Craving a vibrant and flavorful meal that's perfect for a warm summer evening? Look no further than our Cool Chinese Chicken & Sesame Noodles! This refreshing dish combines succulent chicken with a tantalizing sesame dressing, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles and a medley of fresh vegetables. The satisfying blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes makes it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. Forget heavy, greasy takeout – this recipe is surprisingly light yet deeply satisfying.
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality experience without the fuss. We'll guide you through each step, from perfectly marinating the chicken to creating that irresistible sesame dressing. Ready to unlock the secrets to this delicious noodle dish? Let's dive into the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions below!
Tools Needed
- pot
- bowl
- whisk
Ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken and Dressing
- Add chicken thighs/drumsticks to a pot with chicken stock (water is fine too). Bring to a simmer, cook for 15 minutes, then let it sit off heat to continue cooking gently.
- In a bowl, whisk together garlic, Chinese sesame paste, peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and a little hot water until smooth.
- Once cool enough to handle, shred the poached chicken using your hands.
Step 2. Cook and Prepare the Vegetables and Noodles
- Boil bean sprouts for about a minute, then snow pea shoots for a few seconds. Rinse with cold water to cool and set aside.
- Cook wheat noodles according to package instructions. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Transfer cooked noodles to a bowl with ice to cool quickly. Avoid rinsing under water to prevent stickiness.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Slice cucumber (removing seeds), radish, spring onion, and coriander (optional). Set aside roasted peanuts and sesame seeds.
- In a large bowl, toss together the cooled noodles, blanched vegetables, dressing, shredded chicken, and a portion of the toppings.
Step 4. Serve and Garnish
- Arrange the noodle salad in bowls. Garnish with remaining toppings (peanuts, sesame seeds, extra dressing, and chili oil if desired).
Read more: Chinese Shredded Chicken Salad Recipe: Easy Sesame Chicken
Tips
- For juiciest chicken, let it rest after cooking.
- Use ice, not ice water, to cool noodles.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of noodles?
Absolutely! Try thin spaghetti, rice noodles, or even soba noodles for a unique twist. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a drizzle of sriracha at the end for extra heat. You could also include some finely chopped chili peppers in the vegetables.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and noodles separately ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Prepare the sauce just before serving and toss everything together for a quick meal.
This Cool Chinese Chicken & Sesame Noodles recipe is a perfect example of how a simple dish can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy this refreshing and easy-to-make recipe throughout the summer months, and don't hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and protein to make it your own. Happy cooking!