This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet peaches with juicy chicken. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy dinner night!
I love how the peaches add a fruity twist to the chicken. It’s like a little vacation on your plate! And who doesn’t love a dinner that’s easy to whip up?
Pair it with steamed rice for a comforting meal. Trust me, even your pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Ain’t that a win? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness. However, chicken breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter protein, try shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option!
Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are great, but canned peaches can save you time and still taste good. Just be sure to drain the syrup before adding. Pick a substitute like mango if you’re feeling adventurous!
Soy Sauce: I prefer regular soy sauce for a deeper flavor, but tamari is a good gluten-free choice. You can use coconut aminos for a different, lighter soy flavor that’s also gluten-free.
Bell Pepper: While I used red bell pepper for sweetness, any color will do! Green bell peppers are more bitter, while yellow and orange are sweeter. You could also add snap peas or broccoli for more veggies.
How Do I Get the Chicken Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to get it just right. First, make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps to sear the meat and lock in juices.
- Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until fully cooked with no pink inside.
- If you’re unsure about doneness, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
This technique keeps your chicken tender and prevents it from drying out!
What’s the Best Way to Balance the Flavors?
In this recipe, balancing sweet and savory is key! The brown sugar and peaches give sweetness, while soy sauce and fish sauce add the savory depth. If it’s too sweet for your taste, add more lime juice or chili sauce to enhance the savory component.
- Always taste as you go! Adjust sugar, lime juice, and spice to your preference.
- Starting with less chili paste allows you to control the heat better.
Finding the right balance makes every bite satisfying!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (or canned peaches if out of season)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, freshly grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
For the Sauces and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or Thai red chili paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you’re looking at roughly 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, if needed, add a little more oil. Sauté the garlic and ginger for around 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them!
3. Add Bell Pepper:
Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes until it’s slightly softened. The sweetness of the pepper adds great flavor to the dish.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar (or lime juice), chili garlic sauce, and chicken broth. Mix well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Combine Chicken and Peaches:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the sliced peaches, and gently toss everything together so the chicken and peaches are coated in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for another 3-5 minutes to let the flavors meld and the peaches soften slightly.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the sauce! Adjust the seasoning as needed—add more sugar for sweetness, lime juice for tang, or chili for heat, depending on your personal preference.
7. Serve:
Remove the dish from the heat and sprinkle with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice and lime wedges on the side.
Enjoy your vibrant, sweet, and spicy Easy Thai Peach Chicken dinner with family and friends! It’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it first! Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for a quicker option. Make sure it’s fully thawed before cutting it into pieces and cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian-Friendly?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add extra vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for more texture and flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Peaches?
If peaches are out of season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even fresh mangoes for a similar sweet and fruity flavor. Other options include nectarines or apricots, depending on what you have on hand.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Thai Peach Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out during reheating.
