If you’ve ever craved a meal that’s creamy, spicy, slightly sweet, and full of vibrant flavors, Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles is exactly what you’re looking for. This dish delivers a beautiful harmony of tastes—tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a luscious peanut sauce with hints of lime, garlic, and ginger. It’s the kind of comforting yet exotic dish that satisfies both your hunger and your craving for something exciting.
The best part? You can prepare it right in your own kitchen with simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a casual dinner party, these noodles never fail to impress. Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful dish step by step.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Noodles:
- 8 oz (225 g) rice noodles (or spaghetti if preferred)
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup (30 g) roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice noodles and cook them according to the package directions—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once they’re tender, drain them and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced chicken, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce. This step helps the chicken stay tender and flavorful when cooked.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar (or lime juice), honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili paste. Gradually add warm water, whisking continuously, until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness if desired.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Once the chicken is cooked, toss in the shredded carrots and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp. This step keeps the dish vibrant and full of texture.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Lower the heat to medium. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the top. Using tongs or a wooden spoon, toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and the sauce is warm.
If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of warm water or chicken broth to loosen it. Stir for another minute to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well mixed, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle chopped peanuts, green onions, and fresh cilantro over the top. Serve the noodles warm, straight from the pan, for the best texture and flavor.
Conservation and Storage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a tablespoon of water before microwaving or reheating on the stove to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing, as the peanut sauce can separate when thawed, affecting the creamy texture.
For meal prep, you can also cook the noodles and chicken ahead of time. Store the sauce separately in a jar and combine everything when ready to eat for a fresher taste.
Variations
One of the greatest strengths of Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles is its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Extra Veggies: Add broccoli florets, snap peas, or baby spinach for more color and nutrition.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili paste or Sriracha based on your spice tolerance. For a milder dish, leave it out altogether.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for those with nut allergies.
- Protein Swap: Try shrimp, beef strips, or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative.
Each variation brings a unique twist, ensuring you never get bored with this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
These noodles are delicious enough to shine on their own, but you can elevate the meal with a few smart pairings.
- Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing balance to the creamy sauce.
- Add a small bowl of Thai coconut soup (Tom Kha Gai) for a comforting, complete meal.
- Garnish with lime wedges for a zesty burst right before serving.
- If you’re entertaining, top each bowl with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and chili flakes for presentation and a satisfying crunch.
Serve it warm in deep bowls with chopsticks or forks—it’s casual, fun, and delicious.
Tips for Perfecting the Dish
- Use Warm Water for the Sauce: This helps the peanut butter blend smoothly and prevents lumps.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercooked noodles will continue cooking when tossed with the sauce.
- Balance the Flavors: Thai cuisine thrives on balance—sweet, salty, spicy, and sour. Taste and adjust as you go.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Fresh ginger, garlic, and lime juice amplify the dish’s authentic Thai flair.
- Serve Immediately: The noodles absorb sauce over time, so serve promptly for the creamiest texture.
Conclusion
Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a flavor-packed experience that brings the essence of Thai cuisine into your home. Each bite bursts with rich peanut sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables, creating a perfect blend of comfort and excitement.
What makes this dish truly special is its adaptability. Whether you tweak the ingredients to suit your taste, add extra vegetables for a wholesome twist, or make it spicy enough to tingle your tongue, it always delivers satisfying results.
So, the next time you’re craving something hearty, nutty, and full of Southeast Asian charm, skip the takeout and whip up these noodles instead. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a vibrant, restaurant-quality meal right on your table—ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
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Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Thai-inspired noodle dish made with tender chicken, rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and a luscious peanut sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this flavorful recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Noodles:
8 oz (225 g) rice noodles (or spaghetti if preferred)
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup (100 g) shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup (30 g) roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Peanut Sauce:
1/2 cup (125 g) creamy peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice)
1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili paste or Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add rice noodles and cook according to package directions (6–8 minutes). Stir occasionally. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix sliced chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let rest for 10 minutes while preparing the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and chili paste. Slowly add warm water until smooth and creamy. Adjust to taste.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Add the Vegetables
Add shredded carrots and sliced bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Lower heat to medium. Add noodles to the pan, pour peanut sauce over, and toss until evenly coated. Add a splash of warm water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Top with chopped peanuts, green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve warm for best texture and flavor.
Notes
Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for extra brightness.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu or tempeh.
Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of water to restore creaminess.
Avoid freezing, as the peanut sauce may separate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles, Thai peanut chicken noodles, spicy peanut noodles, Thai noodle stir fry, peanut sauce noodles
