This Easy Thai Peach Chicken combines juicy chicken with sweet peaches and a burst of Thai flavors. It’s quick to make, and your taste buds will thank you!
You know what’s fun? Watching my family’s faces light up when they take that first bite! I love serving it with rice to soak up all the yummy sauce. 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey also makes a good substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for tenderness!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches add a lovely sweetness. If they aren’t in season, consider using canned peaches in juice (not syrup) for convenience. Just reduce cooking time to prevent mushiness.
Red Bell Pepper: This gives color and crunch, but feel free to swap in any sweet bell pepper, or even zucchini for a veggie boost. For more heat, you can replace it with a spicy pepper like jalapeño.
Peanuts: Roasted peanuts add a great texture. If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can give a similar crunch without the risk!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it. Start by cutting the chicken into similarly sized chunks, so they cook evenly. Heat the oil until hot but not smoking, and don’t rush the browning process. This should take about 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is crowded to ensure they brown nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature.
After browning, let the chicken sit for a few minutes; this keeps it juicy when you combine it with the sauce later!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1-2 red chili peppers, sliced (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 2 limes (for juice and garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other chili sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare from start to finish. About 10 minutes for preparing the ingredients and mixing the sauce, and 15-20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick way to enjoy a flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, fish sauce, Sriracha (if using), and water or broth. Set this delectable sauce mixture aside for later!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Then, sauté the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced red chili peppers until they become fragrant, about 1 minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma!
4. Add Peppers and Peaches:
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and peaches to the skillet. Gently stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the peaches start to soften but still hold their bright shape. This is where that fresh sweetness comes in!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the peach and bell pepper mixture. Pour the sauce you prepared earlier over everything.
6. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Bring this delightful mixture to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes or until the sauce thickens nicely, stirring occasionally.
7. Add the Finishing Touches:
Remove from heat and sprinkle the roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for a crunchy, nutty finish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this vibrant dish hot, garnished with fresh lime wedges for squeezing over the top. Pair it with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up all that yummy sauce.
Enjoy your vibrant, juicy Thai Peach Chicken! 🍑🥡
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Substitute Chicken with Another Protein?
Absolutely! You can use shrimp, pork, or tofu instead of chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For shrimp, cook until pink and opaque, while tofu should be pan-fried until golden and crispy.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
No worries! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches in juice (not syrup). Drain them well and add them in the last few minutes of cooking to prevent them from getting mushy.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it flavorful and moist!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of red chili peppers, or add some chili flakes or Sriracha directly into the sauce. Adjust it according to your taste preference!
