Home » Recipes » Easy Healthy Dinners » Chicken » Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

This Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe is an easy healthy dinner option that only takes 15 minutes! Zucchini Noodles with fresh vegetables, pan seared chicken then tossed with a zesty peanut sauce make this one flavor packed bite. 

If you’re looking for more Zucchini Noodle Recipes you’ve got to try my Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodle Salad with a Sesame Vinaigrette or my Shrimp Stir Fry with Zucchini Noodles.

Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles

First off, if peanut butter is in it then you know its a winner! Am I right?

But the fact that this recipe is packed full of vegetables too. Well that’s a sneaky little “mom trick” and just plain awesome.

I was trying to think of a new spiralizer recipe for ya’ll because they are just fun to make AND its a easy healthy substitute. And ya’ll, let me tell you. This turned out way better than I thought it would. When Mike came home I couldn’t wait for him to try it, he gave me the stink eye at first but then he took the first bite and said “What is this babe? Its really good!” And then he finished off the bowl! Mission Accomplished!

Oh, did I mention that is takes 15 minutes to make and its only 363 calories! Yup! Amazing! Not only will the flavors wow but the ease of it will too. Your family will love it!

ingredients for thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce

How to cut Zucchini Noodles?

The best and easiest way to cut zucchini to create zucchini noodles is to use a kitchen tool called a spiralizer. Using this tool will help you make long spaghetti looking noodles with ease. You can buy this tool at most cooking stores or on amazon. 

How to make Zucchini Noodles without a spiralizer?

The good news is you can still make zucchini noodles even if you don’t have a spiralizer. 

  1. Vegetable Peeler: The first way is a vegetable peeler. Just apply light pressure to the sides of your zucchini and peel. You’ll be left with thicker “fettuccini like” noodles.
  2. A Knife: Using a pairing knife just slice thin strips from the top to the bottom until you reach the core.
  3. Mandoline Slicer: This is another kitchen tool that will help you create zucchini noodles that will look more like “fettuccini” than spaghetti. However, if you’d like to make them look like spaghetti, just cut those noodles into thin julienne slices and viola – noodles.
  4. Grater: Another easy way to make zucchini noodles is to use a vegetable grater. Start your zucchini at the top of the grater and pull it all that way down to the bottom of the zucchini, applying pressure the entire time so you are left with noodles.

Honestly, if you really want to go the easy route, just skip all of this and buy zucchini noodles at the store. It’s up to you!

overhead photo of thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce in a bowls

How to cook Zucchini Noodles?

Ok, so here is where I vary from most people. I don’t like to cook my zucchini noodles. I find that even when you give them a quick flash in a saute pan they get mushy and release a ton of water. So instead of cooking my noodles I leave them raw and top them warm ingredients – like this pan seared chicken or a Bolognese sauce. However, if you still want to cook your zucchini noodles. The best way to cook them is:

  1. Prep your Zucchini Noodles: place your spiralized noodles in a colander and sprinkle with salt. This will help take some of the moisture out. Let them sit for 30 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel. 
  2. Heat a Pan: Heat a large saute pan to medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil to the pan and then zucchini noodles.
  3. Saute: Saute your noodles for 2-3 minutes, stirring throughout. Remove and immediately serve.

process photo of how to make thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce

a bowl filled with thai chicken zucchini noodles and a fork in the bowl

Zoodles are an easy way to make any dish low carb AND gluten free. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies. Alright, now that you’re a master in “the zoodle” let’s mix them up with some flavor. One of my favorite dishes to make with zucchini noodles is this Thai Chicken and Peanut Sauce. The peanut sauce is everything, trust me!

This dish is easy to make, as in it’s done in 15 minutes because all your doing is sauting the chicken and giving a quick flash fry to some vegetables then tossing everything with your raw noodles and that killer Spicy Peanut Sauce! It’s gonna be your new favorite. Believe me!

Bon Appetit friends!

Other dishes similar to this Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe:

closeup photo of thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce in a bowl

** This post contains affiliate links. **

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce -web-5

Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Krista
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Mix
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles Recipe tossed with a zesty peanut sauce makes this one flavorful bite! It’s an easy healthy dinner option that only takes 20 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale

Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles:

  • 2 tablespoons of grape seed oil
  • 1 lb. of chicken tenders, cut into cubes
  • 1 tablespoon of grape seed oil
  • 2 zucchini, spiralized
  • 1 cup carrot, julienned
  • 1 red pepper, julienned
  • 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, diced
  • 1/4 cup of green onions, diced
  • sesame seeds (for garnish)

Spicy Peanut Sauce:

  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 4 tablespoons of peanut butter
  • juice of 1 lime
  • 3 tablespoons of coconut aminos (or tamari sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro, diced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, peanut butter, coconut aminos or tamari, lime juice, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet to medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of grape seed oil and chicken tenders. Saute each side for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit.
  3. To a large bowl add raw zucchini noodles, chicken, carrots, red pepper and sauce. Using a tongs, gently toss them together.
  4. Next, add fresh cilantro and green onions to the bowl and give it another toss.
  5. Serve and garnish with sesame seeds.

Notes

If you use tamari sauce, use 2 tablespoons instead of 3.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 256
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 901 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 g

Filed Under:


 

pinterest image for thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce

pinterest image for thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce

pinterest image for thai chicken zucchini noodles with spicy peanut sauce

Zoodles are the star in this easy 15 minute Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles recipe with Spicy Peanut Sauce only 363 calories and packed with a punch of flavor! | joyfulhealthyeats.com #paleo #glutenfree

DON’T MISS A RECIPE ->

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | BLOGLOVIN | INSTAGRAM

Review and rate this recipe!

I love hearing from you! Submit your question or review here. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked*.

Rate This Recipe! 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

115 comments on “Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce”

  1. Avatar photo
    Amber Sullivan

    Made this last night. It was amazing can’t wait to make it again. So easy an wow what great flavors!






  2. Excellent recipe and delicious dish! I added cubes of tofu and sliced sugar snap peas and will definitely be making this again and again💚






    1. the red pepper could, I wouldn’t do the green onion but that’s just me. I find it gets bitter when it’s cooked.

  3. This is my GO TO zucchini noodle recipe! I don’t change a thing, except when I’m out of aminos I use soy sauce. My boyfriend requests this constantly. Thank you so much for this recipe!

  4. This recipe is amazing! Thank you for sharing it! My boyfriend and I have decided to put it into our weekly rotation! We add a jalapeno or serrano pepper to kick up the spice!






  5. This looks like it would make for a good cold salad… have you ever done that? I need a dish for a salad potluck, and have to have a cold one because of timing.

  6. This looks great and I’m excited to give it a try! One question – any idea on the fiber count? I’d like to figure the net carbs. Thanks!!

  7. Girl, God bless you! This was the best recipe I’ve made all year! This was great for me bf and I who are trying to eat less carbs. I’m also a super busy girl so the cooking time was just right.

    Thanks for restoring my confidence in myself for cooking!






    1. ohhhh hurray! that just made my day, pumped you liked the recipe and your passion for cooking is restored! 🙂

  8. This recipe is delicious! I made it for my boyfriend last night. The leftovers tasted just as good as it did last night. I used shrimp instead of chicken and olive oil instead of grape seed oil because that’s what I had in my pantry.






  9. Ok absolutely obsessed with this recipe. My husband and I both love it! Packed with flavor. This will go in our regular rotation and will definitely be made again soon. Only my second go with my new spiralizer – I’m inspired to do much more!!

    1. Woohoo! So glad to hear you and the hubbie loved it! I love it when you try and new recipe and it blows you away. 🙂 Hope you have lots more inspiralizer recipes ahead of you.

  10. Avatar photo
    Sophia Gusmano

    That looks delicious. I’m dying to try zoodles especially since I eat low carb. I’m sure I can find a low carb Pad Thai sauce to use in the recipe . Thank you.






  11. OMG!!! Thank you!! I absolutely LOVE this! I am diabetic and have been trying to eat more low carb and this was fantastic!!






    1. Ohhh hurray! So glad you liked it Lori! If you like that one you need to try the Pesto Zucchini Noodles with grilled chicken and burst tomatoes. It’s so tasty! 🙂

  12. Avatar photo
    Kristie Moore

    What else can I use besides the Grape Seed Oil? And also for the peanut sauce, on a rate 1 to 10 how spicy? I need to be careful on spicy things so it doesn’t trigger off a migraine. I’ve had peanut sauce before but not spicy.

    1. You could use canola oil instead of the grape seed oil, it doesn’t have a lot of flavor which is what you want. 🙂

      As far as the peanut sauce it’s not too spicy. But if you’d like you could use 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes just to be safe. I definitely feel ya on the migraines.. they are no bueno!!

  13. This looks SO GOOD! Quick question…I can’t tell if the chicken in the pictures has breading on it…can you help me out with that?

  14. I used the sauce from this recipe in my own Asian meatball zoodle recipe. Thanks for the inspiration! It is delicious and I look forward to trying other recipes of yours.






  15. Loved this recipe, except next time I think I would make it without the chicken! It was plenty filling as a vegan dish! I especially liked that the veggies and peanut butter were plenty sweet on their own without any added sweetener.






  16. I’m making this for the second time tonight–it’s our new favorite recipe. My kitchenaid spiralizer attachment makes the prep super easy and the results are fantastic. Thanks for the great recipe!

    1. Woohoo! so glad to hear it Michelle! It’s one of our favorites too! That sauce is down right addicting!

  17. Just wondering how many SmartPoints? I could figure it out, but there is no Sat. fat count listed.

    Thanks,
    Lori

    1. Hmm… I’m not sure how to calculate the SmartPoints so I’ll give you the sat. fat count… it’s 1 g. Hope that helps. If you need anything else let me know!

  18. I made your Thai Chicken Zucchini Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce for company last night. It was a huge hit! A lot of times when we have company, I can’t really judge the food until I’m more relaxed the next day when I eat leftovers (if any). But from the first bite last night I thought, “Wow, this is really good!” Great dinner!

    1. Hurray! Brave girl on making it for the first time when companies comes! (you sound like me) So glad you enjoyed it and that it was a hit. Totally just made my day Barbara!

  19. My sauce was so salty! Do coconut aminos have more sodium in them??

    I added honey and more ginger, and called it good :0) thanks for the recipe!






    1. It doesn’t have more sodium but it does have a stronger fermented taste that soy sauce. Glad you were able to compensate for the salty by adding the honey, good call. 🙂

    2. The sauce was very salty for me, too. I used gluten-free tamari soy sauce. Going to toss it out and start over. This recipe has potential!






      1. Hey Lauren, I’ve made this a couple times and have noticed that when I use tamari as opposed to coconut aminos the tamari turns out to be alot more salty. So maybe use a little less or add more honey and lime juice to balance out the flavors. 🙂

  20. This looks delish! I’m sure you’ve been asked this before, but what type of spiralizer do you use? Went to Amazon for a look at them and there are SO MANY! Any recommendations? Thank you!!

    1. Hey Kristy, this is the one I normally recommend: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007Y9WHQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0007Y9WHQ&linkCode=as2&tag=joyheaeat-20&linkId=6L7TWTMSFN2B4NUI its the one I have. 🙂

  21. Hi Krista, can’t wait to try this!!! It looks sooooooo yum. One quick question: do yo serve the peanut sauce on the side? Or is it stirred in with the noodles? Thanks for sharing!

    1. Hey Kathi, You’ll love it! I stir it in with the noodles but you could serve it on the side if you want. Can’t wait to hear what you think! 🙂

  22. This recipe was so good that I just had to leave a comment. Since I’m a vegetarian, I swapped out chicken for mushrooms and broccoli. It was incredible. This is the first time I’ve used my spiralizer, and it was so easy! Thanks for the recipe!!






  23. This looks delicious! Do you think almond butter would work in place of peanut butter? I am on Whole30 right now.

    1. Yes I definitely think it would work. It would have a different flavor but it would still work in the recipe. 🙂

  24. Avatar photo
    Sheila Ehlers

    Looks yummy! What kind of PB do you use?? I made a Thai dish years ago and it had pasta and PB and snow peas. We hated it…it was just too much PB or the wrong kind. I want to try this!!😀

    1. I just use Jiffy creamy, I have also used Peanut Butter & Co Natural version.

      I don’t feel like this dish is overly peanut buttery, but if you’re worried about it I would recommend you try a smaller amount in the dressing part and if you want more than add it. 🙂

  25. I tried this recipe a couple nights ago and it was a HUGE hit!! My whole family had seconds and we were sad when it was all gone. That’s really saying something when my picky 6, 5, 3 and 20 month old all loved it. I will have to double the recipe next time 🙂

    1. Yeah!!!! So excited to hear that Nancy, totally just made my day! And yes, double batch this bad boy always!

  26. Avatar photo
    Jessica McCanse

    Tonight was my first foray into the exciting world of zoodling with this recipe, and it was so exciting and delicious! I used my mandoline for the zucchini and a julienne peeler for the carrots. Next time I’ll serve with lime wedges, crushed peanuts, and incorporate some hot pepper slices for my spice-loving family. We loved it!






    1. Ohhh… love it Jessica! The peanuts will add a nice texture change and the hot pepper slices will definitely take it up a notch. 🙂 Thanks for stopping in to leave a note! Welcome to the world of zoodling! 🙂

  27. Just made this, only modified to include zoodles and red peppers (because that’s all that’s in the fridge). I also used liquid aminos for a GF option. Quite tasty! Thanks for sharing!






    1. hurray! Glad you were able to adapt it to what you had! So pumped that you enjoyed this recipe Jen! 🙂

  28. My husband and I just made this recipe and LOVED it! He said this needs to go in a bi-weekly rotation and I have to agree. Only change I made was adding siracha sauce and thinly sliced jalapeños…bc we like to kick the heat up. Next time I will double the recipe for more leftovers! Thanks so much for sharing, I’m now going to stalk your other dinner ideas!

    1. Oh… love the change up! Great way to add in the heat! This recipe is definitely double batch worthy, we actually finished all ours the first time I made it and didn’t have any leftovers… so I learned for the next time. 🙂

      And stalk away… haha.. recipe related… not me personally.. ok… i’m done! 🙂 hehe

  29. Made this today for lunch and it was a big hit. I love zoodles but get tired of just making Italian dishes with them. Everyone loves Thai in my family, so this worked out well. Will definitely make this again.






    1. EXACTLY! I’m sick of the italian ones too, which is exactly why I made this one. So glad you enjoyed it Maria!

  30. Great recipe! I am skeptical of healthy recipes, especially when found on pinterest. But this was a home run!

    1. HURRAY!!!! So glad you liked it Erika! And I feel ya… pinterest recipes can be hit or miss sometimes.. I know i’ve had my fair share!

  31. This recipe was AMAZING. I omitted the bean sprouts, cilantro and green onions (simply because I did not have them!) and also substituted the soy sauce for coconut aminos to make it soy free. My husband was literally laughing at me because I was scarfing it down- I’ve already been sharing the recipe the last few days. Can’t wait to make this again!!!






    1. haha… love it Kristin! So glad you and the hubs enjoyed it even minus a couple ingredients! Makes my day!

  32. Avatar photo
    Kristen @ The Endless Meal

    This sounds so good! I love zoodles and peanut butter so I know already that this one’s a winner. I will be making it for sure!






  33. I pinned this recipe last week and finally made it today. I was a little skeptical that I would like the sauce because I usually like sweeter peanut sauce. I loved it and my kids ate it all even though they weren’t thrilled about the zoodles. “I guess it was okay” is high praise from my 11 year old.






    1. haha… Hurray!!! The zoodles definitely can throw a kiddo off, it did mine but the peanut sauce sucked him right back in.

      So glad you liked it Christi! Thanks for coming back and letting me know.. always appreciate feedback whether good or bad!

    1. sorry its confusing when you look at it sometimes, the calories are 363, the carbs are 18g (theres just no comma so sometimes it looks like it runs together in the nutritional facts) 🙂

  34. Hi! I am looking forward to making this tonight. I am a registered dietitian and I think there may be a typo or two in your nutrition facts. Some of the nutrients and amounts seem to be mixed up. Thanks for such a lovely recipe!

  35. Avatar photo
    Amy @ A Healthy Life For Me

    If only I had Pinterest when I got married. This is a gorgeous dish, sharing now!

  36. Avatar photo
    amanda @ fake ginger

    ha! I always joke wiht my husband “Don’t make me mad! I already have my next wedding planned on Pinterest!” We eloped so I totally want a redo. At least with a ridiculously expensive dress!

    I’m making this ASAP. It looks so good!

    1. hahah!!! I love it! Ridiculous expensive dress … yes!

      can’t wait to hear what you think of this dish!

  37. Avatar photo
    Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat

    I love that you made the sauce spicy! Usually you only see non-spicy peanut sauces, so I look forward to trying this!

    1. ohh thanks Shelby, if you like it spicy you could probably even add more pepper flakes than it calls for! Spice it up girl!

  38. This looks soooo delicious! I really do need to test out my spiralizer, I’ve had it for two weeks :-\

  39. Avatar photo
    Meg @ The Housewife in Training Files

    I may feel the same in 9 years on wanting to get married again…but I would just like to relive the day 😉 And choose a different dress! ha. But the whole planning part stressed me out! What wouldn’t stress me out is this meal. I need as it is everything I love! Pinned!

    1. haha… from what I’ve seen yours was gorgeous!

      Thanks for the pin chica, hope you get a chance to try it soon!

  40. Avatar photo
    Kacey @ The Cookie Writer

    I could go for this right now!! 5 years ago we got married in our house, really simple. I think I am the only person who wanted an even SMALLER wedding, lol. But one thing I would change is the food. And I would totally make my own cake now!

    1. haha… so funny how looking back now we would tweak little things here or there… and make your own cake.. girl! I’m impressed!

  41. I could not have planned my wedding with out my very helpful Pinterest boards. I still have them all and love going back and looking at them. This dish looks perfect for crazy busy weeknight dinners…yum!

    1. Ughh… so jealous you had pinterest. But how fun to be able to look back at all those cute little details that you pinned a couple years ago. 🙂

  42. Avatar photo
    Julie @ Julie's Eats & Treats

    I’m right there with you. Why didn’t we have all these fabulous options when we got married?! The dress, the planning the EVERYTHING! I just got my spiralizer and I need to test it out with this recipe!

    1. haha… right!?

      Yeah for inspiralizers can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe and the recipes you have coming up in the pipeline on your blog. 🙂

  43. Avatar photo
    Ashley | The Recipe Rebel

    I totally get it. We have our 8th anniversary coming up in July, and our wedding was so simple — I would love to do it again! But then there’s the planning… and the money…. and maybe I’d even just take a kidless holiday instead! Lol. Love these zoodles! The flavors look phenomenal — pinned!