Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Contents show

1 Ingredients

1.1 For the Chicken Marinade:

1.2 For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

1.3 For the Bowl:

2 Step-by-Step Instructions

2.1 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

2.2 Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

2.3 Step 3: Cook the Chicken

2.4 Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

2.5 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

3 Helpful Tips for Making Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

4 Variations to Try

5 Conservation and Storage

5.1 Refrigeration:

5.2 Freezing:

5.3 Reheating:

6 Serving Suggestions

7 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

7.1 1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

7.2 2. How do I store leftovers?

7.3 3. Can I freeze this dish?

7.4 4. What’s the best way to reheat it?

7.5 5. What type of peanut butter should I use?

7.6 6. Can I make this dish without peanuts?

7.7 7. What can I serve with this bowl?

7.8 8. Can I make this dish vegan?

7.9 9. Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

7.10 10. How can I make the dish more filling?

8 Conclusion

9 Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

9.1 Description

9.2 Ingredients

9.3 For the Chicken Marinade:

9.4 For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

9.5 For the Bowl:

9.6 Instructions

9.7 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

9.8 Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

9.9 Step 3: Cook the Chicken

9.10 Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

9.11 Step 5: Garnish and Serve

9.12 Equipment

9.13 Nutrition

9.14 Did you make this recipe?

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Thai cuisine is famous for its bold flavors, perfect balance of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy, and vibrant ingredients that create unforgettable dishes. One such dish is the Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl—a wholesome, flavor-packed meal featuring juicy, marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, rich peanut sauce served over rice or noodles.

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can customize the spice level, swap ingredients based on dietary needs, or even make it vegetarian. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving it fresh for dinner, this bowl brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions, share tips to perfect the dish, suggest tasty variations, and provide storage guidelines to keep your meal fresh. Get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying Thai-inspired bowls you’ll ever make!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup warm water (to thin the sauce, if needed)

this RECIPE

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup thinly sliced red bell pepper
• 1 cup chopped cucumber
• ½ cup edamame (optional)
• ½ cup shredded purple cabbage
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the chicken pieces, tossing them to coat evenly in the marinade.
3. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

1. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Gradually add warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency (smooth but thick).
3. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more lime juice for tang, honey for sweetness, or sriracha for spice.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil.
2. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
3. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowl

1. Divide cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles into serving bowls.
2. Arrange the fresh vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cucumber, edamame, cabbage) over the rice.
3. Add the cooked chicken on top.
4. Drizzle a generous amount of the peanut sauce over everything.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions over the bowls.
2. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
3. Enjoy immediately while the flavors are fresh and vibrant!

Helpful Tips for Making Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Store the Sauce Separately: If meal prepping, keep the peanut sauce in a separate container to prevent the dish from becoming soggy.

Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will be.

Thin the Peanut Sauce as Needed: If your sauce is too thick, add a little warm water or coconut milk until you reach a pourable consistency.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice bring out the best Thai flavors. Avoid bottled substitutes if possible.

Sear the Chicken Properly: Cook on medium-high heat to get a slight char, which adds a smoky depth to the dish.

Prep in Advance: Chop vegetables, cook rice, and make the peanut sauce ahead of time for quick assembly.

Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, add extra sriracha or Thai red chilies. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili or omit it.

Try Different Protein Options: Tofu, shrimp, or beef work just as well as chicken in this dish.

Add Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts, crispy shallots, or toasted sesame seeds for extra texture.

Balance the Sweetness: If the sauce tastes too rich, add a touch more lime juice or rice vinegar to balance it out.

Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of jasmine rice.
• Extra Creamy Sauce: Add a splash of coconut milk for a richer peanut sauce.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
• Spicy Lover’s Edition: Add Thai red chilies or more sriracha to make it extra fiery.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Keep the peanut sauce separate to prevent the bowl from becoming soggy.

Freezing:

• The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• The peanut sauce can also be frozen in small portions for easy use.
• Vegetables should be added fresh after reheating, as they lose texture when frozen.

Reheating:

• Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warm.
• If using rice, microwave with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is satisfying on its own, but you can elevate the experience by serving it with:

• Spring Rolls: A light appetizer with a peanut dipping sauce.
• Miso Soup: A warm, umami-rich starter.
• Thai Iced Tea: A sweet, creamy beverage to balance the spice.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, tangy side with rice vinegar dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the chicken, prepare the sauce, and chop the vegetables in advance. Store everything separately and assemble just before eating.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best texture, store the peanut sauce separately.

3. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes! The cooked chicken and peanut sauce freeze well for up to 2 months. However, fresh vegetables should be added after reheating, as they don’t freeze well.

4. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of warm water before serving.

5. What type of peanut butter should I use?

Creamy, natural peanut butter works best. If using sweetened peanut butter, reduce the honey or maple syrup in the sauce.

6. Can I make this dish without peanuts?

Yes! Substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

7. What can I serve with this bowl?

Pair it with spring rolls, Thai cucumber salad, miso soup, or Thai iced tea for a complete meal.

8. Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas, and use maple syrup instead of honey in the sauce.

9. Can I use a different grain instead of rice?

Yes! Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, brown rice, or soba noodles as a base.

10. How can I make the dish more filling?

Add extra protein like hard-boiled eggs or increase the amount of chicken or tofu. You can also add avocado for healthy fats.

Conclusion

The Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is a true fusion of flavors, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements. Its creamy peanut sauce, juicy marinated chicken, and crisp vegetables create a satisfying meal that is both wholesome and delicious.

What makes this dish even better is its versatility—you can easily adapt it to different dietary needs, adjust the spice level, or swap ingredients based on what you have. Plus, it stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep!

Now that you have this foolproof recipe, it’s time to grab your ingredients and enjoy the magic of Thai flavors in your own kitchen.

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