Spicy Sesame Noodles With Chicken and Peanuts

1. Mix Red Pepper Flakes, Soy Sauce, and Sesame Oil

Stir together the red-pepper flakes, soy sauce, and sesame oil in a medium heatproof bowl. Set this mixture next to your stovetop, ready for later use.

2. Infuse Oil with Peanuts and Orange Rind

In a large (12-inch) skillet over medium heat, combine 0.5 cup of oil, the chopped peanuts, and the orange rind. Cook this for about 3 to 5 minutes until the peanuts are golden and bubbling, which infuses the oil with a rich, aromatic flavor. Immediately pour the contents of the skillet into the bowl with the chile oil mixture and set aside.

3. Cook Ground Chicken

Using the same skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, season with a pinch of salt and black pepper, and press it down into a thin layer. Let it cook without stirring for about 5 to 7 minutes to develop a nice, golden crust. Once the chicken is browned, break it up into smaller pieces and continue to cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fully cooked through.

4. Cook Noodles

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions. They should be chewy but not soft. Drain the noodles and toss them with a little sesame oil to keep them from sticking together.

5. Combine Chicken and Chile Oil Mixture

Once the chicken is ready, remove the orange rind from the chile oil mixture and pour the mixture back into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to coat the chicken evenly with the flavorful oil.

6. Toss Noodles and Serve

Finally, add the noodles to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. If needed, add a bit more of the reserved chile oil. Top with finely chopped chives and serve immediately.