This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a tasty treat! Juicy chicken is cooked with sweet peaches and a splash of Thai flavors that bring a fun twist to your dinner plate!
Honestly, who knew fruit could taste so good with chicken? It’s like a party in your mouth! 🎉 I love serving this with rice to soak up all those yummy juices!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless thighs for extra juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re vegetarian, try using tofu or tempeh instead, just sauté them well!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are great, but frozen ones are super convenient! If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute with canned peaches in juice. Just drain them first.
Red Bell Pepper: This adds sweetness and color. Feel free to swap it with any bell pepper or even snap peas if you want a crunchier texture.
Fish Sauce: If you don’t have it or want a vegetarian option, use soy sauce mixed with a bit of lime juice. It can bring similar flavors!
Thai Red Chili Paste: This gives a nice kick! Adjust the amount according to your spice preference, or use sriracha for a milder option.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken evenly is key to this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed to get that golden color.
- Let the chicken sit without stirring for a couple of minutes to get a nice sear before flipping.
Using a meat thermometer can be handy; chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or peanut oil
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons Thai red chili paste or sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes chopping and prepping the ingredients, then about 20 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any busy weeknight!
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. Let it get hot, but not smoking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté them for about 30 seconds or until they’re fragrant—this makes your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Add the Bell Pepper:
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry this for about 2-3 minutes until it’s slightly softened but still colorful and crisp.
5. Mix in the Sauce Ingredients:
Add the Thai red chili paste (or sriracha), soy sauce, fish sauce, honey (or brown sugar), lime juice, and water (or chicken broth). Stir everything together and bring it to a simmer. This will create a scrumptious sauce!
6. Combine Chicken and Peaches:
Now, add the peach slices and the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Gently stir to coat everything in that delicious sauce.
7. Final Cooking:
Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes. The peaches should soften just a little, and the sauce will thicken nicely.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top for a burst of flavor and crunch.
9. Serve:
Serve this beautiful Thai Peach Chicken hot over a bed of cooked jasmine rice. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Dig into this vibrant, sweet, and spicy dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken is a classic choice, you can substitute it with shrimp, tofu, or even seitan for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; shrimp cooks quickly while tofu may need to be sautéed to get a crispy texture.
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
No problem! You can use frozen peaches (thawed) or canned peaches packed in juice. Just make sure to drain the canned peaches before adding them to the dish to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
How to Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, start with just a teaspoon of Thai red chili paste or sriracha and taste as you go. You can always add more if you like it spicier, but it’s harder to tone it down once it’s in!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent drying out. Enjoy!
