This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a fun mix of sweet peaches and tender chicken, all tossed in a delightful Thai sauce. It’s super quick to make and bursting with flavor!
Honestly, who doesn’t love fruity meals? I could eat this every week! Serve it with rice for a yummy dinner that feels special but is oh-so-simple to pull together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breasts can work just as well. You could also use tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist on this dish!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are lovely, but canned peaches or even apricots in syrup can be a great alternative, especially if peaches aren’t in season. Just drain the syrup before using!
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness, but any color works! Green peppers will lend a sharper taste, and you could also use asparagus or snap peas for a different crunch.
Thai Sauce Ingredients: If you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce can substitute it. For a sweeter option, try maple syrup in place of brown sugar or honey. Just adjust the amount to your taste.
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Achieving perfectly cooked chicken is key to any recipe. Follow these steps to ensure your chicken is juicy and tender:
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Heat your skillet until hot before adding the chicken. This helps sear the meat, locking in moisture!
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If needed, cook in batches to maintain high heat.
- Cook until golden brown on all sides and use a meat thermometer for best results—165°F (74°C) is ideal.
Remember, practice makes perfect! You’ll get the hang of it with time.
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (fresh or canned work)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- 2 limes (for juice and garnish)
For the Thai Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1-2 tsp Thai chili sauce (such as Sriracha or sweet chili sauce), adjust for heat preference
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal to enjoy during a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili sauce, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Mix until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they’re golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and sauté for about 2 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Then, add the peach slices and cook for another 2 minutes until they start to soften but still hold their shape.
4. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour in the prepared Thai sauce and chicken broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Finish Up:
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish and stir to combine everything well. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor and crunch.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Thai Peach Chicken hot, either on its own or over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Enjoy your delightful and vibrant meal!
Happy cooking! 😊
FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the quick method of placing it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to pat it dry before cooking to ensure even browning.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Thai chili sauce or omit it entirely. You can also substitute it with a sweet chili sauce that has less heat. For those who love a kick, add extra chili sauce or even some sliced fresh chilies at the end for an extra punch!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally for even heating. If it seems a bit dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth when reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. Snap peas, broccoli, or carrots would all work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender but still crisp!
