You know what sucks? When you make the decision to calorie splurge because you’re craving (fill in the blank) and you open up that delivery to-go container, take your first bite, and then get immediately disappointed. This happens to me a lot. When I’m craving something that’s not too good for me, I want it to be WORTH IT! So in an effort to make sure I enjoy my calorie ridden meals I sometimes make them myself. (See some of my comfort food recipes here). This recipe could be a lot worse in the not so good for you department but using the soba noodles and not frying the chicken in a sugar sauce really makes this meal pretty good for you. And it’s packed with protein!

This particular night I was craving cold sesame noodles. I had been disappointed after ordering them a few times recently. I decided to make a version of them for dinner with chicken breast and eat it warm.  You will need…

Ingredients:

• Peanut butter- any kind you like
• Soba noodles (or any type of lomein or noodle you prefer)
• Rice Vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Sesame seeds
• 1-3 heaping tablespoons of chili paste depending on your tolerance of heat
• Soy Sauce
• Tahini (optional)
• 1 tsp of sugar
• Chicken breast, cut up into bite sized pieces
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 2-3 stalks of Celery, diced
• Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Scallions, chopped
• Garlic, grated

A photo of most of my ingredients here:

Directions:

• First start by marinating your chicken in soy sauce, a dash of sesame oil, fresh grated garlic, chili paste (if you like spice) fresh grated ginger and a sprinkle of salt

Place a pot of water on the stove and bring to a boil for your noodles.

Then make your peanut sesame sauce while the chicken marinates.

Place a heaping spoonful of peanut butter in a food processor. Add a few tablespoons of soy sauce and rice wine vinegar. You can choose the amount of chili paste to add but I put about a tablespoon. I also only used a tsp of sugar even though most recipes call for more (I prefer more heat and less sweet).

Add a clove of garlic, sesame seeds, a dash of sesame oil, tahini and a few tablespoons of warm water. I know my measurements aren’t exact but you have to go with your gut and use more of the flavors you like and less that you don’t. Blend and set aside. If it’s too thick add a touch more soy sauce and or water.

Add sesame oil to a hot wok and add in your onions, stir for a minute and then celery. Let cook on high heat for another minute or two.

Next goes in your chicken and stir. You want to brown all sides of the chicken.

Shut the heat off your chicken and let sit. It shouldn’t take long to cook because you cut the chicken up into small pieces.

When your noodles are done, add a dash of sesame oil to keep them from sticking and let them cool for a moment.

Its up to you if you want to combine the chicken with your noodles or keep them separate. I took some photos with and without.  Top your final Bowl with sesame seeds and add scallions.