This Easy Thai Peach Chicken combines tender chicken pieces with sweet peach slices and a zesty sauce. It’s a lovely burst of flavors that will make your family smile!
I love how quick this dish is to whip up—just sauté the chicken, add peaches, and stir in the sauce. Dinner in a flash, and it tastes like sunshine on a plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy texture, but chicken breasts work well too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use tofu or tempeh instead, making it a great vegetarian dish!
Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are perfect for this dish, as they add natural sweetness. If peaches aren’t in season, you can use canned peaches (drained) or even mango for a different fruity flavor.
Bell Pepper: Red bell peppers provide sweetness and color. Feel free to substitute with yellow or orange peppers, or even snap peas for a nice crunch. Green bell peppers are a bit more bitter, so I avoid them here.
Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds depth to the flavor. If you’re vegetarian, use a soy sauce alternative or mushroom soy sauce for a similar umami taste without the fish.
Honey/Brown Sugar: Honey adds sweetness; you can substitute it with maple syrup for a vegan option, or use agave nectar. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor slightly!
How Do I Get My Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken can be a bit tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it every time! Start by cutting your chicken into uniform pieces, so they cook evenly. Heat your skillet well before adding the chicken; this helps to get that lovely brown color!
- Cook the chicken on medium-high heat. Let it brown undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes before flipping.
- It usually takes about 7-8 minutes total to cook thoroughly. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you have a lot of chicken, consider cooking it in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- 2 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable or canola oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 small red chili or 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total time of about 25 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili or chili flakes. This sauce adds an incredible flavor to the chicken, so make sure to mix it well and set it aside.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through. It should be nice and juicy!
3. Add the Vegetables:
Next, toss the sliced red bell pepper into the skillet and sauté with the chicken for about 2 minutes until the peppers start to soften up a little. This adds a nice crunch and color to your dish.
4. Combine with Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and peppers in the skillet. Stir everything well to ensure the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes. This helps to enhance the flavors and thicken the sauce a bit.
5. Add the Peaches:
Fold the peach slices into the skillet, stirring gently to combine. Cook for another 2 minutes until the peaches are warmed through but don’t break down. We want them to retain some shape for a lovely presentation!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle the chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves on top for added crunch and a burst of freshness. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your Easy Thai Peach Chicken—it’s a delightful dance of sweet, savory, and a hint of spice that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to pat it dry before adding it to the skillet for better browning!
What If I Can’t Find Fresh Peaches?
No worries! If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can substitute them with canned peaches (just drain them well) or even use mango for a different fruity twist. Just add them towards the end of cooking to prevent them from getting too soft.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you like more heat, you can increase the amount of red chili or chili flakes in the sauce. Alternatively, add sliced fresh jalapeños or Thai bird chilies during the cooking process for an extra kick. Adjust according to your taste preference!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop while adding the peaches fresh at the end to keep them intact and flavorful.
