Peanut Chicken and Sesame Noodles
on Feb 18, 2023, Updated Apr 23, 2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This Peanut Chicken and Sesame Noodles recipe has become a staple in our household. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and loved by both kids and adults. The creamy peanut sauce paired with tender chicken and savory sesame noodles creates a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is. You can adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or add in extra veggies based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce toddlers to new flavors in a familiar format.
Why Peanut Chicken and Sesame Noodles are Great for Toddlers and Families
Quick & Easy – This dish comes together in about 30 minutes with simple steps, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavorful but Not Too Strong – The peanut sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and full of flavor without being too bold for little ones. You can easily adjust the spice level depending on who you’re serving.
Soft & Easy to Eat – The noodles are slurpable and the chicken is tender, making it easy for toddlers to chew and enjoy.
Packed with Protein – Between the chicken and peanut butter, this meal has plenty of staying power and nutrients to keep everyone full and fueled.
Picky Eater-Friendly – You can serve the components separately, skip the spice, or swap in tofu or another protein to suit your family’s preferences.
Great for Leftovers – It reheats well, making it a great option to save and serve again for lunch or dinner the next day.
What You Will Need:
Peanut Chicken
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
Sesame Noodles
- 16 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 6 tsp minced garlic
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
For the Peanut Chicken
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, water, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Marinate Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated.
- Bake: Spread the chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden.
For the Sesame Noodles
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine minced garlic, sugar, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili sauce. Stir continuously and bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Combine: Pour the sauce over the cooked noodles and toss to ensure they’re evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the noodles and top with the baked peanut chicken. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Substitutions
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili sauce to suit your family’s preference. For toddlers, you might want to reduce or omit it.
- Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different take on the dish.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: While the noodles are best enjoyed fresh, the peanut chicken can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
For Toddlers: Serve the noodles and chicken separately to allow little ones to explore each component.
Family Style: Present the dish on a large platter, letting everyone serve themselves.
Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a warm school lunch.
Sheet Pan Peanut Chicken
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, water, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
- Cut chicken into small pieces. Add to the bowl.
- Spread mixture onto sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sesame Noodles
Ingredients
- 16 oz linguine or spaghetti noodles
- 6 tsp minced garlic
- 6 tbsp sugar
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 6 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tsp chili sauce
- Green onions for top
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package. Drain water.
- Place a saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in garlic, sugar, oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili sauce.
- Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves. Stir constantly. Pour sauce over linguine and toss to coat. Top with green onions.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is really good, my entire family really enjoyed it 🙂
I’m so glad you liked it!