Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles are a quick and flavorful noodle dish made with tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and vibrant spices. This one-pan meal blends sweet, savory, and spicy flavors for a satisfying dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with bold Thai-inspired flavors
  • Creamy, rich peanut sauce with a kick of lime and garlic
  • Ready in just 20–30 minutes
  • Easy one-pan cleanup
  • Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep
  • Easily customizable with your choice of noodles or protein
  • A great way to use pantry staples like peanut butter and soy sauce
  • Mild enough for kids, but easily spiced up
  • Adds a fun twist to your usual noodle dishes
  • Delicious hot or cold

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Boneless chicken (thighs or breast), sliced or diced
  • Noodles (rice noodles, spaghetti, or ramen)
  • Coconut milk
  • Peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Fresh ginger, grated
  • Soy sauce or tamari
  • Lime juice
  • Brown sugar or honey
  • Sesame oil
  • Chili sauce or sriracha (optional for heat)
  • Optional vegetables: bell peppers, spinach, shredded carrots, green onions
  • Garnishes: chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro or basil, lime wedges

Directions

  1. Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and chili sauce.
  3. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through.
  4. Add the sauce to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Stir in cooked noodles and any vegetables you’re using. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh herbs, and lime wedges.

Servings and timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20–30 minutes

Variations

  • Use ground chicken or turkey for a quicker cook
  • Substitute tofu or shrimp for a different protein
  • Try spiralized veggies instead of noodles for a low-carb version
  • Use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut butter
  • Add a spoonful of Thai red curry paste for more depth

Storage/reheating

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
  • Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce
  • Best not frozen, as the sauce may separate

FAQs

Can I use any type of noodle?

Yes, rice noodles, spaghetti, or even instant ramen work great.

Can I make it spicy?

Absolutely—add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or Thai chili paste to taste.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and rice noodles.

Can I prep the sauce in advance?

Yes, it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What vegetables work well in this dish?

Bell peppers, spinach, carrots, and green onions are all great choices.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, it adds extra texture and works just as well.

Is it good for meal prep?

Definitely. It stores and reheats well—just add a little water when reheating.

Can I use canned chicken or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just heat it in the sauce until warmed through.

How do I avoid overcooking the noodles?

Slightly undercook them before adding to the sauce—they’ll finish cooking in the skillet.

Can I serve it cold like a pasta salad?

Yes, it’s delicious chilled—great for a summer lunch.

Conclusion

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles are a fast, flavor-packed dish that brings bold Thai-inspired tastes to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a fresh twist on your usual noodle dinner, this dish delivers creamy, spicy, and tangy satisfaction in every bite.

Print

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles combine tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and rice noodles tossed in a rich and savory peanut sauce for a satisfying, Thai-inspired meal.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stir-fry
  • Cuisine: Thai-inspired
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale
  • 250 g rice noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cups shredded carrots or snap peas
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 3 tbsp natural peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp sriracha or chili paste (optional)
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions
  • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
  • 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan.
  3. In the same pan, sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  4. Add bell pepper and carrots or snap peas; stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, sesame oil, sriracha (if using), and broth.
  6. Return chicken to pan along with noodles. Pour in sauce and toss everything to coat. Cook for 2–3 more minutes.
  7. Stir in green onions and cilantro. Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Substitute tofu for a vegetarian version.
  • Use tamari for gluten-free adaptation.
  • Adjust spice level with more or less sriracha.
  • Add more broth if noodles seem dry when reheating leftovers.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star