Oriental Chicken Spaghetti
A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, crispy vegetables, and savory peanut sauce, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. linguine spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 medium red pepper
- 1 medium pickling cucumber ⓘ
- 1 green onion ⓘ
- 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salad oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup peanut butter ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. Oriental sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp. white vinegar
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
Instructions
- About 40 minutes before serving, prepare thin spaghetti as label directs; drain.
- Meanwhile, cut red pepper and cucumber into matchstick-thin strips.
- Thinly slice green onion.
- In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, Oriental sesame oil, white vinegar, and sugar to make the sauce.
- Cut chicken breasts into thin strips and toss with cornstarch and salt.
- Heat salad oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the prepared vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve the hot mixture over cooked spaghetti.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute grilled tofu for chicken or use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti. You can adjust the peanut butter to taste; if you prefer less richness, try almond butter. Incorporating additional vegetables like snap peas or carrots can enhance flavor and nutrition. For a kick, add red pepper flakes or sriracha. This dish pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired recipes like Fat-Free Fancy Fried Rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Oriental Chicken Spaghetti in bowls, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch. A side of steamed broccoli or a light Asian salad can complement the dish beautifully. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Chinese Pineapple Steamed Sponge Cake for dessert, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the spaghetti seems dry, add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to loosen it up. Avoid freezing, as the sauce may separate and the texture of the chicken can suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Oriental Chicken Spaghetti contains roughly 456 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (118% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2856mg per serving (124% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the flavors of the sauce well. Just follow the same instructions for cooking the tofu, and make sure it's nicely browned before adding the vegetables and sauce. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
What can I use instead of peanut butter?
If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for the peanut butter. Both alternatives will give the dish a unique taste while maintaining a creamy texture. Adjust the amount of soy sauce and vinegar to balance the flavors as needed.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat to your Oriental Chicken Spaghetti, you can include red pepper flakes or sriracha in the peanut sauce. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your spice preference. Additionally, adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili oil when serving can elevate the dish’s spiciness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).