Easy Peanut Chicken Noodles is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines stir-fried chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles, all coated in a creamy and spicy peanut sauce. It’s an ideal quick meal that’s packed with protein and fiber. The peanut sauce is made from natural peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauce, and a few other pantry staples, making it easy to whip up in no time. Perfect for the whole family!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the chicken and vegetables:

  • 400g chicken thighs, sliced into thin pieces

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • ½ tbsp fresh ginger root, grated

  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

  • 200g carrots, julienned

  • 200g zucchini, julienned

  • 200g bean sprouts

  • 200g egg noodles

  • 2 spring onions, sliced

• For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

  • Pinch of red chili flakes (adjust for preferred spice level)

  • ¼ cup (60ml) water

Directions

1. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions.

2. Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken, garlic, and ginger. Fry until the chicken is browned.

3. Add the carrots, zucchini, and bean sprouts. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes, then remove the mixture from the pan and set aside.

4. In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauces, chili flakes, and water until smooth.

5. Pour the sauce into the frying pan and cook on high heat until it thickens (about 2-3 minutes).

6. Return the chicken, vegetables, and cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything to coat evenly with the sauce.

7. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve!

Nutrients

• Calories: 450 kcal

• Total Fat: 10.5g

• Saturated Fat: 2g

• Sodium: 831mg

• Carbohydrates: 54.6g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 12.7g

• Protein: 31.6g

Why This Dish Works for Busy Nights

What makes this dish so great for weeknights is its simplicity and speed. With the whole meal coming together in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and flavorful. The stir-frying technique ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and stays juicy, while the vegetables add a fresh crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

The egg noodles provide a satisfying base for the dish, absorbing all the flavors of the peanut sauce while offering a hearty texture. The best part is that it’s made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, including peanut butter, soy sauce, and maple syrup, making it an easy-to-pull-together meal without the need for an elaborate shopping list.

The Richness of the Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce in this dish is the key to its delicious flavor. Natural peanut butter serves as the base, giving the sauce a rich, nutty flavor that’s both creamy and savory. The addition of maple syrup adds a hint of sweetness, which balances the salty soy sauces and chili flakes. This creates a well-rounded sauce that coats the chicken, vegetables, and noodles perfectly.

The soy sauce provides umami, while the dark soy sauce gives an added depth of flavor and a slightly richer color to the sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can adjust the red chili flakes to your liking, making it as mild or fiery as you wish. The sauce can be made ahead of time, which is a great option if you’re meal prepping or want to save even more time during the week.

The Protein and Fiber-Packed Ingredients

Chicken thighs are used in this recipe because they provide a juicier, more flavorful cut of meat compared to chicken breasts, and they absorb the sauce well. With 31.6 grams of protein per serving, this dish ensures that you’re getting a good amount of protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall health.

The vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, and bean sprouts, add fiber to the dish, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. With 5 grams of fiber per serving, these vegetables also contribute to the dish’s overall nutritional profile, making it not only delicious but also balanced.

Customization Options

One of the best features of this dish is how easy it is to customize. If you prefer different vegetables, feel free to swap out the zucchini, carrots, or bean sprouts for other favorites like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas. You can even add extra protein by including tofu, shrimp, or beef strips, depending on your dietary preferences.

If you need a gluten-free version, you can substitute the egg noodles with rice noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles. For those who want a creamier sauce, simply add a little more peanut butter or a splash of coconut milk. The spice level is also fully customizable, so feel free to adjust the chili flakes or add fresh chili for an extra kick.

A Balanced Meal for the Whole Family

With a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this dish offers a satisfying meal for the whole family. It’s light yet filling, and the peanut sauce ensures that everyone will love the rich flavor it imparts. The freshness of the vegetables adds both color and nutrients, making this dish not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in extra veggies. Whether you’re making it for a busy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it to guests, this dish is sure to be a hit.

How to Make Easy Peanut Chicken Noodles

1. Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re cooked, drain them and set them aside. Drizzle a little olive oil over them to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Heat sesame oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, garlic, and ginger, and cook until the chicken is browned. Add the carrots, zucchini, and bean sprouts, stir-frying for a couple of minutes. Remove the mixture from the pan and set it aside.

3. Make the Peanut Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauces, chili flakes, and water until smooth. Pour the sauce into the same pan, and cook it on high heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.

4. Combine and Toss
Return the chicken, vegetables, and cooked noodles to the pan, tossing everything to coat evenly in the sauce. Let everything cook together for a minute or two to ensure the flavors meld.

5. Serve
Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot. Enjoy with your favorite side, whether it’s rice or additional vegetables.

Conclusion

Easy Peanut Chicken Noodles is a perfect weeknight dish that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. With its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables, this dish is satisfying, customizable, and easy to make. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, it’s a complete meal that the whole family will love. Plus, the quick cooking time and simple ingredients make it a go-to recipe when you’re looking for a fast and healthy meal that’s full of flavor. Enjoy!