If you’re craving takeout but want a healthier, homemade option, this Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe is your answer. Packed with flavor, texture, and nutritious ingredients, it’s a light but satisfying dish that delivers major taste with fewer carbs.
This dish combines juicy chicken strips, crisp zucchini noodles, and a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The result? A stir-fry style meal that’s savory, slightly sweet, and a little spicy — just like your favorite Thai-inspired noodles, but cleaner and quicker.
What makes this dish even more special is the balance of flavors and textures. The peanut sauce is velvety and bold, the zucchini noodles offer a crisp-tender bite, and the chicken soaks up all the saucey goodness. You won’t even miss the real noodles!
This recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want something comforting without the guilt. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be made paleo or Whole30 with a few simple swaps.
Zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” are the perfect canvas for bold sauces. They’re naturally low in carbs, low in calories, and super quick to prepare. When cooked properly, they mimic the feel of noodles while adding freshness.
Homemade peanut sauce is easier than it seems and infinitely better than bottled. You only need a few pantry staples: peanut butter, soy sauce (or tamari), lime juice, honey or maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and water to thin.
The best part? Everything comes together in one pan in less than 30 minutes. No mess, no fuss, and way healthier than takeout.
Feel free to customize with extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Want it spicier? Add sriracha or chili flakes. Want it vegetarian? Swap chicken for tofu.
This dish also reheats beautifully and can be enjoyed warm or cold. It’s a fantastic option for make-ahead lunches or dinner leftovers.
The creamy peanut sauce is what truly sets this dish apart. It clings to every zoodle and piece of chicken, coating everything in nutty, savory flavor.
If you love peanut noodles or pad Thai but are trying to eat lighter, this is the perfect middle ground. It satisfies the craving without weighing you down.
This recipe is also kid-approved, thanks to its mild sweetness and creamy texture. It’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll make on repeat.
From the bold sauce to the fresh noodles, every bite delivers something different. It’s a wholesome comfort food recipe you can feel great about eating.
This Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe is everything you need in a weeknight meal: quick, healthy, delicious, and satisfying from the first forkful to the last.
Servings
Serves: 2–3
Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For the peanut sauce:
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2–3 tablespoons water (to thin)
For the noodles:
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thinly
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (avocado or olive oil)
- 3 medium zucchinis, spiralized
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges, chili flakes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all peanut sauce ingredients until smooth. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from pan.
- In the same skillet, add zucchini noodles and cook for 1–2 minutes until just tender.
- Return chicken to the pan, pour in peanut sauce, and toss everything until well coated.
- Serve immediately, topped with chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges, or chili flakes.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the zucchini noodles to avoid sogginess.
- Make the peanut sauce ahead and store in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Add more veggies for color and nutrition.
- For spice lovers, stir in sriracha or Thai chili paste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, rich, and packed with flavor
- Light, low-carb alternative to takeout
- Quick one-pan meal
- Easily customizable
- Great for leftovers or meal prep
Summary
Peanut Chicken Zucchini Noodles are a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying alternative to traditional takeout. With a bold peanut sauce and crisp-tender zoodles, this quick dinner will become a favorite in your healthy recipe rotation.
