A quick and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, noodles, and a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Packed with bold, savory, and spicy flavors.
- Easily customizable to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for leftovers; tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 oz rice noodles (or noodles of choice)
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 4 tbsp chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1½ cups water
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, red pepper flakesMyriad Recipes+2Jo Cooks+2Eat Yourself Skinny+2The Guardian+3Eat With Clarity+3Eat Yourself Skinny+3
Directions
- Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. - Add Aromatics:
Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Create the Sauce:
Add honey, peanut butter, tomato paste, chili paste, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Simmer:
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine Noodles and Sauce:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well coated and heated through. - Serve:
Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutesMyriad Recipes+5Eat With Clarity+5Jo Cooks+5Eat Yourself Skinny+1Eat With Clarity+1
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Noodle Options: Use soba, udon, or spaghetti noodles as alternatives.
- Additional Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste to control the heat.Eat With Clarity+2Myriad Recipes+2Jo Cooks+2Eat Yourself Skinny+2Culinary Hill+2Jo Cooks+2
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but ensure it’s well-stirred to incorporate the oils before adding to the sauce.
How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chili paste or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
Conclusion
Spicy Peanut Chicken Noodles are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to satisfy. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
PrintThese spicy peanut chicken noodles are saucy, nutty, and loaded with tender chicken—ready in just 30 minutes for the perfect weeknight dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
-
8 oz noodles (lo mein, udon, or spaghetti)
-
1 lb chicken breast, diced
-
2 tbsp oil
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1/4 cup peanut butter
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 tbsp sriracha (or to taste)
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1 tbsp honey
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 cup water
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Chopped peanuts, scallions, sesame seeds
Instructions
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Cook noodles, drain, and set aside.
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Cook chicken in oil until golden and cooked through.
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Whisk peanut sauce ingredients in a bowl.
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Pour sauce over chicken, simmer, then toss with noodles.
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Garnish and serve hot.
Notes
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Add broccoli or snap peas for crunch.
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Use tofu for a vegetarian version.