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Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls Recipe

4.6 from 612 reviews

Thai Peanut Chicken Noodle Bowls are a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender marinated chicken with a creamy Thai peanut satay sauce, fresh cucumber salad, and vermicelli noodles. This quick and easy recipe offers a balanced mix of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors complemented by crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs, perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Thai-style peanut satay sauce (divided)
  • 1 clove garlic, grated

For the Cucumber Salad

  • 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (about 1 large English cucumber)
  • ½ cup thinly sliced red onion (about ¼ of an onion)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil (such as avocado or vegetable oil)
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar (rice vinegar works well)
  • Salt and sugar, to taste

For the Noodles & Toppings

  • 4 ounces vermicelli noodles
  • 23 tablespoons crushed peanuts
  • Fresh herbs of choice — mint, cilantro, and basil are especially good

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken with half of the peanut satay sauce and the grated garlic. Mix well to coat, then let it marinate for 30 to 60 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Make the cucumber salad: While the chicken marinates, toss the thinly sliced cucumber and red onion with the neutral oil, vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a little sugar. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to develop a refreshing tang.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring initially for a few minutes to achieve caramelization. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sugar near the end to enhance color and sweetness.
  4. Prepare the noodles: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking and stop the cooking process.
  5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Top with the cooked chicken, cucumber salad, crushed peanuts, and fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil for a burst of freshness.
  6. Finish with sauce: Thin the remaining peanut satay sauce with a splash of water, soy sauce, or a touch of chili oil until it reaches a pourable consistency. Drizzle generously over each bowl just before serving to add extra creaminess and flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor, but you can also marinate overnight for deeper taste.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil are critical to bring authentic Thai flavor, so don’t skip them.
  • This dish is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days — reheat the chicken and noodles before assembling.

Keywords: Thai peanut chicken, noodle bowls, Thai peanut satay sauce, vermicelli noodles, cucumber salad, easy Thai recipe, weeknight dinner