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This spicy peanut chicken noodles recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something packed with flavor but quick to pull together. It mixes the heat of chili and warmth from ginger with creamy peanut butter making it a satisfying, comforting meal everyone will enjoy.
I threw it together one evening when I had a craving for something bold yet easy and it quickly became a family favorite for dinner.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: offers lean protein and cooks quickly making the dish weeknight friendly
- Sesame oil: gives a nutty aroma that deepens the overall flavor profile
- Fresh garlic and ginger: bring brightness and warmth select firm bulbs and firm roots for best flavor
- Honey: adds just enough sweetness to balance the spice and acidity
- Peanut butter: creates the creamy, rich base for the sauce opt for natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils
- Tomato paste: boosts umami and adds a subtle acidity choose a good quality brand for depth
- Chili paste: provides the heat and complexity adjust to your preferred spice level
- Soy sauce or tamari: adds salty savory notes tamari is a great gluten free option
- Rice vinegar: brightens the dish with mild acidity
- Red pepper flakes: heighten the spiciness feel free to reduce or omit if you want less heat
- Water: helps thin the sauce to coat the noodles properly
- Rice noodles: are the perfect tender base soak or boil according to package instructions
- Cilantro: is a fresh garnish that adds herbaceous brightness use fresh leaves free of blemishes
- Peanuts: add texture and crunch lightly toast for extra flavor
Instructions
- Cook The Noodles:
- Cook rice noodles in boiling water following package instructions until just tender but still slightly firm. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Brown The Chicken:
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through stirring occasionally to prevent clumps.
- Add Aromatics:
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in finely minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. This step builds fresh flavor that complements the sauce.
- Make The Sauce:
- Add peanut butter honey tomato paste chili paste soy sauce rice vinegar and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well to combine everything into a thick sauce.
- Simmer With Water:
- Pour in water a little at a time and stir until the sauce is smooth and coats the back of a spoon. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes to develop flavor and thicken.
- Combine With Noodles:
- Add cooked noodles directly to the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Toss well to coat all noodles evenly with sauce making sure the dish is heated through.
- Garnish And Serve:
- Serve hot topped generously with chopped fresh cilantro and toasted peanuts for crunch and freshness.
Peanut butter is my absolute favorite part of this dish because it brings everything together creating a luxurious sauce that feels special but is so easy to make. It reminds me of warm evenings cooking in my kitchen surrounded by laughter and the enticing aromas filling the house.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and gently warm over medium heat to keep noodles from sticking.
Ingredient Swaps
Ground turkey or finely chopped chicken breast work well in place of ground chicken. Swap peanut butter for almond butter if you want a different nutty flavor. Use tamari for gluten free or low sodium soy sauce for less salt.
Serving Ideas
Top with chopped scallions or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the dish. Pair with steamed or stir fried vegetables like bok choy snap peas or broccoli for a complete meal.
This vibrant dish brings together bold flavors in a simple, quick meal perfect for any weeknight.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What type of noodles work best for this dish?
Rice noodles are ideal as they absorb the sauce well and complement the texture of the chicken and peanut sauce.
- → Can I use a different protein instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey or tofu can be substituted, maintaining a similar texture and letting the sauce shine through.
- → How can I adjust the spiciness level?
Reducing or omitting chili paste and red pepper flakes will mellow the heat, while adding more will intensify it.
- → What is the purpose of rice vinegar in the sauce?
Rice vinegar adds a subtle acidity that balances the richness of peanut butter and sweetness from honey.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Adding water gradually and stirring while simmering helps achieve a smooth consistency without over-thickening.