My kids practically inhale it! My youngest, bless his heart, used to call it “peanut butter noodle yum-yums.” It’s one of those meals that even on the busiest, most chaotic days, brings a little bit of joy to our dinner table. The beauty of this peanut chicken noodle bowl lies in its simplicity. It’s quick to throw together, endlessly customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Now, I know weeknights can be a battlefield. Between homework, sports practice, and everything else life throws at you, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe that requires hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’m so excited to share this with you. This peanut chicken noodle bowl recipe is designed for real life. It’s forgiving, adaptable, and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. Even when I was working two jobs, I would look forward to being able to make this dish because it takes no time at all.
This peanut chicken noodle bowl is the perfect solution for busy families. Trust me, this peanut chicken noodle bowl will become a staple in your house, just like it has in mine. My family loves how delicious and satisfying this peanut chicken noodle bowl is and I know yours will too! So, are you ready to ditch the takeout menu and whip up a batch of this amazing peanut chicken noodle bowl? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this incredibly delicious peanut chicken noodle bowl. Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces rice noodles (I prefer the wide, flat ones, but any kind will work)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (I use natural, but any kind will do)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin, if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a little kick)
A few notes on the ingredients:
- Chicken: I usually use chicken breasts because that’s what I have on hand, but you can easily substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Or, if you’re really short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken and shred it!
- Rice Noodles: These cook up super quickly, which is perfect for a weeknight meal. Just be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll get mushy. I usually soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, or until they’re tender. Here is some Rice Noodle Nutrition Information if you’re curious.
- Veggies: Feel free to get creative with the veggies! Broccoli, snow peas, bean sprouts – whatever you have in the fridge will work. I love adding a handful of edamame for extra protein.
- Peanut Butter: I prefer using natural peanut butter because it has a better flavor and fewer additives, but any kind of peanut butter will work. Just make sure it’s creamy! People with peanut allergies should not consume this dish. Here is a peanut allergy guide for more information.
- Soy Sauce: If you’re gluten-free, be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Sriracha: My kids aren’t big fans of spice, so I usually leave this out. But if you like a little kick, a teaspoon of sriracha adds a nice touch.
- Budget tip: Shop around! Prices for these items can fluctuate. Also, if you have time, consider making your own peanut butter.
- Storage Hack: I like to keep extra ginger and garlic on hand so I don’t have to keep buying it every week. You can peel them, blend them and freeze them to use for later.
This peanut chicken noodle bowl is easily adjustable. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family likes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make this peanut chicken noodle bowl, step by step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!
- Prepare the Noodles: Cook the rice noodles according to the package directions. I usually soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes, or until they’re tender. Drain them well and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the Veggies: Add the bell pepper and carrots to the skillet and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until they’re tender-crisp.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and sriracha (if using). Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the top and toss everything together until it’s well combined.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and cilantro. Serve immediately.
A few tips and tricks:
- Don’t overcook the noodles! Mushy noodles are the worst. Cook them al dente for the best texture.
- Don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce. Taste the peanut sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If it’s too thick, add more water. If it’s not sweet enough, add more honey.
- Meal Prep: You can chop the veggies and make the peanut sauce ahead of time to save time during the week. Store them in separate containers in the fridge.
- Leftovers: This peanut chicken noodle bowl is even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Family reactions: My kids love to add a little bit of sesame seeds or peanuts to their bowl.
I remember one time, I accidentally added too much sriracha to the peanut sauce. It was way too spicy for my kids! To fix it, I added a little bit more peanut butter and honey to balance out the heat. It worked like a charm! Even the USDA Chicken Cooking Guidelines recommends not adding spices until the end to keep the meal kid-friendly.
This peanut chicken noodle bowl is so easy to make and it’s so much fun. It really does not take a long time at all! I love to make this peanut chicken noodle bowl because I know it is something everyone in the family will enjoy. This peanut chicken noodle bowl is a wonderful way to get everyone to eat their vegetables. This peanut chicken noodle bowl recipe is sure to be a hit! I think you will find making this peanut chicken noodle bowl simple and enjoyable. Once you get the hang of it, this peanut chicken noodle bowl will be like second nature!
Serving Ideas
So, you’ve made this delicious peanut chicken noodle bowl – now what? Here are a few ideas for serving and enjoying it:
- As a main course: This is a complete meal on its own, packed with protein, carbs, and veggies.
- With a side salad: If you want to add a little something extra, serve it with a simple green salad or a cucumber salad.
- As a potluck dish: This is always a hit at potlucks and gatherings. It’s easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.
- For lunch: Pack leftovers in a container for a delicious and satisfying lunch.
Occasions when I make this:
- Weeknight dinners: This is my go-to meal when I’m short on time.
- Potlucks: It’s always a crowd-pleaser!
- Picnics: It’s easy to pack and eat on the go.
- Anytime I’m craving Asian food: This hits the spot without having to order takeout.
Leftover ideas:
- Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowl Salad: Toss the leftovers with some extra veggies and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.
- Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowl Spring Rolls: Wrap the leftovers in rice paper wrappers with some fresh herbs and veggies for a fun appetizer.
Portion sizes and family feedback:
- I usually make a big batch of this peanut chicken noodle bowl because my family loves it! We usually have enough for leftovers the next day.
- My kids love to customize their bowls with different toppings, like sesame seeds, peanuts, or extra sriracha.
This peanut chicken noodle bowl is a meal that is sure to satisfy. If you want, you can also try my spicy honey ginger chicken bowls. This peanut chicken noodle bowl is something my family asks for on a regular basis. This peanut chicken noodle bowl recipe is perfect for any busy night. This peanut chicken noodle bowl will definitely be a winner in your home!
FAQs
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get asked about this peanut chicken noodle bowl.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Just substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also add extra veggies, like mushrooms or broccoli, to make it even more filling.
Q: Can I use different types of noodles?
A: Of course! While I love rice noodles in this dish, you can use any type of noodle you like. Egg noodles, spaghetti, or even ramen noodles would work well.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make this ahead of time. Just cook the noodles, chicken, and veggies separately, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Make the peanut sauce and store it separately as well. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in a skillet and heat through.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: I don’t recommend freezing the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the chicken and veggies in the peanut sauce. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and cook the noodles separately.
Q: Can I make this low-sodium?
A: Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. You can also reduce the amount of soy sauce in the recipe and add a little bit of salt to taste.
Q: I don’t have rice vinegar. What can I use instead?
A: You can substitute rice vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Q: What if my peanut sauce is too thick?
A: If your peanut sauce is too thick, simply add a little bit more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: My peanut sauce is too bland. What can I do?
A: If your peanut sauce is too bland, try adding a little bit more soy sauce, honey, or sriracha. You can also add a pinch of salt to bring out the flavors.
Q: Can I use a different kind of nut butter?
A: I have only tested this with peanut butter, but other nut butters may work. Using cashew butter or almond butter may yield a similar result.
I have made this peanut chicken noodle bowl so many times that I’ve gotten all these questions from friends and family alike. Making this peanut chicken noodle bowl is always a good idea. This peanut chicken noodle bowl is something you can make a lot of different ways.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – my go-to recipe for peanut chicken noodle bowl! It’s a dish that holds a special place in my heart because it represents so much more than just a meal. It’s about creating memories with family, sharing laughter around the dinner table, and nourishing those we love with simple, wholesome food. And while I have some other delicious Asian-inspired meals, like my BBQ chicken roasted sweet potato bowls, this one will always be my first love!
Before you go, here are a few final tips to ensure your peanut chicken noodle bowl is a smashing success:
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own personal touch by trying out different veggies, sauces, or toppings.
- Taste as you go! The key to any good recipe is to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
- Have fun! Cooking should be enjoyable, so relax, put on some music, and get creative in the kitchen.
My family loves this recipe so much that they even have their own variations. My son likes to add extra sriracha, while my daughter prefers it with extra peanuts. This peanut chicken noodle bowl is a meal that my whole family loves.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. And I hope that it brings a little bit of joy to your dinner table, just like it has for us. Now, I want to hear from you! What are your favorite weeknight dinners? Let me know in the comments below! Happy cooking! Enjoy this amazing peanut chicken noodle bowl.
Easy Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe
This Easy Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowl is a flavorful and quick meal, perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken and noodles are tossed in a creamy, homemade peanut sauce for a satisfying and delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water, or more to thin sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While noodles are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Pour peanut sauce over chicken and stir to coat.
- Add cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped peanuts.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for chicken. You can also add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to the skillet along with the chicken.