Sesame Chicken Noodle Bowl Recipe with Garlic-Soy Sauce

This sesame chicken noodle dish is rich, flavorful, and versatile. Serve it with a light salad, or enjoy it straight from the bowl. If you prefer more sauce, increase the sauce quantities or reduce the noodles so each bite is extra saucy. The dish is excellent served hot or cold and makes a satisfying meal any time of year.

• Two large chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• Vegetable oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 10 ounces dried fettuccine
• 1/2 cup peanut oil
• 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1/2 cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon chile-garlic paste
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Chile oil (see instructions below)
• Salt and pepper, to taste (use caution with additional salt, as soy sauce is salty)
• 5 scallions, white and green parts, chopped
• Handful of cilantro, finely chopped, optional (parsley works as a substitute)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Drizzle the chicken breasts with vegetable oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Bake for 25–30 minutes, depending on thickness, until the thickest part reaches 160°F. Remove and let cool, then shred the chicken.

Start heating the pasta water about halfway through the chicken’s bake time. When the water boils, add a generous pinch of salt and cook the fettuccine until al dente following package directions.

To make the chile oil, measure the peanut oil and remove two tablespoons into a small saucepan. Add the red pepper flakes and simmer over medium-low heat for 4–5 minutes to infuse. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before using.

In a large bowl, combine the tahini, sesame oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, honey, chile-garlic paste, minced garlic, lime juice, and the remaining peanut oil. Whisk until smooth. Stir in most of the chopped scallions, reserving some for garnish.

Add the shredded chicken to the sauce first so it begins to absorb flavor, then add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning, keeping in mind soy sauce adds saltiness. Garnish with remaining scallions and cilantro, if using, and serve with lime wedges for extra brightness.

This dish can be spicy depending on how much chile-garlic paste and chile oil you use. Reduce or omit those components to make it milder, though the chile oil provides a pleasant, balanced heat.

Inspiration for this recipe comes from Sesame Chicken Noodles featured in Cravings by Chrissy Teigen. Fresh herbs and scallions brighten the dish; adjust spice and sauce levels to suit your taste.