12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug, look no further! These 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles are a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by. This dish comes together in just 12 minutes, making it perfect for those evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s creamy, nutty, and has just the right amount of spice to keep everyone coming back for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out the chicken mince for your favorite ground meat or even go meatless with some tofu or extra veggies. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself or a small gathering, these noodles are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Speedy preparation: With just 3 minutes of prep and 9 minutes of cooking time, dinner is ready before you know it!
• Family-friendly: Kids will love the creamy peanut sauce, and it’s a great way to sneak in some greens with the baby spinach.
• Versatile ingredients: Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or vegetables—this recipe has room for creativity!
• Budget-friendly: Made with simple ingredients found in your pantry, this meal won’t break the bank.
• Deliciously comforting: The rich flavors of peanut butter and coconut milk create a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple and wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already! Here’s what you need for these delightful 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles:

For the Noodles

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 200g/7oz chicken mince (ground chicken)
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 1/2 tbsp red curry paste, separated
• 1 tsp dark soy sauce
• 1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken stock/broth
• 3/4 cup coconut milk (~1/2 a can; full fat for best flavor)
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 2 instant ramen or noodle cakes (~70-100g/2.5-3.5oz per cake; discard seasoning pack)
• 2 big handfuls baby spinach
• 2 tbsp peanuts, finely chopped
• Roughly chopped fresh coriander/cilantro leaves
• Sriracha or other chili paste (optional)

Variations

This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or beef instead of chicken mince for a different flavor.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option that’s still packed with protein.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the cooking process for added crunch and nutrition.
• Adjust the spice level: If you like it spicy, increase the amount of Sriracha or add some sliced fresh chilies while cooking.

How to Make 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Step 1: Sauté Garlic

Start by heating oil in a medium skillet over high heat. It’s important not to use too large of a pan; otherwise, the sauce may evaporate too quickly. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until golden—about 20 seconds. This step releases wonderful aromatic flavors that will enhance your dish!

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Next, add in your chicken mince. Cook it for about 2 minutes while breaking it apart with a spatula. You want it to turn from pink to white—it should be mostly cooked but not entirely so we can add flavors next!

Step 3: Add Flavorings

Now it’s time to jazz things up! Stir in the red curry paste (save some for later), curry powder, and dark soy sauce. Let everything cook together for about a minute until fragrant. This is where all those delicious Thai flavors start coming alive!

Step 4: Cook Extra Curry Paste

Clear a little space in the middle of your pan and add the remaining red curry paste directly into that empty spot. Stir it there for about 30 seconds before mixing everything together again. This concentrated cooking allows those spices to bloom beautifully!

Step 5: Simmer Stock

Pour in your low sodium chicken stock and bring it all to a simmer before reducing heat to medium-high. Allow this mixture to simmer gently for about one minute—it helps develop depth in flavor.

Step 6: Add Noodles

Here comes the fun part! Squish those noodle cakes right into your bubbling broth, pushing aside some of that lovely chicken so they get nicely submerged.

Step 7: Cook Noodles

Let those noodles cook undisturbed for about 45 seconds before flipping them over gently with two wooden spoons. After another quick 30 seconds, separate them to ensure they don’t stick together.

Step 8: Add Peanut Sauce

Push aside your noodles once again—this time add coconut milk, peanut butter, and cider vinegar into that lovely space you’ve created. Mix everything quickly until most of the peanut butter dissolves into this creamy concoction.

Step 9: Toss with Spinach

Add those vibrant baby spinach leaves next! Toss everything together gently until wilted but still vibrant green—this should take about thirty seconds tops! Remember, we want our dish saucy and delicious!

Step 10: Serve

Transfer those beautiful noodles into serving bowls and finish off by sprinkling chopped coriander/cilantro and peanuts on top. If you’re feeling spicy today, drizzle on some Sriracha or chili paste!

And there you have it – quick yet oh-so-satisfying Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles ready to enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

Cooking can be a breeze, especially with this quick recipe! Here are some handy tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Prep your ingredients ahead of time: Having everything chopped and measured before you start cooking will save you precious minutes and keep the cooking process smooth.
• Use a large skillet: A larger pan might seem counterintuitive, but using one helps to evenly distribute the heat and allows the sauce to bubble without becoming too thick too quickly.
• Don’t overcook your noodles: Instant ramen or noodle cakes cook super fast. Keeping an eye on them ensures they maintain a nice texture instead of turning mushy.
• Adjust spice level: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with less red curry paste and add more later. This way, you can control how fiery it gets!
• Add veggies creatively: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. They not only add color but also enhance the nutritional value of your meal.

How to Serve 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles

This dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Presenting it well can make all the difference at the dinner table.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness that complements the rich peanut flavors beautifully.
• Chopped peanuts: Adding a handful of finely chopped peanuts on top provides an extra crunch that enhances the overall texture of the dish.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors and adds a zesty kick that balances out the creaminess of the peanut sauce.

Side Dishes

• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar offers a cool contrast to the warm noodles and helps cleanse your palate between bites.
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli is not just nutritious; its vibrant green color complements your noodle dish while adding a satisfying crunch.
• Thai Mango Salad: This sweet and tangy salad made with ripe mangoes is a perfect pairing. The fruity notes balance out the savory elements of your main dish beautifully.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with vegetables and served with a dipping sauce make for a delightful appetizer that sets the tone for an Asian-inspired meal.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles will be an absolute hit at any table! Enjoy this delightful dish that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

This 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles recipe is perfect for meal prep! With its quick cooking time and delicious flavors, you can whip up a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the noodles to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer the noodles to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the dish cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through, stirring in between.

FAQs

Have questions about making these delicious noodles? Here are some common queries!

Can I use other types of meat in 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute chicken mince with ground turkey, beef, or even plant-based alternatives. The cooking times may slightly vary, so keep an eye on it!

How do I make 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the dark soy sauce for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Additionally, ensure your noodles are gluten-free as well!

Can I add vegetables to my 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli during the cooking process. Just make sure they are cut into small pieces for quick cooking!

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If you have a nut allergy or prefer not to use peanut butter, try sunflower seed butter or tahini as tasty alternatives that will still give you that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this recipe as delightful as I do! This 12 Minute Thai Chicken Peanut Noodles is not only quick and easy but also packed with flavor and nutrition. It’s fantastic for busy weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy making it and feel free to share your own twists on this dish! Happy cooking!