Creamy Thai-Inspired Peanut Noodle Bowls (Print Version)

Comforting noodle bowls with creamy peanut sauce, ground chicken, vegetables, and crispy potsticker-style edges.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 pound ground chicken
02 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil

→ Noodles

03 - 8 ounces wide rice noodles or lo mein noodles

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
05 - 1 cup shredded carrots
06 - 1 cup snap peas, halved
07 - 4 green onions, sliced

→ Peanut Sauce

08 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
09 - 3 tablespoons soy sauce
10 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
14 - 1/2 cup water

→ Garnishes

15 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
16 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
17 - Lime wedges

# Steps to Follow:

01 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, sriracha, and water until smooth. Add additional water for desired consistency. Set aside.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
03 - Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
04 - In the same pan, add bell pepper, carrots, snap peas, and half the green onions. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until tender but vibrant.
05 - Add drained noodles to the pan, pressing them gently into an even layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes to develop crispy edges on the bottom.
06 - Return cooked chicken to the pan. Pour in the peanut sauce and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Add water as needed to loosen the sauce.
07 - Divide among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped peanuts, remaining green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The crispy noodle layer on the bottom adds an unexpected crunch that turns a simple bowl into something you cant stop thinking about.
  • Everything comes together in one pan after the noodles are boiled, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying the meal.
  • The peanut sauce is forgiving and adaptable, so you can adjust the heat, sweetness, or tanginess to match your mood.
  • It tastes like takeout but costs a fraction of the price and uses ingredients you probably already have.
02 -
  • Don't skip pressing the noodles into the pan undisturbed, that crispy layer is what separates this from every other noodle bowl you've made.
  • If your sauce looks broken or grainy, add warm water a little at a time and whisk vigorously, it will come back together.
  • Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles, you might want more lime, honey, or heat depending on your peanut butter brand and your mood.
03 -
  • Use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet for the crispiest noodle layer without sticking or burning.
  • Toast your peanuts briefly in a dry pan before chopping, it deepens their flavor and makes them taste fresher.
  • If you're meal prepping, store the sauce separately and toss it with the noodles just before serving so everything stays vibrant.
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