Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to meal: udon with chicken and garlicky peanut dressing. Seriously, this dish has it all—it’s quick, packed with flavor, and so satisfying! I often whip it up after a long day when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The thick, chewy udon noodles paired with tender chicken and that creamy, garlicky peanut dressing? Pure magic! I remember the first time I made it; the aroma filled my kitchen, and I could hardly wait to dig in. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together in just about 25 minutes. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this delightful dish!
Ingredients for Udon with Chicken and Garlicky Peanut Dressing
Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! This dish is super simple, and you probably have most of these items in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 200g udon noodles – these thick, chewy noodles are the star of the show!
- 200g chicken breast, sliced – I like to use fresh chicken for a tender bite.
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter – creamy or chunky, it’ll add that luscious texture.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – for that umami kick that makes everything better!
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar – this adds a nice tanginess to the dressing.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – because, let’s be honest, garlic makes everything better!
- 1 tablespoon honey – a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – this gives a lovely nutty aroma.
- 2 green onions, sliced – for a fresh crunch on top.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season!
And that’s it! Easy peasy, right? Now, let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Udon with Chicken and Garlicky Peanut Dressing
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! First things first, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your udon noodles according to the package instructions. They usually take about 8-10 minutes to get that perfect chewy texture. While that’s happening, grab a large pan and heat up the sesame oil over medium heat. You’ll love the nutty aroma that fills the air!
Next, add your sliced chicken breast to the pan. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s golden and cooked through. In the meantime, let’s whip up that dreamy garlicky peanut dressing. In a bowl, mix together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and honey. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water to loosen it up!
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and toss them right into the pan with the chicken. Pour that luscious dressing all over the top, and mix everything together until the noodles and chicken are nicely coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and voila! You’re almost there. Just garnish with those lovely sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Deliciously rich and creamy garlicky peanut dressing that elevates the dish.
- Perfectly chewy udon noodles paired with tender chicken for a satisfying meal.
- Customizable—add your favorite veggies for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Healthy yet indulgent, making it a guilt-free comfort food option.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your udon with chicken and garlicky peanut dressing turns out absolutely perfect! First off, if you find the dressing a bit thick, just add a splash of warm water to reach your desired consistency. It should be creamy but pourable—trust me, the right texture makes all the difference!
If you want to amp up the nutrition (and color!), feel free to toss in some veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or even shredded carrots. They’ll add a delightful crunch and make the dish even more vibrant.
Also, don’t skip the step of seasoning with salt and pepper at the end; it really brings all those flavors together. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a nice kick! Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!
Nutritional Information
So, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this delightful udon with chicken and garlicky peanut dressing is estimated to have around 450 calories. You’ll also get about 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Now, keep in mind these values can vary depending on the specific brands you use and any extras you add. But overall, it’s a wholesome meal that’s low in fat and packed with satisfying ingredients. Perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! If you can’t find udon noodles, feel free to swap them out for soba or even rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! Just store the noodles and chicken separately from the dressing, and mix them together when you’re ready to eat. It tastes great even after a day in the fridge!
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Definitely! The garlicky peanut dressing can be made a few days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a good stir before using.
How can I make it spicy?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding some sriracha or chili sauce to the dressing. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top when serving for an extra kick!
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish is pretty filling on its own, but if you want to add a side, a simple cucumber salad or steamed veggies would complement it perfectly!
Udon with Chicken and Garlicky Peanut Dressing in 25 Minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Udon noodles served with chicken and a garlicky peanut dressing.
Ingredients
- 200g udon noodles
- 200g chicken breast, sliced
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook udon noodles according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
- Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and honey to make the dressing.
- Drain the noodles and add them to the pan with chicken.
- Pour the dressing over the noodles and chicken, mixing well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the consistency of the dressing with water if needed.
- Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: udon, chicken, peanut dressing, garlicky