Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

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This Thai chicken peanut noodle bowl is a weeknight hero that balances creamy peanut sauce, fragrant ginger and garlic, and tender slices of chicken. It’s simple enough to pull together on a busy evening but pretty enough for guests, with bright vegetables and crunchy peanuts adding pizazz. If you love bold pantry flavors and easy swaps, this dish joins a family of fuss-free chicken recipes on our site like Baked Peanut Butter Jelly Chicken Wings. The recipe scales well and pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a cozy, colorful meal.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This recipe hits three home-cooking sweet spots: speed, flavor, and pantry-friendly ingredients. Rice noodles cook quickly while a simple skillet sauce of peanut butter, soy, garlic, and ginger transforms ordinary mixed vegetables into something silky and satisfying. The dish is visually appealing too ribbons of noodles, slices of golden chicken, and pops of green onion and bell pepper make every bowl Instagram-ready. It’s also flexible: swap the vegetables to what’s seasonal, or use pre-cooked chicken to shave off time. For a different roasted-sweet profile, try pairing with richer poultry recipes like Best Balsamic Fig Glazed Chicken Thighs on chilly nights.

Flavor and Texture

Creamy peanut butter gives the sauce a velvety mouthfeel while soy sauce brings umami depth and sesame oil adds a toasty finish. The grated ginger and minced garlic deliver aromatic warmth that cuts through the richness, brightening the whole dish. Rice noodles provide a soft, slippery base that soaks up sauce, while sliced chicken adds meaty substance and the chopped peanuts contribute welcome crunch. Mixed vegetables keep things fresh and colorful, offering crisp bites that contrast with the tender noodles and chicken for a satisfying balance.

Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 ounces rice noodles
– 1/4 cup peanut butter
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
– 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
– 2 green onions, sliced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers and carrots)
– Cooked rice (for serving)

Step by Step Instructions

1. Cook the rice noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove and slice the chicken once done.
4. In the same skillet, add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in peanut butter and soy sauce until well combined, then add the cooked noodles and sliced chicken. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Tips for Best Results

Use fresh ginger and garlic for the brightest aromatics; grated ginger disperses into the sauce faster than slices. If your peanut butter is thick, thin the sauce with a tablespoon or two of warm water until it reaches a glossy, coat-able consistency. For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness or slice them into cutlets before cooking. Toast the chopped peanuts lightly in a dry pan for a deeper nutty flavor that elevates the final crunch. Vegetables should remain slightly crisp, so add softer veggies last and keep the heat high for a quick stir-fry finish.

Storage and Make Ahead

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep any extra chopped peanuts and green onions separate and add them fresh before serving to retain texture. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or soy to loosen the sauce, or microwave briefly covered. You can also cook the noodles and chicken ahead and toss everything together just before serving for a fast weeknight assembly.

Final Thought

This Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles recipe strikes a comforting balance between homey and exotic, making it a go-to for busy cooks who still want big flavor. It’s adaptable, pantry-friendly, and beautiful on the plate — perfect for cozy dinners or meal-prep lunches. Garnish generously and enjoy the contrast of creamy sauce and crunchy peanuts.

Conclusion

If you want a faster variation or want to try a mince version, check this helpful guide for a quicker take on similar flavors: 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles (mince) – RecipeTin Eats.