Easy Thai Peach Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work well too. You can also substitute with tofu for a vegetarian dish!

Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are best for sweetness. If they’re out of season, you can use canned peaches (drain them first) or even pineapple for a twist!

Bell Pepper: A red bell pepper adds sweetness and color. Feel free to swap it for green bell pepper or any other color, like yellow or orange, if that’s what you have on hand.

Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds depth of flavor. If you’re avoiding fish sauce, soy sauce or liquid aminos can be a good substitute, though it will alter the flavor a bit.

Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, fresh basil or green onions make great substitutes for garnish.

How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Perfectly Thickened?

The sauce is crucial for this dish’s flavor and texture. To thicken the sauce, the cornstarch slurry is your best friend. Here’s how to do it smoothly:

• Always mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to the hot sauce to prevent clumps.
• Stir the slurry into the bubbling sauce gradually while constantly mixing, so it incorporates well.
• Let it simmer for a minute or two until it thickens up. If it doesn’t thicken as much as you want, feel free to add a little more slurry.

Keep an eye on the sauce; it should be glossy and coat the chicken and veggies nicely. Happy cooking!

Easy Thai Peach Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 ripe peaches, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice (about 1 lime)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp chili flakes or 1 fresh red chili, sliced (adjust to spice preference)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This Easy Thai Peach Chicken takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s a quick and tasty meal to whip up after a long day!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Sauté the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the bell pepper is slightly softened.

3. Add Peaches and Spices:

Now it’s time to add the peach slices and the chili flakes or sliced chili. Cook everything together for another 2 minutes, allowing the peaches to soften just a bit without losing their shape.

4. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, fish sauce, honey (or brown sugar), lime juice, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk it until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture into the pan with the vegetables and peaches, bringing it to a gentle simmer.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

Add the cornstarch slurry (the mixture of cornstarch and water) to the skillet. Stir well and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and looks glossy. It should cling nicely to the chicken and veggies!

7. Serve and Garnish:

Once thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your Easy Thai Peach Chicken with fresh chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts for that crunchy finish. Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a delicious meal.

Enjoy the delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors with this dish!

FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quick thawing. Pat it dry before adding to the pan for the best texture!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

Can I Substitute the Peaches?

Absolutely! If peaches are out of season, you can use canned peaches (just drain them well) or fresh pineapple for a tasty alternative. Both options will bring a different but delightful flavor to the dish!

How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?

If you want a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit the fresh chili entirely. Conversely, if you prefer it spicier, feel free to add more chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce before simmering!