Creamy Spicy Peanut Noodles
Topped with charred sriracha-lime chicken thighs.
I loooove anything peanuty / sesame-y / tahini-y, and ’tis the season for dinners that feel grilled, fresh, and a little lighter. I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going with this one, but it landed in the realm of a spicy peanut noodle bowl with marinated chicken thighs… and it’s honestly one of my favorite dinners I’ve made in a while.
These Spicy Peanut Noodles with Sriracha Lime Chicken are creamy, bright, and packed with flavor from sriracha, grated garlic, soy sauce, fresh ginger, and lime. Charred marinated chicken thighs get piled over glossy peanut noodles with crunchy cucumber (although I forgot to add that in the video), sesame seeds, fresh herbs, and plenty of lime. It’s super satisfying while still feeling fresh enough for warmer weather.
One important note: peanut butter brands vary a lot in thickness and saltiness, so don’t be afraid to adjust the sauce as needed. My favorite for this is, and just in general, MaraNatha Chunky Peanut Butter because the consistency is perfect.
Tips To Take It From Good To Great:
If the fond in your pan is still usable and the honey hasn’t burned too much, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of the hot noodle water to pick up all that flavor, then add it straight into the peanut sauce bowl.
Don’t overcook the noodles. You want them chewy and springy since they’ll continue softening slightly as they sit in the sauce.
Let the chicken get deeply caramelized. The charred edges add so much flavor and balance the creamy noodles perfectly.
Don’t skip the lime at the end. A final squeeze right before serving wakes everything up.
If making ahead, store the noodles and garnishes separately when possible. The noodles will continue absorbing sauce as they sit, so loosen with a splash of hot water before serving.
Peanut butter brands vary a lot in thickness and saltiness, so adjust the sauce as needed. If it feels too thick, add more hot water. Too thin? Add a little more peanut butter. The final sauce should be glossy, silky, and cling to the noodles without feeling heavy.
Spicy Peanut Noodles with Sriracha Lime Chicken
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes (+ marinating)
Cook Time: 20 minutes
