CHILLED PEANUT CHICKEN NOODLE SALAD

Chilled Peanut Chicken Noodle Salad image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Kosher salt
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1 large boneless, skinless chicken breast (about 12 ounces), sliced crosswise 1/4 inch thick
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons Sriracha, or more as needed
4 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)
6 ounces thin rice noodles (vermicelli)
1 romaine heart, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
2 Persian cucumbers or 1 regular cucumber, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup loosely packed roughly chopped fresh cilantro (from about 1 medium bunch)
Lime wedges, for serving

Steps:

START THE WATER: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
POACH THE CHICKEN: Bring 1 1/2 cups water to a simmer in a medium skillet. Whisk in the peanut butter, then add the chicken. Cook over medium-low heat at a bare simmer until just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a plate; continue to simmer the sauce until thickened and reduced by about half, about 5 minutes. Take off the heat and whisk in the vinegar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and scallions. Cool slightly.
COOK THE NOODLES: Add the rice noodles to the boiling water and cook until almost tender, about 3 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Drain the noodles very well, tossing with tongs to release as much water as possible. Snip the noodles with scissors a few times to cut the long strands.
TOSS THE SALAD: Toss the noodles with the romaine, cucumbers, bell pepper, half of the cilantro, and just enough dressing to coat. Season with salt. Divide among 4 bowls and top with the chicken. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and garnish with the remaining cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.