This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a sweet and tangy dish that’s perfect for any dinner! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh peaches and a tasty Thai sauce that gives it an amazing flavor.
I love serving this dish over rice to soak up the yummy sauce. Plus, it’s quick to make—less time cooking means more time for eating! Who doesn’t love that? 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture, but chicken breasts work too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey can be a good substitute, though it might need a bit more care while cooking.
Peaches: Fresh peaches add sweetness, but if they aren’t in season, use canned peaches in light syrup. Just drain and rinse them before using. You could also try pineapple or mango for a different twist!
Bell Pepper: While a red bell pepper adds sweetness, any color bell pepper can be used. Or, for a bit of crunch, swap in sugar snap peas or snow peas instead.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient provides deep flavor, but if you need a substitute, a combination of soy sauce and a splash of lemon juice will work in a pinch or you could use a vegetarian fish sauce.
Peanuts: For those with nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make a great crunchy alternative. You could also skip the nuts if preferred.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
The key to great chicken in this dish is cooking it just right—too long can dry it out, while undercooking isn’t safe. Follow these tips:
- Cut the chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Cook in a hot skillet to get a nice sear on the outside, sealing in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
For juicy chicken, let it rest for a few minutes after cooking before adding it back to the skillet! This helps retain its moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Balance the Flavors?
Balancing sweet, salty, and sour is crucial in this dish. Taste as you go! If it’s too sweet, add more lime juice. If it’s too salty, a touch more sugar can help. Use fresh lime juice for a brighter kick and adjust to your preference!
How to Make Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Vegetables and Sauce:
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (about 1 ½ cups)
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small fresh chili or 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, to thicken sauce)
For the Garnish:
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 20 minutes cooking everything in one skillet. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
Start by heating the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook them until they are nicely browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and fresh chili (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
3. Add Peppers and Peaches:
Now, add the sliced red bell pepper and peaches to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare and Add the Sauce:
While the vegetables are cooking, take a bowl and mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and water or chicken broth. Once mixed, pour this sauce into the skillet over the veggies.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and gently stir everything together. Bring it to a simmer and allow it to cook for another 3-5 minutes so the flavors can blend beautifully.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, take your cornstarch slurry (the cornstarch mixed with water) and stir it into the skillet. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken up.
7. Finish Up:
Once everything is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top for a lovely finish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Easy Thai Peach Chicken hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. Enjoy the delightful sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors!
Bon Appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to do this is by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry before cooking to ensure a good sear!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of fresh chili or red pepper flakes. Alternatively, add a dash of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To enjoy, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
