You know those evenings when you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Well, let me share a gem that’s become my go-to: 20 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen. Picture this: flavorful broth mingling with tender chicken, and ramen noodles soaking up a heavenly peanut sauce. It’s a quick, comforting delight that always hits the spot!
I stumbled upon this recipe during one of my lazy weeknights, and it was love at first slurp. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for busy weekdays or when you’re just feeling a bit off. You can whip it up in the blink of an eye, and the best part? You only need a few pantry staples. Let’s dig into why you’ll want to make this dish tonight.
Why you’ll love this recipe
Imagine sinking your spoon into a steaming bowl of savory goodness. This Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen hits that magical mark of comfort food while being quick and easy to prepare. The boldness of peanut butter combined with rich chicken broth creates a uniquely satisfying flavor profile, and if you decide to add a splash of sriracha, well, let’s just say things get delightfully spicy!
Not only is it a hearty meal, but it also covers all your bases—protein, veggies, and those delightful noodles make this one an all-star in your weekly rotation. In just 20 minutes, you can indulge in a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, leaving you feeling energized rather than sluggish.
Gather these ingredients
First, let’s gather our star players for this quick culinary adventure:
- Chicken Broth: 2 cups – This will form the flavorful base of your ramen. Opt for low-sodium if you want to control the saltiness.
- Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons – Go for creamy for a smooth texture. This is where the magic happens—don’t even think about skipping it!
- Soy Sauce: 2 tablespoons – This adds depth and umami. If you need a gluten-free option, tamari works beautifully.
- Sriracha: 1 tablespoon (optional) – For those who love a bit of heat! Feel free to adjust based on your spice tolerance.
- Lean Chicken Breast: 1 pound, sliced – The star of our show. You can swap it for tofu or shrimp if you’re looking for plant-based or seafood options.
- Ramen Noodles: 2 packages – The quick-cooking kind! Whole wheat or gluten-free ramen are fantastic alternatives.
- Mixed Vegetables: 1 cup (think carrots, bell peppers, snap peas) – This not only adds color but a nutritional boost.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – For sautéing the chicken; you can also use sesame oil for extra flavor.
- Chopped Green Onions: for garnish – A sprinkle of these adds a fresh crunch to each bowl.
The cooking process explained
Here’s where the fun begins! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a savory ramen ready in no time:
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In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook until it’s beautifully browned and aromatic.
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Now, stir in the chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha if you’re feeling adventurous. Give it a good mix until the peanut butter dissolves into the broth.
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Bring everything to a gentle simmer. It should smell divine at this point! Toss in your ramen noodles and mixed veggies.
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Allow the pot to bubble away for about 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to keep things mixed.
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Finally, serve hot and top it off with a handful of chopped green onions.
Best way to enjoy it
This dish is the epitome of cozy vibes! Serve it up in deep bowls so you can really soak in that scrumptious broth. Pair with a light salad or some crispy spring rolls to balance the flavors. Feeling extra? Squeeze some lime juice on top for a zesty kick. And if you’re sharing, don’t be shy—add a little more sriracha for the spice lovers in your life!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? Yes, please! To keep it fresh, let the ramen cool before storing it in an airtight container. It stays good in the fridge for up to three days. However, I recommend not storing ramen noodles in the broth for too long, as they tend to become mushy. When you’re ready to dive back in, just reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back that luscious texture.
Helpful cooking tips
- Prep ahead: Slice your chicken and veggies before you begin cooking. It makes the process smoother and faster.
- Noodle trick: If you want to make this even speedier, use quick-cooking noodles or leftovers you have on hand.
- Adjust to taste: This recipe is versatile! Feel free to adjust the soy sauce or peanut butter to suit your palate.
Recipe variations
Feeling fancy? Here are some easy variations to elevate your 20 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen:
- Veggie add-ins: Broccoli, baby corn, or even spinach can be delicious additions.
- Noodle swaps: You can use zucchini noodles or rice noodles for a different twist.
- Protein swaps: Try using grilled shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Herbs and toppings: Fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can really brighten this dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
- 1 pound lean chicken breast, sliced
- 2 packages ramen noodles
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, snap peas)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions to follow
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and brown it.
- Stir in chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, and optional sriracha.
- Bring to a simmer, then add ramen noodles and mixed vegetables.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Your questions answered
- How long does this take to make? Just 20 minutes!
- Can I use different veggies? Absolutely! Use whatever you have on hand.
- What if I don’t like peanut butter? Consider almond butter or tahini as alternatives.
- Can I make this in advance? You can prepare the veggies and slice the chicken ahead of time.
- Is this dish gluten-free? Use gluten-free ramen and tamari for a safe option.
This scrumptious bowl of Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Its deliciousness sparks joy while being supportive of a quick dinner. With fragrant flavors and a beautiful medley of textures, I can assure you that this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, give it a whirl tonight! Trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Don’t hesitate to experiment and share your delicious twists in the comments. Welcome to the delicious world of quick and tasty meals!
20 Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen
Description
Enjoy this comforting bowl of Thai Peanut Chicken Ramen, rich in flavor and nutrients, perfect for busy weeknights.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Cooking Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and brown it. -
Make Broth
Stir in chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, and optional sriracha. Mix until peanut butter dissolves. -
Add Noodles and Veggies
Bring to a simmer, then add ramen noodles and mixed vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender.Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. -
Serve
Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 2g10%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 80mg27%
- Sodium 900mg38%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 50g17%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 300 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 40 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.1 mg
- Niacin 5 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Magnesium 40 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 15 mcg
- Copper 0.2 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
