Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and noodles tossed in a creamy peanut lime dressing for a refreshing meal.

# Components:

→ Protein & Pasta

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (approximately 10.5 ounces)
02 - 10.5 ounces spaghetti or rice noodles

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 cup shredded carrots (approximately 3.5 ounces)
05 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (approximately 0.5 ounces)
07 - 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (approximately 1.25 ounces)
08 - 1 cucumber, julienned (optional)

→ Peanut Lime Dressing

09 - 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (approximately 2.8 ounces)
10 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
12 - 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
13 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
15 - 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
16 - 1 clove garlic, minced
17 - 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water (to thin dressing as needed)
18 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or Sriracha (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cook the noodles following package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
02 - Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a large bowl, adding warm water gradually until smooth and pourable.
03 - Add cooked noodles, shredded chicken, bell pepper, carrots, spring onions, and cucumber if using, into the bowl with dressing.
04 - Pour dressing over salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Top with chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts. Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than takeout and tastes even better because the flavors actually complement each other instead of fighting.
  • You can eat it warm or cold, which means it works for lunch tomorrow or tonight's dinner depending on your mood.
  • The peanut dressing is silky enough to make everything taste indulgent without any heavy cream involved.
02 -
  • Don't overcook the noodles or they'll absorb the dressing and turn mushy within an hour; slightly undercook them intentionally because residual heat and the dressing will soften them further.
  • The dressing will thicken slightly as it sits, so if you're making this ahead, thin it with a splash more warm water right before serving.
  • Lime juice is the star here, so taste the dressing before it touches the noodles and adjust boldly; it should taste almost too tangy on its own but perfect when mixed with everything else.
03 -
  • Taste the dressing before it touches anything else so you're not stuck adjusting flavors throughout a full bowl of noodles and vegetables.
  • If peanut butter is too thick to whisk smoothly, warm it slightly in the microwave for fifteen seconds so it becomes fluid and incorporates into the dressing without lumps.
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