Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls Recipe

Ingredients

To make a delicious Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl, you’ll need a mix of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Peanut Sauce:

• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, depending on your preference)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (full-fat for extra creaminess)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar for a richer sweetness)
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional but adds a wonderful zing)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Bowl:

• 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine rice or brown rice work well)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and lime juice. You can marinate it for a bit if you have time, but even a quick seasoning will work wonders. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

Now comes the fun part—the peanut sauce! In a small saucepan, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha. Heat over low-medium heat and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust it to your liking: more honey for sweetness, more sriracha for heat, or more coconut milk for creaminess.

If you want a little extra zing, stir in some grated ginger or garlic. The sauce should have a balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that will complement the chicken and veggies perfectly.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

Now that the chicken and peanut sauce are ready, it’s time to put everything together. Start by layering your cooked rice in a bowl. Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the rice, then add the shredded carrots, cucumber, and bell pepper. Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the chicken and vegetables.

To finish, sprinkle the bowl with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor. A squeeze of fresh lime juice on top adds a nice tangy finish.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is now ready to serve! The combination of flavors and textures will leave you craving more. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, meal prep, or even a special dinner when you want something impressive yet easy to make.