Light, refreshing, and deeply savory, these cold sesame chicken rice noodles are tossed in a creamy, nutty sauce that clings to every strand. The tender chicken and chewy rice noodles soak up all that flavor as they sit, so the dish actually gets better over time. Packed with protein and easy to make ahead, this Chinese cold sesame chicken rice noodles recipe is an ideal meal prep recipe for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to make: Chinese cold sesame chicken rice noodles come together with simple ingredients and minimal cooking, making them perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Perfect for warm weather: These refreshing cold noodles are satisfying without feeling too heavy, making them ideal for hot summer days.

Great for meal prep: Prepare the chicken, noodles, and sesame sauce ahead of time for an easy lunch or dinner. Keep the sauce separate until serving for the best texture.

Origin

Cold sesame noodles are a modern interpretation of Chinese sesame noodle dishes. They usually feature wheat noodles tossed in a sesame sauce with other seasonings, such as soy sauce.

Ingredients

Rice Noodles
- Absorbs the sauce
Chicken breast
- Main protein
Salt, to taste
- Adds flavor
1 tsp Sesame oil
- Adds nuttiness
3 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
- Main creamy base
2 tbsp Soy sauce
- adds umami
1.5 tbsp Rice vinegar
- Gives it a tangy flavor
1/2 tbsp Honey or sugar
- Sweetens the sauce
2 cloves Garlic, minced
- Fragrant aromatics
Chili oil
- Adds a spicy kick
Cucumber, sliced
- Gives it a refreshing crunch
Green onions, sliced
- Gives it a sharp flavor
Sesame seeds
- Adds texture and extra nuttiness

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Instructions

Season the chicken breast with salt and poach for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let cool, then shred.

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Make the sesame sauce by whisking together 3 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and chili oil.

Gradually whisk in 3–5 tablespoons warm water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Toss the cold noodles with the shredded chicken and sesame sauce.

Top with cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, and any additional chili oil or chili crisp.

Enjoy.

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Cooking Tips for Chinese Cold Sesame Chicken Rice Noodles

Cook the rice noodles carefully: Follow the package instructions and avoid overcooking them. Rice noodles can become mushy if cooked too long.

Rinse the noodles with cold water: After cooking, rinse the noodles under cold running water to stop the cooking process, remove excess starch, and help prevent sticking.

Whisk the sesame sauce until smooth: Mix the sesame paste or peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and other sauce ingredients thoroughly.

Adjust the sauce to taste: Add more soy sauce for saltiness, rice vinegar for tanginess, chili oil for heat, or a little sugar to balance the savory flavors.

Serve chilled for the best flavor: Let the noodles chill in the refrigerator for about 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Store the sauce separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes! You can substitute rice noodles with wheat noodles, ramen noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the rice noodles: Overcooked rice noodles can become mushy and break apart when tossed with the sauce. Cook them according to the package instructions and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Making the sesame sauce too thick: Sesame paste or peanut butter can create a thick sauce that doesn’t coat the noodles evenly. Gradually whisk in water until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.

Underseasoning the sauce: Rice noodles have a mild flavor, so the sesame sauce needs enough seasoning to make the dish flavorful. Taste the sauce before mixing and adjust the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and chili oil to your preference.

Ingredient Substitutions

Rice noodles → Substitute with wheat noodles, ramen noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti if you can’t find rice noodles.

Chicken breast → Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier meat, or substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.

Sesame Sauce → Substitute with tahini or another smooth nut butter for a creamy texture and rich flavor.

Cucumber → Use shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or bean sprouts for a different texture and extra crunch.

What to Serve with Chinese Cold Sesame Chicken Rice Noodles

Garlic stir-fried bok choy → Tender bok choy tossed with garlic and soy sauce adds a savory vegetable side without overpowering the sesame noodles.

Green tea → Hot or iced green tea complements the rich sesame flavors without making the meal feel too heavy.

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