Introducing your new favorite dinner: the Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl. Bursting with bold flavors and color, this meal brings together juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, fragrant jasmine rice, and a lusciously creamy peanut sauce that ties it all together. It’s a complete, cozy dish that delivers restaurant-quality goodness in every bite. Whether you need a fuss-free weeknight dinner or want to impress your friends with something special, this Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is guaranteed to become a treasured staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish is in its beautiful simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to add something special—whether that’s rich flavor, fresh crunch, or gorgeous color. Gather these pantry-friendly staples and a couple of fresh finds, and you’ll be ready to whip up a Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl that tastes like a treat.
- Chicken breasts: Slice them thin for quick, juicy, and evenly cooked bites every time.
- Olive oil: A neutral base for sautéing the chicken and veggies, letting all those bold Asian flavors shine.
- Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of sweetness and lovely vibrant color to every bowl.
- Shredded carrots: Provide crunch and a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.
- Jasmine rice: Soft, fragrant, and perfect for soaking up all that delectable sauce—sub with brown rice if you prefer.
- Green onions: For a punch of freshness and just the right hint of sharpness when sprinkled on top.
- Chopped peanuts: Adds irresistible crunch and that signature peanut flavor.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright and herbaceous garnish, balancing the dish’s savory elements.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze right before eating brightens every flavor note.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce, making it rich and nutty—opt for smooth and unsweetened for best results.
- Soy sauce: Brings savory depth and that classic umami kick.
- Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that lifts the entire sauce.
- Honey: Balances out the salty and sour notes with just a touch of mellow sweetness.
- Sesame oil: Infuses the sauce with toasty, unmistakable Asian flavor—just a little goes a long way.
- Fresh ginger: A teaspoon goes a long way for peppery zing and warmth.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for punchy, savory goodness.
- Warm water: For thinning the sauce, so it coats the chicken and veggies perfectly.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl
Step 1: Whisk Up the Peanut Sauce
Start by grabbing a small bowl and your whisk. Combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and a splash of warm water. Whisk until the mixture transforms into a velvety, pourable sauce. If it’s a bit thick, don’t fret—add an extra tablespoon or two of water until it’s just right for drizzling. Taste as you go, and if you love a little heat, this is the time to add a spoonful of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add your sliced chicken breasts, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until each piece is browned and cooked through to the center. You want the chicken to be tender and juicy—so don’t overcook! Remove the chicken and set aside if needed.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
To that same skillet, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Let them sizzle and soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. They should emerge bright, just-tender, and still full of snap. This builds a colorful base for your Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the chicken to the skillet, then pour the dreamy peanut sauce over the top. Give everything a gentle toss so the chicken and veggies are evenly coated. Lower the heat, and let the mixture gently simmer for 2 minutes. This melds all those flavors together and creates the aromatic sauce that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the warm jasmine rice among four bowls. Spoon the saucy peanut chicken and veggies right over the rice, making sure to get a little of everything in each serving. Now comes the fun part—grab all those fresh garnishes and let the customization begin!
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl
Garnishes
For the Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl, toppings make every bite extra fun and flavorful. Shower each bowl with chopped peanuts for crunch, sprinkle on a generous handful of green onions for freshness, and add a flourish of cilantro. Finish with a firm squeeze of lime over the top to brighten all those complex flavors. Arrange your garnishes in little piles if you’re feeling fancy—it’s all about personalizing each bowl to your taste.
Side Dishes
Though this Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is absolutely satisfying on its own, you can absolutely turn it into a Thai-inspired feast! Serve it alongside a crisp cucumber salad, some lightly steamed edamame, or even a side of fresh mango for a sweet finish. If you want to keep things extra cozy, a cup of coconut soup pairs beautifully with the rich, nutty flavors of the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl to the next level with some playful presentation. Try layering the rice and chicken mixture in mason jars for a portable lunch, or use lettuce cups to make handheld wraps—perfect for parties or meal prep. Set up a DIY bowl bar for family and friends, letting everyone customize their own with extra veggies, sauces, and toppings. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll never get bored!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl (lucky you!), storage is a breeze. Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers, separating the rice and chicken mixture if you can. This helps both keep their ideal texture and flavor. Stash in the fridge for up to 3 days—you’ll love how the flavors deepen overnight!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can certainly freeze your Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl components. Place the peanut chicken and vegetable mixture in a freezer-safe container, leaving out the fresh garnishes until serving. Store the rice separately for the best results. Everything will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave the chicken and rice in 30-second intervals, stirring gently in between, until piping hot. You can also warm the chicken mixture in a skillet on the stove with a splash of water to loosen up the sauce. Don’t add the garnishes until after reheating to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a flavorful, juicy swap for breasts in this Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl. Just be sure to trim excess fat and slice thin so they cook through quickly and evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make your Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl gluten-free, simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in the peanut sauce. Double-check that your other ingredients (like rice vinegar) are also gluten-free just to be safe.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh. Sauté until golden, then simmer in the sauce as you would with chicken. The rest of the Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl components stay the same—just as delicious and satisfying.
How spicy is this dish?
As written, the Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is family friendly and mild. For extra heat, stir chili garlic sauce or sriracha into the peanut sauce to your preferred spice level. You have total control!
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to mix it up with veggies you love. Snap peas, steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or even thinly sliced red cabbage work beautifully in this Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl. The more color and crunch, the better!
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing a Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl that’s loaded with flavor, easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t wait to dive in—this recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, perfect for quick dinners and cozy nights in. Gather your ingredients, invite a friend or two, and serve up a meal guaranteed to become a new favorite in your home.
Print
Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is a delicious and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a flavorful peanut sauce served over jasmine rice. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients
For the chicken bowl:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
For the peanut sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2–4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Instructions
- Make the peanut sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and warm water until smooth. Adjust water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until fully cooked and lightly browned.
- Add vegetables: Add the bell pepper and carrots, cooking for another 3 to 4 minutes until just tender.
- Combine with sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables and stir to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Assemble: Divide the cooked jasmine rice between bowls. Top with the peanut chicken mixture. Garnish with green onions, chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce.
- This dish works well with brown rice or rice noodles as a base.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
