Hey y’all! If you love bold flavors and crave a satisfying yet nutritious meal, these Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles are about to become your new favorite! Juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and spiralized zucchini noodles are all tossed in a creamy, savory peanut sauce that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you just want something quick and healthy. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe
- It’s low-carb and gluten-free, making it a guilt-free option for any diet.
- Whips up in just 25 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings.
- Packed with protein and colorful veggies for a balanced meal.
- The creamy peanut sauce delivers that crave-worthy, restaurant-style taste.
- Easy to customize with your favorite add-ins or substitutions.
Ingredients for Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Veggies for the Zucchini Noodles
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the garlic and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly tender, then add the spiralized zucchini noodles. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, tossing gently, until the zoodles are just tender but still have a slight crunch. Do not overcook to prevent sogginess!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Peanut Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and water in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and transfer Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles to serving bowls. Top with green onions, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Pat zucchini noodles dry with a paper towel before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
- For a nut-free option, substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter (learn more here).
- Use rotisserie chicken to save even more time on busy nights.
Variations on Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Vegan: Skip the chicken and use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based option.
- Spicy: Add extra sriracha or sprinkle with chili flakes for more heat.
- Crunchy: Toss in shredded carrots or snap peas for additional texture.
Equipment Needed for Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Large skillet or wok
- Spiralizer or julienne peeler
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, store the sauce separately and mix just before reheating. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through—avoid microwaving for too long to prevent sogginess.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Pair with a side of jasmine rice or brown rice for extra heartiness.
- Serve alongside a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Enjoy with a light Asian-inspired soup, like miso soup or hot and sour soup (see more soup ideas here).
Pro Tips for the Best Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles
- Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles—2 to 3 minutes is plenty for that perfect al dente bite.
- Add more water to the sauce if it thickens too much while cooking.
- Spiralize zucchini just before cooking to keep it as fresh and crisp as possible (see spiralizing tips here).
Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles: FAQ
- Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Yes! Almond butter works just as well and gives a slightly different but delicious flavor.
- Do I have to spiralize the zucchini myself? Not at all—store-bought spiralized zucchini is a great time-saver.
- How do I keep zucchini noodles from getting watery? Pat them dry before cooking and avoid overcooking; storing sauce separately also helps keep them firm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
1In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and water until smooth. Set aside.
-
2Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and cook the sliced chicken breast for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
-
3Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss with the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
-
4Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and zucchini noodles. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well coated.
-
5Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped roasted peanuts before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!