If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s packed with flavor and gives you that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a little kick of sweetness—this is it! Peanut-Lime Chicken Noodles are a total game-changer. Tender chicken, a rich peanut sauce, and noodles all come together to create the kind of meal that feels both comforting and exciting. It’s like a hug in a bowl, but with a punch of freshness from the lime and a rich peanut twist that makes every bite feel like an adventure.
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Trust me, you’ll want to make this one over and over. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a fun weekend meal with friends, and it’s super easy to pull together in just a few simple steps.
Why You’ll Love Peanut-Lime Chicken Noodles
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting a casual dinner party, this dish fits perfectly into any occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for any night of the week. Whether you want something quick and easy or need to impress your guests, this dish does both. The peanut-lime combo is refreshing and satisfying, making it ideal for any time of year.
Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients. This dish uses everyday pantry staples to create something amazing. It’s the perfect choice when you’re craving something special but don’t want to break the bank.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep, and everything comes together in a flash. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll appreciate how simple it is to make.
Customizable: Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to kick up the heat. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. From the rich peanut sauce to the tangy lime, this meal is packed with flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients in Peanut-Lime Chicken Noodles
Here’s how we take simple ingredients and transform them into something utterly irresistible. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Breast or Thighs: The protein base. You can’t go wrong with juicy, tender chicken, which soaks up all those bold flavors beautifully.
Peanut Butter: The rich, creamy heart of the sauce. It adds a nutty sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tangy lime.
Lime: Fresh lime juice adds a zesty burst of brightness that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Noodles: Whether you use rice noodles, spaghetti, or your favorite type, they’re the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
Garlic & Ginger: These two are a flavor duo you don’t want to skip. They bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Soy Sauce: For that savory, umami punch. It’s the key to making the sauce extra delicious.
Honey or Maple Syrup: A little sweetness to balance out the tangy lime and salty soy sauce.
Chili Flakes or Sriracha: For that little kick of spice. It’s totally optional, but I definitely recommend it if you like things spicy!
Cilantro: For garnish and that fresh, herbaceous pop of flavor.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to make this mouthwatering dish? Let’s dive in:
Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking your noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set them aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the noodles are cooking, cook your chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through. Slice it into bite-sized pieces once done.
Make the Peanut-Lime Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes (if using). Add water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
Combine Everything: In a large skillet, add the cooked noodles, sliced chicken, and peanut-lime sauce. Toss everything together until well-coated and heated through.
Finishing Touches: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for that extra fresh kick.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm, and enjoy your bowl of peanut-lime goodness!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]
Preparation Time
Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to cook or bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]
How to Serve Peanut-Lime Chicken Noodles
This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
Side Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad with a light vinaigrette would be a great pairing to balance the richness of the noodles.
Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complement the dish nicely and add some color to your plate.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Serve with crispy spring rolls or vegetable dumplings for a fun, Asian-inspired meal.
Rice: For extra carbs, serve the noodles with a side of steamed white or brown rice to soak up any extra sauce.
Herb Garnish: Fresh cilantro, green onions, or even chopped peanuts sprinkled on top will make your plate look as delicious as it tastes.
Additional Tips
Make it Ahead: This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan with a splash of water or lime juice to refresh the sauce.
Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce to your liking. Add more peanut butter for a richer flavor or more lime for extra tang.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, simply swap soy sauce for tamari and choose gluten-free noodles.
Meal Prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Store individual servings in containers for a quick and easy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Add Veggies: Feel free to toss in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for an extra nutritional boost.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of nut butter?
A1: Yes, almond butter or cashew butter will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A2: Absolutely! Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Q3: Can I freeze leftovers?
A3: Yes, this dish freezes well! Just store in an airtight container for up to 3 months and reheat when ready to serve.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A5: Yes! The peanut-lime sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q6: How spicy is this dish?
A6: The spice level is adjustable. If you like things spicy, add more chili flakes or sriracha to taste.
Q7: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
A7: Definitely! Toss in some stir-fried veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas to add more crunch and flavor.
Q8: Can I use whole wheat noodles?
A8: Yes, whole wheat noodles work great for a healthier option and will add a nice nutty flavor.
Q9: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A9: Yes! Just swap out the soy sauce for tamari and use gluten-free noodles.
Q10: What kind of noodles are best for this dish?
A10: Rice noodles, udon noodles, or even spaghetti work well. Choose your favorite type!
Final Thoughts
Peanut-Lime Chicken Noodles are the perfect combo of savory, tangy, and spicy, making every bite something to savor. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and packs big flavor, whether you’re feeding the family or enjoying it on your own. Go ahead, try it out—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
Print
Peanut-Lime Chicken Noodles
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken with Noodles features tender chicken, vibrant bell pepper, and flavorful rice noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy peanut-lime sauce. It’s a perfect combination of savory, tangy, and a bit of heat, topped with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts.
Ingredients
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Kosher salt
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8 oz. thick rice noodles
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1/2 cup no-sugar-added creamy peanut butter
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3 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce
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2 Tbsp. tamari or soy sauce
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1 Tbsp. sriracha
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1/2 tsp. finely grated lime zest
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2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
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2 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
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2 small or 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz.), chopped into 1/2″ pieces
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1 small red bell pepper, seeds and ribs removed, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
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3 scallions, white and green parts separated, thinly sliced
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2 Tbsp. finely chopped peeled ginger
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
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1/2 cup small fresh basil leaves
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1/3 cup roasted salted peanuts, finely chopped
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Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Generously season with salt. Add the noodles and stir to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and let soak until tender, 13 to 15 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water.
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Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chili sauce, tamari, sriracha, lime zest, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 cup warm water until smooth; set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the chicken, season with salt, and cook, stirring often, until lightly golden in spots and almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. Add the bell pepper, garlic, white parts of scallions, and ginger. Season with salt, if needed. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the peppers are tender, about 3 minutes more.
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Add the noodles to the pan and toss well to combine. Remove from heat and add the reserved sauce. Toss to coat in the sauce.
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Divide the noodles among bowls. Top with green parts of the scallions, cilantro, basil, and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges alongside.
Notes
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Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
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If you prefer a richer sauce, add more peanut butter or water to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg