Name: Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons sesame oil or olive oil; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1 cup chopped broccoli or snow peas; 8 oz Pad Thai rice noodles; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 teaspoons minced ginger; 1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1-2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 2 teaspoons Sriracha; 1/3-1/2 cup warm water

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 10 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors, textures, and a touch of spice, the Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This fantastic recipe blends tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and silky Pad Thai-style rice noodles, all perfectly coated in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that balances savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. It is an easy yet impressive meal that can be whipped up in 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A flat lay image showing various cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. Center right is a white speckled plate with small pink pieces of chicken. Above it, a white bowl holds green broccoli florets. To its left, there is a white bowl with red bell pepper strips. Below the chicken plate is a small white bowl filled with light orange peanut butter. Next to that are a small green bowl with minced garlic and a small white bowl with shredded bright orange carrots. To the far right lie pale yellow uncooked rice noodles. Near the top right are two small white bowls, one with a reddish sauce and the other with yellow olive oil. On the left side, a clear glass measuring cup holds dark soy sauce. Near the bottom left are two lime halves and a small white bowl with light brown maple syrup. A small green bowl with grated light yellow ginger is at the top left. A small white cup with rice wine vinegar is near the carrots. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ready to dive into this tasty adventure? The ingredients for this Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe are simple but oh-so-essential, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish irresistibly satisfying.

2 teaspoons sesame oil or olive oil: Adds a toasty depth and perfectly cooks the chicken and veggies.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced: Provides lean protein with quick cooking time.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Brings sweetness and vibrant color to the stir fry.
1 cup shredded carrots: Adds a subtle crunch and natural sweetness.
1 cup chopped broccoli or snow peas: Offers freshness and a satisfying bite.
8 oz Pad Thai rice noodles: The silky, delicate noodles that soak up the delicious peanut sauce.
2 teaspoons minced garlic: Infuses the dish with fragrant, savory undertones.
2 teaspoons minced ginger: Adds a zingy warmth that lifts all the flavors.
1/4 cup natural creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates a rich, creamy sauce.
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (Tamari for gluten-free): Brings umami and balances sweetness.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild tang that brightens the sauce.
1-2 tablespoons lime juice: Fresh acidity that enhances the peanut butter’s richness.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Delivers a touch of natural sweetness.
2 teaspoons Sriracha: Provides a gentle kick of heat, adjustable to your preference.
1/3-1/2 cup warm water: Helps thin the peanut sauce to a perfect, glossy consistency.

How to Make Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Cook Your Noodles

Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil and cook the Pad Thai rice noodles until they are al dente, following the package instructions carefully. This step ensures the noodles will have the ideal texture—tender but still firm enough to hold up in the stir fry. Once cooked, rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set them aside while preparing everything else.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat your choice of sesame or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering and hot, add the thinly sliced chicken breast. Let it cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink. This step locks in moisture and gives the chicken a nice golden color that adds even more appeal.

Step 3: Toss in the Veggies and Make the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, add the chopped red bell pepper, shredded carrots, and broccoli (or snow peas) to the pan. Give them a quick stir and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but retain a bit of crunch for that perfect bite. While the veggies are cooking, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, Sriracha, garlic, ginger, and warm water in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Add the drained rice noodles back into the skillet along with the chicken and cooked veggies. Pour the creamy peanut sauce over the top and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. This step coats every morsel with that irresistibly luscious sauce, bringing the dish to life. Cook for an additional minute to warm through, and you are ready to serve!

How to Serve Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe

A white pot filled with four main layers of ingredients arranged in separate sections: at the bottom layer are small pieces of light tan cooked chicken spread across the pot, on the left side above the chicken are thin, bright red strips of bell pepper, on the bottom right side there is a pile of shredded bright orange carrots, and on the top right are several small, fresh green broccoli florets with a small pile of finely minced garlic next to them. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the dish even further, sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, crushed roasted peanuts, or a few extra lime wedges on top. These simple additions not only add visual appeal but also layers of fresh, crunchy, and tangy flavors that perfectly complement the hearty stir fry.

Side Dishes

This Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe stands beautifully on its own, but you can round out the meal with light Asian-inspired sides. Consider serving it alongside a crisp cucumber salad, steamed edamame, or even some pickled vegetables to introduce refreshing contrasts and keep things exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, plate this stir fry in colorful bowls or serve it in lettuce wraps for a hand-held option. You can also sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or drizzle a little extra Sriracha for those who love an added kick. No matter how you plate it, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb more sauce as they sit, so a quick toss before serving helps revive their texture.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and vegetables separately from the noodles to prevent sogginess. Store the components in separate freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently for the best results.

Reheating

Reheat your leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can make the noodles clump and lose their lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Pad Thai rice noodles are traditional and absorb the sauce beautifully, you can also substitute with soba noodles, spaghetti, or even thin udon. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make the Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option.

How can I make the dish spicier or milder?

The Sriracha in the sauce controls the heat level. For more spice, add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes. To make it milder, reduce or omit the Sriracha while still enjoying the rich peanut flavor.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian or vegan?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce. The peanut sauce and veggies make this a delicious meat-free option.

What type of peanut butter works best here?

Use natural creamy peanut butter with no added sugar or salt for the best balance of flavor and texture. Avoid chunky varieties as they won’t blend as smoothly into the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Chicken Stir Fry With Noodles Recipe is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures that brings joy to any mealtime. It’s quick, easy, and packed with wholesome ingredients that everyone will love. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort meal to share with loved ones, promising a cozy and satisfying dinner with every bite. Get into your kitchen and treat yourself to this delightful dish—you won’t regret it!