Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin slices; 8-ounce jar Thai peanut satay sauce (Trader Joe’s recommended); 1 clove grated garlic; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (about 1 large English cucumber); 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 of a red onion); 1 tablespoon vinegar; Salt and sugar to taste; 2 tablespoons avocado oil; 4 ounces vermicelli noodles; A few tablespoons crushed peanuts; A few sprigs fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil

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Introduction

Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls are a vibrant, flavorful meal that combines tender marinated chicken with fresh cucumber salad and fragrant herbs. This easy recipe comes together quickly and offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and nutty tastes perfect for any weeknight dinner.

A white bowl with a blue and white geometric pattern contains three main layers of food arranged side by side: on the left, a layer of charred grilled chicken pieces topped with chunky crushed peanuts and drizzled with a thick orange peanut sauce; in the center, a neat pile of thin white rice noodles with some sauce on top; on the right, sliced cucumbers, thinly sliced red onions, and fresh green herbs including mint and cilantro. A gold fork is partially embedded in the cucumber and herb section. A woman's hand holds the bowl from the bottom left corner, and the background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin slices
8-ounce jar Thai peanut satay sauce (from Trader Joe’s)
1 clove grated garlic
2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (1 large English cucumber)
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 an onion)
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
Salt and sugar to taste
4 ounces vermicelli noodles
A few tablespoons of crushed peanuts
A few sprigs of herbs – mint, cilantro, and basil recommended

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken with half of the peanut satay sauce and the grated garlic. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the cucumber salad by tossing the thinly sliced cucumber and red onion with avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
Step 4: Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to caramelize. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. For extra caramelization, sprinkle a pinch of sugar near the end of cooking.
Step 5: Prepare the remaining peanut satay sauce by thinning it out with a bit of water, soy sauce, or chili oil to create a drizzling dressing.
Step 6: Assemble the bowls by placing the cooked vermicelli noodles at the base, topping with the caramelized chicken, cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. Drizzle with the thinned peanut sauce and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
Swap avocado oil for sesame oil to add a nutty aroma.
Add a squeeze of lime juice to the cucumber salad for brightness.
Use rice or quinoa instead of vermicelli noodles for a different texture.
Include sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots to the salad for added crunch and color.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, noodles, cucumber salad, and sauce separate to maintain freshness. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave, and serve with fresh herbs and salad added just before eating to preserve their texture.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with white rice as the base layer. On top of the rice, there are dark brown grilled chicken pieces drizzled with a light brown sauce. To one side, finely shredded light green lettuce is placed, and next to it are thin bright orange carrot sticks. A woman's hand is holding the bowl from the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles or grains?

Yes, you can substitute vermicelli noodles with rice noodles, soba noodles, rice, or quinoa based on your preference or dietary needs.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinate and cook similarly. The peanut sauce and fresh herbs keep the dish flavorful and satisfying.