These Instant Pot Sticky Garlic Peanut Noodles with Chicken combine rich peanut butter sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. The flavors are balanced with a bit of sweetness and the slightest touch of heat, making this dish a family favorite.
For a satisfying meal, top the noodles with fresh green onions and sesame seeds, adding a crunchy texture and fresh flavor. You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili sauce or adding other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, for added crunch. This dish makes for an excellent weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week ahead.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (optional) Directions:
- Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and heat sesame oil. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and ginger and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili sauce (if using).
- Add rice noodles to the Instant Pot, then pour the peanut sauce over the noodles and chicken.
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set it to “Manual” for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, quickly release the pressure.
- Stir the noodles, and top with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 475 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Background of the Recipe:
Instant Pot Sticky Garlic Peanut Noodles with Chicken is an irresistible dish that perfectly combines the rich, savory flavors of garlic and peanut butter with tender, juicy chicken and delicate rice noodles. This recipe takes inspiration from Asian-inspired noodle dishes, which are famous for their balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. Using the Instant Pot to cook this meal makes it not only flavorful but also incredibly quick and easy. Gone are the days of standing by the stove for hours to prepare a delicious dinner — this dish is ready in just 25 minutes!
The unique flavor profile of this dish comes from the use of peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a touch of chili sauce. This combination creates a creamy and smooth peanut sauce that coats the noodles and chicken perfectly. The Instant Pot locks in all the flavors while also ensuring that the chicken remains tender and juicy.
Why This Recipe is the Best:
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: The Instant Pot is a game-changer when it comes to preparing weeknight meals. This recipe can be prepared in just 25 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy individuals and families. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and speed, without sacrificing flavor. Simply sauté the chicken and garlic, add the peanut sauce, and cook the noodles in the Instant Pot. A quick pressure release, a stir, and you’re ready to serve!
- One-Pot Meal: This recipe requires just one pot, which not only makes cleanup a breeze but also allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. By cooking everything in the Instant Pot, the peanut sauce infuses into the chicken and noodles, making every bite a harmonious blend of flavors. This is especially great for those who don’t want to deal with multiple pots and pans cluttering up the kitchen.
- Nutritious and Flavorful: Peanut butter is the star ingredient in this dish, bringing both creaminess and a dose of healthy fats. It’s also packed with protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. The addition of chicken provides another layer of protein, making this a complete meal that will leave you feeling nourished. The garlic adds a burst of flavor while also offering numerous health benefits, including its antibacterial properties. The ginger and soy sauce bring an extra level of depth to the sauce, giving it a balanced umami flavor.
- Customizable: One of the best parts about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily modify the dish to suit your preferences. If you want to make it spicier, simply add more chili sauce or red pepper flakes. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. You can also throw in additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to enhance the nutritional value and add more textures to the dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors only improve after sitting for a day or two. The noodles absorb the peanut sauce, and the chicken becomes even more flavorful as it sits in the sauce. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Whether you’re meal prepping for work, school, or simply for the convenience of having a homemade meal on hand, this recipe is perfect for making in advance.
- Kid-Friendly: The subtle sweetness and creamy peanut sauce make this dish especially appealing to children. The combination of chicken and noodles is often a hit with younger eaters, and the sauce adds a unique yet familiar flavor that kids love. Plus, it’s easy to get kids involved in the kitchen by letting them help add ingredients to the Instant Pot. This makes it a fun and easy meal that everyone in the family can enjoy.
- Packed with Flavor but Not Overpowering: The combination of garlic, peanut butter, and soy sauce creates a savory and slightly sweet sauce that is rich and comforting. It’s a flavor-packed meal, but the balance of ingredients ensures that no single flavor overpowers the others. The result is a complex and satisfying dish that’s both flavorful and well-rounded. It’s the kind of dish you’ll crave after a long day but without feeling weighed down by heaviness or richness.
The Health Benefits:
- Peanut Butter: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, peanut butter helps support muscle repair and keeps you full longer. It’s a great source of antioxidants and can even improve heart health when consumed in moderation.
- Chicken: A lean source of protein, chicken helps build muscle mass and supports overall body functions. It also contains important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6 and niacin.
- Garlic: Known for its powerful immune-boosting properties, garlic contains allicin, which has been shown to help reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and support overall heart health. It also contains antioxidants, which fight inflammation and promote overall wellness.
- Ginger: In addition to adding a subtle spice, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestion. It has been known to reduce nausea, aid in weight management, and even boost immunity.
- Noodles: While the dish is hearty, rice noodles are a lighter, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta, making them a suitable option for those with dietary restrictions.
Why You Should Try This Recipe:
If you’re looking for a meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this Instant Pot Sticky Garlic Peanut Noodles with Chicken is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent with a hectic schedule, or someone who simply loves flavorful comfort food, this recipe will not disappoint. It’s a meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With its nutritional benefits, versatility, and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that will soon become a staple in your dinner rotation.
So why not give it a try tonight? You’ll be amazed at how the Instant Pot transforms a simple combination of ingredients into a savory and satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Conclusion:
Instant Pot Sticky Garlic Peanut Noodles with Chicken is a deliciously satisfying meal that brings together rich, savory flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re short on time or simply looking for a comforting dish, this recipe has you covered. The Instant Pot makes cooking easy and quick, while the combination of peanut butter, garlic, and soy sauce creates a flavorful sauce that coats the noodles and chicken perfectly. Not only is it quick and easy to prepare, but it’s also packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a well-rounded meal for any day of the week.
This dish is versatile, customizable, and ideal for meal prep, making it a great option for busy families, individuals, or anyone looking to add a little variety to their weekly dinner routine. With its bold flavors, simple ingredients, and the convenience of the Instant Pot, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try today and enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal that’s both quick to make and incredibly delicious!