This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet peaches with juicy chicken. The mix of flavors creates a deliciously sweet and spicy meal that’s sure to please!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness. Breasts are great too, but they can dry out more easily. If you have a vegetarian option in mind, try tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version!
Peaches: Fresh peaches taste fantastic in this dish. If they’re out of season, canned peaches work just fine—just make sure they’re in juice, not syrup. You can also use canned pineapple for a unique twist!
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers add sweetness and color, but yellow or orange peppers can be substituted. For a bit of heat, consider adding jalapeño or another spicy pepper instead!
Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds authentic Thai flavor, but if you’re vegetarian, you can substitute it with soy sauce or a bit of miso paste for umami.
How Do I Successfully Thicken My Sauce?
Creating a perfectly thick sauce can be tricky! The key is the cornstarch slurry. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix cornstarch with cold water first; this helps prevent lumps.
- Make sure your sauce is bubbling when you add the slurry—this activates the cornstarch.
- Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes while the sauce thickens. If it gets too thick, add a splash of water to adjust.
Remember, patience is key. You’ll achieve a glossy sauce that perfectly coats your chicken and veggies!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 1 can (15 oz) sliced peaches in juice or fresh peach slices (about 1 to 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red chili or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick and delicious way to bring a taste of Thailand to your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable or peanut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This is going to create a nice, hot surface for cooking the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them until they are browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and red chili. Sauté these ingredients briefly for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant and flavorful.
4. Add the Bell Pepper:
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper. Cook it for about 2 minutes, just until it starts to soften a bit. This will add a lovely crunch to your dish!
5. Stir in the Peaches:
Now, it’s time to add in the peach slices (including their juice if you’re using canned). Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to warm through.
6. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and rice vinegar. Pour this delicious sauce into the pan and stir to combine all the flavors.
7. Add Chicken Back:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and give it a good stir to ensure that everything is coated in that luscious sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens nicely—this should take about 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it!
9. Finish and Garnish:
Once thickened, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top for a delightful crunch and flavor!
10. Serve:
Plate your Easy Thai Peach Chicken hot, and enjoy it with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a perfect meal!
Relish this vibrant, sweet, and slightly spicy Thai-inspired peach chicken dish that’s super simple to make!
FAQ about Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs or breasts are ideal, you can also use shrimp or firm tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp will cook faster, while tofu may need a bit longer to achieve a golden color.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
For sure! If you like extra heat, you can increase the amount of red chili flakes or add sliced jalapeños in addition to the red chili. If you prefer milder, you can omit the chili altogether.
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you want a fish-free version, you can use additional soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. You can also mix a little soy sauce with a splash of lime juice to mimic the depth of flavor without fish sauce.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stove over low heat to ensure everything warms evenly; add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out!
