Ingredients
- 12 ounces of noodles of choice:
- Suggested: Rice noodles, brown rice udon, or regular spaghetti.
- Alternative: Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- 1 pound chicken breast:
- Alternative: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture or substitute with tofu or beef strips for variety.
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium tamari or soy sauce:
- Alternative: Coconut aminos for a soy-free option.
- 1 tablespoon honey:
- Alternative: Agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option if using tofu.
- 1 tablespoon chili paste:
- Suggested: Sambal oelek or any preferred chili paste.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil:
- No alternatives here—this adds a distinct nutty flavor.
- ½ cup diced green onion:
- Focus on the white part for the base.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic:
- Fresh garlic is best, but garlic paste works in a pinch.
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup low-sodium tamari or soy sauce:
- Remember to halve the quantity if using regular soy sauce to avoid excess salt.
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter:
- Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar:
- Alternative: Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar in a pinch.
- 2 tablespoons chili paste:
- Adjust to taste for spice tolerance.
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar:
- Use 1 tablespoon for a more savory dish or 2 for a sweeter version.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger:
- Freshly grated ginger can also be used for a more robust flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes:
- Optional for those sensitive to spice.
- 3 tablespoons water.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch:
- Essential for thickening the sauce.
For Garnish:
- ⅓ cup crushed peanuts:
- Adds crunch and a nutty finish.
- ⅓ cup diced green onion:
- Use the green part for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces, approximately 1 inch each.
- In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce/tamari, honey, and chili paste. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 1-2 hours will give better flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients except the water and cornstarch.
- Separately, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. This will be added later to thicken the sauce.
4. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the sesame oil (from the base/chicken section) in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced white part of the green onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Cook the Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet, discarding any excess marinade.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Finish the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce into a pot and heat over low heat.
- Add the cornstarch slurry, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Combine the Ingredients
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the chicken.
- Pour the thickened sauce over the noodles and toss everything together until well-coated.
8. Garnish and Serve
- Top the dish with crushed peanuts and the diced green part of the green onion.
- Serve immediately, with optional sides like steamed broccoli or sautéed bell peppers for added veggies.
Notes
- Cooking Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.
- Adjusting Spice: If the dish feels too spicy, balance it with an extra teaspoon of honey or a splash of coconut milk.
- Efficient Prep: While the chicken marinates, chop your veggies, and prepare the sauce ingredients to save time.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Drain the noodles a minute earlier than the package suggests since they’ll continue cooking when mixed with the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes