Simply by Maha
Spicy Peanut Noodles

Dinner

Spicy Peanut Noodles

By Maha

These spicy peanut noodles are creamy, savory, a little spicy, and so good for an easy lunch or dinner. Made with thick egg noodles, chicken, bell peppers, and a rich peanut sauce, this is one of those meals that feels super satisfying and comes together with simple ingredients.

Prep
15 min
Cook
30 min
Total
45 min
Serves
4
5.0 (1)
Jump to Recipe

These spicy peanut noodles are one of those easy meals that always feel extra satisfying. The sauce is rich, creamy, savory, and just a little spicy, and it coats the thick egg noodles so well. Paired with tender chicken and bell peppers, it turns into a full meal that feels comforting, flavorful, and way more impressive than the effort it takes to make.

What makes this recipe so good is the balance of flavors. The peanut butter gives the sauce a creamy and slightly nutty base, while the soy sauce, red Thai curry paste, lime juice, and chili flakes add saltiness, heat, and brightness. The chicken is lightly marinated before cooking, which gives it extra flavor, and the bell peppers add freshness and texture that keep the dish from feeling too heavy. Once everything gets tossed together with the noodles and sauce, it becomes one of those dinners you’ll want to make again.

This is also a really flexible recipe. You can adjust the spice level, swap in different vegetables, or make the sauce a little thinner or thicker depending on how you like your noodles. If you’re looking for an easy spicy peanut noodle recipe that feels cozy, flavorful, and perfect for lunch or dinner, this one is such a good option.

Ingredients

Serves 4

  • For the Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 lime

  • For the Noodles

  • Thick egg noodles

  • For the Stir Fry

  • 2 bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic
  • Olive oil
  • Chopped cilantro, for finishing

  • Peanut Sauce

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup pasta water
  • 2 tbsp red Thai curry paste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp chili flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken
    In a bowl, combine the cut chicken with cornstarch, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Mix well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
  2. Make the peanut sauce
    In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, red Thai curry paste, lime juice, and chili flakes if using. Set aside. You can thin it later with the pasta water as needed.
  3. Cook the noodles
    Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the thick egg noodles according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water before draining.
  4. Cook the chicken
    Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  5. Cook the vegetables
    In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Cook for a few minutes until the peppers start to soften.
  6. Add the chicken back
    Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the peppers and stir everything together.
  7. Add the sauce
    Pour in the peanut sauce and let it come to a gentle simmer. Add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it coat everything evenly.
  8. Add the noodles
    Add the cooked egg noodles to the pan and toss until well coated in the sauce.
  9. Finish and serve
    Top with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Watch on TikTok

Cook's Notes

Ingredient Notes

  • Thick egg noodles: Thick noodles work best here because they hold onto the sauce really well and make the dish feel extra hearty.
  • Chicken breasts: Chicken breast keeps the recipe simple and easy, but chicken thighs would also work if you prefer darker meat.
  • Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps the chicken get a better texture and also helps the sauce cling nicely once everything is combined.
  • Bell peppers: Bell peppers add sweetness, color, and a little crunch. You can use any color you like.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a lot of flavor to the base of the dish.
  • Peanut butter: Peanut butter is the star of the sauce. Smooth peanut butter works best for a creamy texture.
  • Low sodium soy sauce: This adds salt and umami to the sauce. Using low sodium helps keep the sauce balanced.
  • Red Thai curry paste: This adds spice and depth to the peanut sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
  • Lime juice: Lime helps brighten the sauce and balances the richness of the peanut butter.
  • Pasta water: Reserved noodle water helps loosen the sauce and makes it coat the noodles more smoothly.
  • Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds freshness at the end and works really well with the peanut and lime flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Whisk the sauce well before adding it to the pan so it is smooth and easier to mix in.
  • Reserve noodle water before draining so you can loosen the sauce as needed.
  • Do not overcook the bell peppers if you want them to keep a little texture.
  • Cook the chicken first and remove it so it stays tender and does not overcook.
  • Add the pasta water gradually so you can control the sauce consistency.
  • Toss the noodles well so every strand gets coated in the sauce.
  • Finish with cilantro right before serving for the freshest flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat in a pan or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Make ahead: The peanut sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to use.

Best tip: Keep a little extra water or lime juice on hand when reheating because peanut sauces tend to thicken as they sit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make spicy peanut noodles ahead of time?

Yes. They work well for meal prep, and the sauce can also be made ahead.

What kind of noodles work best?

Thick egg noodles work really well because they hold onto the sauce, but other noodles can work too.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes. Use less red Thai curry paste and skip the chili flakes if you want a milder version.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes. Chicken thighs would be a great substitute and stay very juicy.

Why is my peanut sauce too thick?

Peanut sauce naturally thickens, so just add a bit more pasta water until it reaches the consistency you like.

Reviews & Tips

You might also like

Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Dinner

Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken

This creamy spinach stuffed chicken is such a good comfort dinner. The chicken is filled with a creamy cheesy spinach mixture, then pan-seared and finished in the oven until perfectly cooked. I love serving it with simple mashed potatoes.

70 minmedium5.0(1)
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
DinnerAmerican

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

These buffalo chicken wraps are spicy, crispy, creamy, and so satisfying. Made with crispy chicken, homemade coleslaw, buffalo sauce, parmesan, and wrapped in a large tortilla, they’re such an easy lunch or dinner idea — especially with sweet potato fries on the side.

60 mineasy5.0(1)
Beef Enchiladas
DinnerMexican

Beef Enchiladas

These beef enchiladas are such a good easy dinner. They’re filled with seasoned beef, onions, peppers, and cheese, then baked with a rich homemade enchilada sauce until hot and bubbly.

60 minmedium5.0(1)