This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a sweet and spicy delight! Juicy chicken pairs with yummy peach sauce, making it perfect for a quick dinner that feels special.
I love how simple this dish is to whip up. Just stir-fry everything, and you’re ready to dig in! Enjoy it with rice to soak up that tasty sauce. Yum! 🍚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts also work well. For a lighter option, try tofu or tempeh to keep it vegetarian.
Peaches: Fresh peaches give a wonderful flavor, but canned peaches in juice are a great substitute when fresh ones aren’t in season. Just be sure to drain them well before using.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds a unique umami taste. If you’re avoiding seafood, you can use soy sauce or a mushroom-based sauce as a substitute. It won’t be quite the same, but still tasty!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is a perfect garnish, adding a burst of freshness. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try green onions or fresh basil for a different but delightful flavor.
How Do You Get the Chicken Just Right?
Cooking the chicken properly is key to having a delicious dish! Here’s how to do it:
- Start with medium-high heat to sear the chicken, which helps develop flavor.
- Lay the chicken pieces in the skillet without crowding to get a nice browning.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper before cooking, as this enhances its taste.
- Keep an eye on it and cook until just the right amount it takes about 5-7 minutes; overcooking can dry it out.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have perfectly cooked chicken every time!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- For the Sauce and Veggies:
- 2 cups fresh or canned peach slices
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1-2 teaspoons red chili flakes or chopped fresh red chili (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
- For Topping:
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Thai Peach Chicken can be made in about 25 minutes! You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 15 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat Your Pan:
Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This will ensure your chicken gets a nice sear.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and season them lightly with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté these aromatic ingredients for about 1 minute until they become fragrant, filling your kitchen with an amazing scent!
4. Mix in Peppers and Peaches:
Now, stir in the thinly sliced red bell pepper and your peach slices. Cook this mixture for another 2 minutes to lightly soften the veggies and peaches, allowing their flavors to come together.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar (or honey), red chili flakes, and lime juice. Mix them well to create a flavorful sauce.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and peach mixture in the skillet. Gently stir to coat everything evenly with the delicious sauce.
7. Let it Simmer:
Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for about 3-5 minutes. This lets the sauce thicken slightly and the flavors meld beautifully.
8. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once cooked, remove from the heat and sprinkle with the chopped roasted peanuts. Add fresh cilantro leaves on top for that extra burst of flavor and color.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this vibrant dish hot, ideally with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite side. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful Easy Thai Peach Chicken dinner!
FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw is to place the chicken in the fridge overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for a quicker option. Pat it dry to avoid extra moisture during cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Fish Sauce?
If you want a substitute for fish sauce, you can use additional soy sauce for a vegetarian option. A mixture of soy sauce and a little lime juice can also mimic the salty and tangy flavors of fish sauce in this recipe!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your veggies. Broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn would all work wonderfully in this dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they remain crisp and flavorful.
