Udon with Chicken and Garlicky Peanut Dressing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The udon noodles are soft yet chewy, while the garlicky peanut dressing brings a savory richness that's complemented by the freshness of the vegetables. The addition of shredded rotisserie chicken makes it a quick and satisfying meal, and the sesame seeds and chili oil add an extra layer of flavor and spice. Plus, it's easily adaptable, so you can swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• ¼ cup natural creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 8 ounces dried udon noodles
• Kosher salt
• 8 ounces shredded rotisserie chicken (about 2 cups)
• 1½ cups thinly sliced celery hearts and leaves
• 1½ cups mung bean sprouts
• 1 small daikon (Japanese white radish), peeled, cut into matchsticks
• 2 teaspoons black and/or white sesame seeds
• Chili oil (for serving)

Directions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic until smooth. Gradually add vegetable oil, whisking constantly until the dressing is emulsified. Set aside.

2. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again.

3. In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with shredded chicken, sliced celery, mung bean sprouts, and daikon. Add three-quarters of the dressing and toss everything to coat. Season with salt to taste.

4. Top with sesame seeds and drizzle the remaining dressing over the noodles. Add chili oil to taste and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein: Swap out the chicken for tofu, shrimp, or steak for a different twist.
• Vegetables: Add other crunchy vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers to personalize the dish.
• Spice: Adjust the amount of chili oil for a spicier dish, or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Noodles: If you don't have udon noodles, soba or rice noodles can be substituted.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: This dish is best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer, you can gently reheat the noodles in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute udon noodles with soba, rice noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch.

2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the peanut dressing up to one day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

3. Is this dish gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce and gluten-free udon noodles, this dish can be made gluten-free.

4. Can I add other proteins besides chicken?

Yes, shrimp, tofu, or even grilled steak would work well in this recipe.

5. Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, simply replace the honey with maple syrup or agave and use tofu instead of chicken to make it vegan.

6. How can I make this dish spicier?

You can add more chili oil or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for extra heat.

7. How do I store leftovers?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dish can be enjoyed cold or slightly reheated.

8. Can I use a different vinegar?

Yes, rice vinegar is preferred for its mild flavor, but apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can also work in a pinch.

9. Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep since it can be stored in the fridge and eaten throughout the week.

10. Can I omit the daikon radish?

Yes, you can omit the daikon radish or substitute it with another crunchy vegetable like carrots or cucumbers.

Conclusion

This Udon with Chicken and Garlicky Peanut Dressing is a flavorful, versatile dish that's perfect for any time of year. With its rich peanut dressing and fresh vegetables, it makes for a satisfying and easy meal. Whether you're enjoying it for lunch or dinner, it's a dish that everyone will love.