This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a tasty dish that mixes sweet peaches with flavorful chicken, creating a delightful combo. It comes together quickly, perfect for a busy night!
I love how the juicy peaches bring a unique twist to the chicken. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a chef without spending hours in the kitchen!
Serve it over rice for a satisfying dinner. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this fun and fruity treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. You could even use tofu or tempeh for a plant-based twist!
Peaches: Fresh peaches are best for their sweetness, but feel free to use frozen ones if fresh aren’t available. Just take care to thaw them thoroughly before slicing.
Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. If you don’t have it, yellow or orange peppers would be great substitutes. Green bell pepper is a bit more bitter but can work too!
Honey or Brown Sugar: If you’re looking for a healthier option, maple syrup can substitute honey or brown sugar in equal amounts.
Fish Sauce: For a vegetarian option, try using soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce. It can still deliver a punch of umami flavor!
How Can You Ensure the Chicken Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken just right is key to avoiding dryness. Start by cutting the chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken – this helps it sear nicely.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. You can check by slicing a piece open.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked to at least 165°F for safety.
Let the chicken rest for a minute before adding it back to the sauce. This keeps it moist!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (fresh or frozen thawed)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes or 1 fresh red chili, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal requires about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling approximately 30 minutes. Ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Chicken:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the bite-sized chicken pieces. Cook them for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, squeeze in a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté these for around 2-3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant and the pepper is tender.
3. Adding Peaches:
Next, toss in the sliced peaches and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, just enough to let them soften a bit.
4. Making the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and red chili flakes (or fresh chili). Pour this tasty sauce over the peach and bell pepper mixture in the skillet, stirring everything well to combine.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors to meld and thickens the sauce just a bit.
6. Garnishing the Dish:
Remove the skillet from heat. To finish, sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves on top for an added crunch and vibrant color.
7. Serving the Meal:
Serve your lovely Thai peach chicken over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Dive in and enjoy this unique and flavorful dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen peaches, ensure they are completely thawed and drained before slicing. This will help prevent excess moisture from getting into your dish, which could dilute the flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Fish Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have fish sauce on hand, you can substitute it with an extra tablespoon of soy sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor. It may not be identical, but it will still taste great!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Definitely! If you like it hot, add more red chili flakes or slices of fresh chili to the sauté process. You can also serve with a chili sauce on the side for extra heat!
