This Easy Thai Peach Chicken brings a burst of flavor to your dinner table! Juicy chicken is sweetened with ripe peaches and a hint of Thai spices, making it deliciously marvelous!
I love how this dish fits perfectly for a quick weeknight meal. Just cook the chicken, add the peaches, and let the flavors mingle—it’s so good, even my dog wags along for dinner! 🐶
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite here for their juicy flavor, but feel free to use chicken breasts if you prefer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, tofu or tempeh works wonderfully as a meat substitute!
Peaches: Fresh peaches add sweetness and softness. If they’re out of season, canned peaches in juice (not syrup) are a decent alternative. You can also try its cousin—nectarines—for a similar flavor!
Red Bell Pepper: The sweetness of red bell pepper balances the dish. If you have other peppers like yellow or orange, they’ll work just as well. For a bit of a kick, you could include a jalapeño too!
Fish Sauce: This gives a distinct umami flavor, but for a vegan option, consider soy sauce or a bit of mushroom sauce instead.
Cilantro: While I love cilantro, some might have different preferences. Parsley can be a great substitute, or just leave it out if you’re not a fan!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken correctly can sometimes be a challenge, but here are some tips to nail it every time!
- Choose uniform pieces of chicken for even cooking. If they’re thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness or cutting them smaller.
- Cook on medium-high heat. Start by browning each side for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy as the juices settle back in.
With these tips, you’ll have tender chicken every time, making your Easy Thai Peach Chicken a hit at dinner! Enjoy!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
For the Veggies:
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thinly
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small piece (1 inch) fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red chili, sliced thin (optional, for heat)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp water
For Garnish:
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy Thai Peach Chicken can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes! You’ll spend about 5-7 minutes cooking the chicken and another 10 minutes combining the vegetables and sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Add the chicken chunks to the skillet and cook until they’re browned on all sides and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
Using the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed and throw in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced chili (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Add Peppers and Peaches:
Now, add the sliced red bell pepper and peach slices to the skillet. Cook these together for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to soften a bit but still retain some crunch.
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar (or honey), lime juice, and water. This will be your flavorful sauce!
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the sauce mixture over everything. Stir well to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and marries all the flavors together.
7. Add Toppings:
Take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top for that perfect crunch and fresh flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Thai Peach Chicken immediately with lime wedges on the side and some warm steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal. Dig in and enjoy the sweet, tangy, and savory goodness!
This dish is not only super easy to make, but it is also packed with flavors that will surely impress your family and friends. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to fully thaw it before cooking. Ideally, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge in cold water until thawed. Pat dry before cooking!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer less heat, simply omit the red chili or reduce the amount used. Alternatively, if you want to amp up the spice, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using a spicier chili variety!
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken with the sauce mixture for a few hours beforehand for added flavor. Just cook the dish when you’re ready to eat. You can also chop the veggies in advance, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
