These sesame noodles with chicken are so easy to make and can easily be tweaked to suit your family. They are delicious hot, warm or cold!
My mother makes the most amazing sesame noodles with chicken - really better than I have ever tasted in any Chinese restaurant. It is one of her go-to recipes for parties because everyone goes nuts for it. It can be served chilled, at room temperature or even warm!
The variations are really endless with this dish. I've made it with red and yellow pepper strips, edamame, julienned cucumber, steamed broccoli and bean sprouts. The protein is optional too, but does help make it a complete meal. Try it with thinly sliced, cooked beef or even shrimp...or go meatless and add tofu!
For this recipe, I used spaghetti but if your grocery store has a decent Asian section, you might want to try using lo mein noodles (Wegmans makes a fabulous lo mein noodles - found in the freezer section).(note: since I first created this recipe, asian noodles are easier to find in most store - or you can even buy udon noodles online!)
I love adding the cabbage for some extra crunch and texture, but you can leave that out if you want or cabbage doesn't "agree" with you. If you want to add some more color to the dish - try using red cabbage!
NOTE: Sesame oil has a strong flavor, so I suggest starting with two tablespoons and adding more as needed. You can also swap out the olive oil with canola or vegetable oil, which is a more authentic. You could add some more heat by mixing some Sriracha or chili oil into the dressing.
Any leftovers will keeps nicely in the refrigerator, but it will soak up the sauce as it sits. We usually mix up some soy, sesame oil and a little water and toss it again before serving a second time.
Scroll down for the recipe!
Sesame Noodles with Chicken | Delicious Warm or Cold!
Ingredients
- 1 pound linguine cooked, rinsed and drained
- ¾ lb cooked boneless chicken breast thinly sliced
- ¼ of a small head of cabbage finely sliced (appx. 2 cups)
- 2 green onions sliced, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup grated carrot plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup fresh chopped cilantro leaves plus extra for garnish
For the Sauce
- 2-3 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon firmly packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
- 2 garlic cloves crushed
- 1 tablespoon ginger finely grated
- 2-3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- Juice of one fresh lime
- 2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup hot water
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Instructions
- Add the sesame oil, olive oil, brown sugar, peanut butter, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, lime juice and sesame seeds to a very large bowl and whisk to combine.
- Taste the dressing. Here is where you'll want to add more of whatever you like along with salt and pepper. I usually like more acidity in mine and add more lime. If you want some heat, add the crushed red pepper.
- When the sauce is how you like it, add the cilantro and green onions, reserving some for garnish. Stir to combine.
- Add the carrots, cabbage and chicken and stir to combine.
- Next add the cooked noodles and chicken and toss to combine. I use my hands for this 😉
- Serve immediately with some cilantro, green onions and carrots sprinkled over the top for garnish.
Brian J
We enjoy Asian food a lot in the Jones household, and most of the time there is not much leftovers, however I love the idea of this without the meat and cold for a light summer lunch! Thanks for sharing #meltinyourmouth
Karly
These noodles are calling my name! Thanks for linking up with What's Cookin' Wednesday!
Allie
This looks so yummy. I'm always looking for new asian noodle dishes. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty
Laura
What a wonderful recipe.
Thank you for sharing this at Thoughts of Home. We are so glad you are here.
Julie
This looks amazing!
Linda smythe
I am looking for a cold dish to make as a main dish for my husband's birthday since were going to be doing a picnic with a group of people wondering how many people this recipe will serve?
Patti
This sounds like a really good recipe. I was wondering how much chicken to put in.