Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles
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These saucy Thai peanut chicken noodles are a quick and delicious weeknight meal. They're loaded with ground chicken, ramen noodles, and vegetables then smothered in a creamy homemade peanut sauce. They're healthier than takeout, and they're ready in just 25 minutes!
If you love noodles smothered in peanut sauce, also try our creamy coconut peanut noodles, carrot noodles with Thai peanut sauce, and Thai peanut noodle salad with feta peanut dressing.
These Thai chicken peanut noodles are saucy, chewy, filling, and flavorful. They're tastier and healthier than takeout, and they take just 25 minutes to make!
You only need a few basic ingredients to make them, there's minimal prep required, and the recipe is really versatile. It's a great fridge clean-out meal because, like astir-fry, you can use whatever vegetables you have in your fridge. Plus, it all gets made in one skillet!
When choosing ramen noodles, look for fresh ramen noodles or organic ones that don't contain any unwanted ingredients. You can also switch up the noodles and use soba noodles or even spaghetti.
The homemade Thai peanut sauce is simply irresistible and quick to make. Just add all ingredients to a bowl and give it a stir. Sometimes we even double the recipe to have extra for other meals throughout the week.
Chicken Thai peanut noodles are an easy complete meal, but they also make a great side dish for dinner parties and gatherings. Leftovers travel well and taste great warm or cold, making them perfect for lunches.
Thai chicken peanut noodles ingredients
Here's everything you need to make the Thai chicken peanut noodles:
- Instant ramen ā to avoid unwanted ingredients, look for freshly made ramen noodles or organic ramen noodles. Soba noodles and spaghetti also make great alternatives.
- Toasted sesame oil ā for its nutty, earthy Asian flavor.
- Ground chicken ā we like the flavor and texture of ground chicken, but you can also use ground pork, turkey, and even beef if you prefer.
- Garlic and ginger ā for that classic Thai flavor base.
- Vegetables ā you can use a mix of any thinly sliced vegetables you love, like bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, carrots, cabbage, green onions, or edamame.
- Peanuts and cilantro ā to serve, for a bit of crunch and fresh flavor.
Here's what you need for the tasty Thai peanut sauce:
- Chicken stock ā chicken stock or vegetable stock helps to thin out the sauce. For a creamier sauce, try using coconut milk.
- Natural peanut butter ā natural peanut butter doesn't contain emulsifiers so it has a runnier consistency, making it perfect for this sauce.
- Dark soy sauce ā dark soy sauce gives a lot of color to the noodles. If you don't have any on hand, you can use regular soy sauce.
- Rice vinegar ā for a bit of acidity and brightness.
- Honey ā we use a touch of honey for sweetness, but you can also use maple syrup or date paste.
- Thai curry paste ā ideally use red Thai curry paste, but any will work. If you're up for it, make your own with our easy Thai red curry paste recipe!
How to make Thai chicken peanut noodles
It's easy to make Thai peanut noodles with chicken by following a few simple steps:
- Soak your ramen noodles in hot tap water (or cook your chosen noodles according to package directions until al dente).
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
- Cook the ground chicken in the sesame oil until it's no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the garlic and ginger to the frying pan with the ground chicken, followed by the veggies.
- Drain the ramen noodles and add them, too. Pour the sauce over top until it's warmed through, tossing to coat everything well. Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro to serve. That's it!
Recipe FAQs
Are ramen noodles healthy?
Freshly made ramen noodles are made with flour, water, salt, and baking soda. But the dried ramen noodles that come with seasoning packages have many ingredients that you may not want to eat. Look for organic ramen noodles, which have better ingredients. Or swap the ramen for soba noodles or even spaghetti. (Note: you will need to cook both of those options until al dente before using them in this recipe.)
How long do leftovers keep in the fridge?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Is the peanut sauce spicy?
This will really depend on your curry paste, because some are spicier than others. For a less spicy peanut sauce, go easy on the curry paste. For a more spicy sauce, add some sriracha or red chili flakes to the sauce.
What to serve with Thai chicken peanut noodles
These saucy peanut noodles with chicken are a complete meal on their own, but they also make a great side dish. Serve them family-style and enjoy them alongside other Thai dishes like our sticky Thai peanut chicken wings or cashew coconut salmon curry with a side of our favorite coconut rice.
Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces instant ramen (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 4 cups thinly sliced vegetables (see notes)
- Chopped peanuts and cilantro (to serve)
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Ā½ cup natural peanut butter
- Ā¼ cups dark soy sauce (see notes)
- 2 tablespoons EACH: rice vinegar, honey, and Thai curry paste (preferably red curry paste)
Instructions
- Put the ramen noodles (discard the seasoning packages) into a bowl and cover them with hot tap water. After 5 minutes, use a fork to gently separate the noodles.6 ounces instant ramen
- Mix all the sauce ingredients together in a medium-sized bowl.1 cup chicken stock, Ā½ cup natural peanut butter, Ā¼ cups dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons EACH: rice vinegar, honey, and Thai curry paste
- Heat the sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 lb ground chicken, 4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute. Add the veggies and let them cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they barely start to soften.4 cups thinly sliced vegetables
- Drain the ramen and then add it to the pan. Pour the sauce over the top and mix everything together. Let heat through for 2-3 minutes until it is thick and coats the noodles. Serve the noodles topped with some chopped peanuts and cilantro.Chopped peanuts and cilantro
Video
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
If you're looking for more dinner ideas, check out all of our Thai-inspired recipes!
