These Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls are a tasty combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and a creamy peanut sauce. It’s a quick meal that leaves everyone happy!
You won’t believe how the rich peanut sauce brings everything together. I love piling mine high with crunchy veggies for extra bites of goodness. Yum! 😋
Making this dish is so simple! I just cook the chicken, toss in the noodles, and pour on the sauce—dinner is ready in a flash! Perfect for busy weeknights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they are easy to cook and slice up nicely. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken thighs or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Noodles: Rice vermicelli noodles are my go-to for this dish. If you can’t find them, you can swap them with other thin noodles like rice noodles, or even spiralized veggies like zucchini for a low-carb option.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the sauce its smoothness. If you’re allergic to peanuts, try using almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a similar taste and texture.
Fresh Herbs: Mint and cilantro add fresh flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan (I know some people aren’t!), feel free to use extra mint or even basil for a lovely twist!
How Do I Make Creamy Peanut Sauce?
The peanut sauce is key to pulling this dish together and it’s pretty simple to make. Start with a base of creamy peanut butter, which you can thin out with warm water to get the perfect consistency.
- Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), lime juice, sesame oil, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
- If the sauce is too thick, add warm water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired texture.
- If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a little Sriracha.
This sauce is not only great for this recipe, but also works well on salads or as a dipping sauce! Enjoy the creaminess!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Chicken for This Recipe?
Cooking the chicken properly makes a big difference! First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and let it cook without moving it for about 5–7 minutes per side, until it’s golden brown.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking it reaches a temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- After cooking, let it rest a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in!
Slice it thinly to soak up all that delicious peanut sauce! Trust me, you’ll love the result!
Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Bowl:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles (or thin rice noodles)
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or Sriracha for heat
For Cooking the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or neutral cooking oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe is quick and easy! You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll be enjoying your delicious bowls in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes or Sriracha, if you like a bit of spice. Slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and pourable. Set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
2. Cook the Noodles:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the rice vermicelli noodles and cook according to package instructions, typically around 3-5 minutes until they are soft but still slightly firm to the bite. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
4. Assemble the Bowls:
To serve, divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Top each bowl with sliced chicken, cucumber slices, shredded carrot, fresh mint, and chopped cilantro.
5. Add Toppings:
Drizzle the delicious peanut sauce generously over the chicken and noodles and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts for a crunchy texture.
6. Garnish:
Add lime wedges to each bowl so everyone can squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice just before diving in!
7. Serve:
Mix everything together in the bowl before eating to ensure the noodles and chicken are coated in that tasty peanut sauce. Enjoy these fresh, flavorful, and satisfying Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls!
This dish perfectly balances creamy, tangy flavors with crunchy textures and vibrant herbs, making it an excellent choice for a quick yet wholesome meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! While rice vermicelli noodles are traditional, you can easily substitute them with other thin noodles like rice noodles, soba, or even spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option!
How Can I Make the Peanut Sauce Spicier?
If you like a kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of Sriracha to the peanut sauce. You can also garnish the finished bowls with sliced fresh chili peppers for an extra burst of heat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and noodles gently in a pan and add a splash of water or additional peanut sauce to maintain moisture and flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, you can make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just cube your choice of plant protein, and follow the same cooking instructions for ideal texture and flavor!