This Easy Thai Peach Chicken is a tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken and sweet peaches. The tasty sauce blends spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors in every bite!
It’s like a mini vacation on your plate—I mean, who wouldn’t want chicken that tastes like summer? 🌞 I love serving this over rice for a filling meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too. If you’re looking for a plant-based option, tofu can be a great substitute—just press it to remove excess moisture before cooking.
Peaches: Fresh peaches add a nice texture and sweetness. If they’re out of season, canned peaches are a good alternative—just make sure to drain them well! You can also try other fruits like pineapple for a twist.
Soy Sauce: This gives a rich umami flavor. If you’re avoiding gluten, use tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another great gluten-free alternative that’s a bit sweeter.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Adjust the spiciness to your liking. If you don’t have it, Sriracha, red pepper flakes, or even a bit of hot sauce can work well too!
How to Get the Perfect Sauce for Your Chicken?
The sauce is what makes this dish pop! To ensure it’s well-balanced, mix your soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar or lime juice, and chili garlic sauce thoroughly. The key here is to adjust to your taste—don’t hesitate to add more honey for sweetness or vinegar for tang.
- Starting with a small amount of chili sauce is a smart move. You can always add more later!
- For a silky texture, dissolving cornstarch in water before adding it to the sauce prevents clumping.
- Let it simmer for a couple of minutes after adding the cornstarch to allow it to thicken nicely.
With these tips, you’ll have a vibrant and delicious Thai Peach Chicken that will impress everyone at your table!
Easy Thai Peach Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Main Dish:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe peaches, sliced (fresh or canned slices drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional, for authentic Thai flavor)
- 1-2 tsp chili garlic sauce or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 tbsp water or chicken broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook! It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar (or lime juice), fish sauce (if using), chili garlic sauce, and water. Set this mixture aside for later. This will be the tasty sauce that ties all the flavors together!
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté them until they are golden brown and fully cooked, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. This step keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
3. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, which should take roughly 30 seconds. These ingredients add a delicious aroma to your dish!
4. Add Peppers:
Next, add the thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened. The peppers will bring a nice crunch and sweetness to the dish!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Then, add the sliced peaches and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together to ensure the chicken and peaches are well coated in sauce.
6. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the mixture to a simmer. If you desire a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water to create a smooth paste, then stir this into the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the ingredients well.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish your dish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Serve it hot with lime wedges on the side, and don’t forget to pair it with steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful, sweet, and tangy Thai Peach Chicken!
FAQ for Easy Thai Peach Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s essential to thaw it completely before cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to avoid extra moisture in the pan.
What Can I Substitute for Peaches?
If peaches aren’t in season, you can substitute them with canned peaches (drained) or even try pineapple for a different flavor. Other fruits like nectarines or apricots can work, too—just adjust the sweetness of the sauce accordingly.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! If you like it spicy, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha in the sauce mixture. You can also add fresh sliced chili peppers to the dish while it’s cooking for an extra kick!
