, rice noodles, or ramen
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the peanut sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sriracha, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually add the coconut milk to the peanut mixture, whisking thoroughly until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Slice the chicken breast into small, uniform pieces measuring approximately ½ to 1 inch in size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add the cooking oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. Add the chicken pieces and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides. Avoid overcooking to ensure the chicken remains tender.
- Once the chicken is browned, pour the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir to dissolve any browned bits from the pan. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce, stirring occasionally, as you prepare the noodles.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain them in a colander.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the peanut sauce and chicken. Toss gently to coat the noodles thoroughly in the sauce, ensuring an even distribution of the sauce and chicken.
- Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
