These Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles are the perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors, with a touch of spice from the red pepper flakes. The chicken adds a savory depth to the dish, while the peanuts and cilantro offer a refreshing crunch and bright flavor. Served over perfectly cooked rice noodles, this meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for something flavorful and comforting.
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for guests. It’s quick, easy to make, and packed with flavor. The creamy peanut-lime sauce coats every bite of the noodles and chicken, making each forkful a delightful experience. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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8 oz. rice noodles
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 tablespoon soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey
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1/4 cup water
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped cilantro
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1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Directions:
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Cook rice noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add sesame oil, peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, water, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is smooth and heated through.
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Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the chicken back in and toss to combine.
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Top with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles: A Perfect Balance of Flavor and Comfort
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with bold flavors, then the Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines the richness of creamy peanut butter with the zesty freshness of lime, creating a deliciously balanced and satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this easy-to-make recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the best things about Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles is how versatile it is. It can be customized to fit your personal taste preferences, dietary restrictions, and even the ingredients you already have on hand. The creamy peanut butter and lime sauce brings a touch of exotic flair to the traditional comfort of chicken and noodles. It’s also easy to make, yet full of flavor, which makes it ideal for both novice and experienced home cooks.
The Perfect Harmony of Peanut Butter and Lime
The combination of peanut butter and lime might sound unusual at first, but it works wonderfully together. Peanut butter is naturally rich, creamy, and savory, while lime adds a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the richness and refreshes the palate. Together, they create a harmonious sauce that clings to the noodles and chicken, offering a satisfying balance of flavors in every bite.
The peanut butter in this dish provides a smooth texture that makes the sauce decadent and comforting, while the lime juice lends a lightness and tanginess that elevates the entire dish. For those who like a bit of heat, the red pepper flakes can add a spicy kick to the sauce, making the flavors even more dynamic and layered.
Quick and Easy to Prepare
The Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles recipe comes together in just about 25 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. The chicken is quickly sautéed to golden perfection, while the rice noodles are cooked to a tender, springy texture. The peanut-lime sauce is simple to whisk together in the same skillet, and once everything is combined, you have a flavorful, filling meal that’s ready to serve.
If you’re short on time or just don’t feel like cooking the chicken yourself, rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breast can easily be substituted. This recipe is forgiving and adaptable, allowing you to take shortcuts when needed, without sacrificing flavor.
Customizing the Dish
One of the best aspects of this recipe is how flexible it is. If you’re a fan of vegetables, you can easily add some stir-fried or steamed vegetables to the dish. Vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or broccoli would pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce and add even more nutrition to the meal. For a vegetarian twist, you could replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the sauce’s flavor beautifully.
In addition to customizing the protein, you can also modify the noodles. While rice noodles are the traditional choice in many Asian-inspired dishes, you can use whatever noodles you prefer egg noodles, soba noodles, or even whole wheat spaghetti. The key is to cook the noodles according to their package instructions and toss them in the peanut-lime sauce to coat evenly.
Healthier Than It Looks
While this dish is undeniably indulgent in flavor, it’s actually quite a balanced and healthy meal when prepared with fresh ingredients. Chicken is a lean source of protein, and the peanut butter adds healthy fats, which are essential for maintaining energy and promoting heart health. The lime juice provides a burst of vitamin C, while the cilantro offers antioxidants and additional fresh flavor.
By using whole wheat or gluten-free noodles, you can make this dish even more health-conscious, ensuring that it fits various dietary needs. The option to add in vegetables not only boosts the nutritional value but also helps increase the fiber content, making this dish a well-rounded option for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty meal without the guilt.
A Crowd-Pleasing Meal
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles is sure to please everyone at the table. The combination of flavors is universally appealing, as the creamy peanut sauce offers a familiar comfort, while the zesty lime elevates the dish to something special.
It’s a great option for dinner parties or gatherings, as it can be prepared in advance and served in large batches. The noodles and chicken can be pre-cooked, and the sauce can be made a few hours ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, simply toss everything together and garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for a restaurant-quality dish in no time.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
While this dish is already filling and satisfying on its own, you can pair it with a variety of sides to round out the meal. A simple cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette or a side of sautéed greens like spinach or kale would provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the noodles.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, a light, crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing would complement the creamy, savory noodles perfectly. You could also serve the dish with a cold, refreshing beverage like iced tea, lemonade, or a sparkling water to balance out the heat from any red pepper flakes you may have added.
Making It Ahead and Storing Leftovers
This dish is also perfect for meal prep or making ahead. You can cook the chicken, noodles, and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat everything together in a skillet or microwave and you’re good to go. The peanut-lime sauce holds up well and doesn’t lose its flavor, making it an excellent make-ahead option.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you find that the noodles have absorbed too much of the sauce while sitting in the fridge, simply add a splash of water or extra lime juice when reheating to loosen the sauce back up. You can also store the dish in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Creamy Peanut Lime Chicken Noodles is a fantastic dish that strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and freshness. It’s a flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare, customizable, and sure to please anyone who tries it. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or something to serve at a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
With its creamy peanut sauce, zesty lime, and tender chicken, it offers a unique twist on traditional noodle dishes and is perfect for those who enjoy bold, dynamic flavors. Try this recipe the next time you’re in the mood for a meal that’s both comforting and packed with excitement your taste buds will thank you!