Delicious Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken with Noodles
Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles
Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken With Noodles
Ingredients
- Coarse kosher salt
- 8 oz. thick rice vermicelli
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter with no added sugar
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili dipping sauce
- 2 tablespoons tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon finely grated zest of lime
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
- 2 small or 1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (approximately 8 oz.), diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 small red bell pepper, cored and sliced thin
- 3 cloves of garlic, sliced thin
- 3 scallions, with white and green parts separated and sliced thin
- 2 tablespoons finely minced peeled ginger
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup small fresh basil leaves
- 1/3 cup roasted and salted peanuts, finely chopped
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1
To start, grab a medium pot and fill it with water, then place it on the stove over high heat. While the water is heating up, generously season it with salt—this is your chance to add flavor right from the start! Once the water reaches a rolling boil, gently add the noodles. Be sure to stir them for a moment to prevent them from sticking together. After about 13 to 15 minutes, check the noodles for tenderness; they should be pliable but not mushy. Once they’re perfectly done, carefully drain them in a colander and give them a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Now they’re ready to soak up all that delicious peanut-lime goodness later on!
Step 2
In a medium bowl, grab your whisk and combine the creamy peanut butter, chili sauce, tamari, and sriracha. Then, zest a lime directly into the bowl, making sure to capture that fragrant oil from the skin. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of salt. To bring it all together, add 1/4 cup of warm water. Whisk everything until it’s smooth and well combined, creating a luscious sauce that will coat your chicken and noodles beautifully. Set this aside for now, letting those flavors mingle while you focus on the next steps.
Step 3
Start by heating a generous drizzle of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season them lightly with salt, and let them cook for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently. You’re looking for those lovely golden spots to develop on the chicken, which means it’s almost cooked through. Next, toss in the diced bell pepper, minced garlic, and the white parts of the scallions, along with the freshly grated ginger. If you feel it needs a bit more flavor, sprinkle in a touch more salt. Now, reduce the heat to medium and continue to stir everything together. Keep an eye on it as you cook for another 3 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender and vibrant. You’ll love the aroma wafting up from the pan!
Step 4
Once your chicken is cooked to a perfect golden brown and the aroma fills your kitchen, it’s time to bring everything together. Carefully add the cooked noodles to the skillet, making sure to distribute them evenly among the chicken and any remaining bits of sauce. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss everything together for about a minute, allowing the noodles to soak up all those delicious flavors. Once well combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Now, drizzle in the reserved peanut-lime sauce, and give it another good toss to ensure every noodle is coated in that creamy goodness. The dish should look vibrant and inviting, ready to serve!
Step 5
To serve your delicious creamy peanut-lime chicken, start by dividing the cooked noodles evenly among your bowls. This is your canvas, so make sure each bowl gets a generous portion. Next, sprinkle the green parts of the scallions over the noodles for a fresh crunch. Now, it's time to add some bright flavors! Toss on a handful of chopped cilantro and basil, letting their aromatic notes elevate the dish. Finally, finish each bowl with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for that delightful crunch. Don't forget to add a few lime wedges on the side; they’re perfect for squeezing a little extra zing over the top just before you dig in. Enjoy the vibrant colors and enticing aromas as you serve up this special meal!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
To prevent the thick rice noodles from sticking together, make sure to stir them frequently while they soak in the hot water. This little step helps keep them separate and perfectly tender for your creamy peanut-lime sauce!
Leftovers
To store your Creamy Peanut-Lime Chicken with Noodles, transfer leftovers to a glass container with a tight lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep the noodles from drying out.
Make It Your Own
For a delicious twist, swap the chicken for firm tofu and use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it gluten-free. This plant-based version is just as creamy and satisfying, with all those vibrant flavors shining through!
