Oh, the joy of discovering a dish that feels like a warm hug on a hectic weekday! This Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Rice Bowl might just be the comfort food you didn’t know you needed. It’s like stumbling upon a hidden gem in a bustling market—unexpected, delightful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Imagine tender chicken (juicy and full of flavor) mingling with creamy, nutty peanut sauce, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice. The aroma alone could bring a smile to your face—trust me, it’s like a mini-vacation for your senses. The best part?
It’s a breeze to whip up, even if the day has felt like a never-ending to-do list. Speaking of unexpected surprises, did you catch the news that they might bring back the McRib again this year? It’s like fast food’s version of a comet—rare and eagerly anticipated.
Anyway, back to our bowl—each bite is a delightful dance of flavors; a little spicy, a touch sweet, and oh, so savory. Kind of like how life should be, right? Well, maybe minus the spicy part.
So grab your chopsticks—or a fork if you must—and let’s dive into this bowl of happiness.
Steps
- Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs thinly and mix them with half a jar of Thai peanut satay sauce and grated garlic. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Prepare the Cucumber Salad: While the chicken is marinating, mix sliced cucumbers and red onions with avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Toss the ingredients together to combine well.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, allowing it to sit without stirring for a few minutes to achieve caramelization. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through; add a pinch of sugar if desired to enhance caramelization.
- Assemble the Bowl: Place the cooked chicken over a bed of vermicelli noodles. Add some cucumber salad, fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil, and sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
- Prepare the Sauce: Thin out the remaining peanut sauce with a bit of water, soy sauce, or chili oil to create a dressing-like consistency. Drizzle the sauce over the bowls before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sliced thinly
- 8-ounce jar of Thai peanut satay sauce
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (1 large English cucumber)
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (about 1/4 of an onion)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Salt and sugar, to taste
- 4 ounces vermicelli noodles
- Crushed peanuts, a few tablespoons
- Fresh herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil, to taste
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of noodle in this dish?
- Yes, you can substitute vermicelli noodles with other types of noodles such as rice noodles or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to cook them according to the package instructions.
- What if I don’t have access to Trader Joe’s Peanut Satay Sauce?
- If Trader Joe’s isn’t an option, you can use a homemade or different store-bought peanut sauce. Just ensure it has a creamy, mild flavor profile. Use it to marinate the chicken and to create the dressing by thinning it with water, soy sauce, or chili oil.
- How do I ensure the chicken is caramelized properly?
- To achieve caramelization, let the chicken sit undisturbed in the pan over medium heat for a few minutes before flipping. For extra caramelization, you can add a small pinch of sugar towards the end of the cooking process.
- Can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with tofu or another protein substitute. Marinate and cook it in the same way as the chicken for a delicious vegetarian option.
- What herbs work best with this dish?
- Fresh mint, cilantro, and basil are recommended for their complementary flavors, but feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs to suit your taste preferences.
Tips
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate in the peanut sauce and garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to deeply infuse the flavors into the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Achieve Perfect Caramelization: When cooking the chicken, let it sit undisturbed in the pan for a few minutes before flipping. This will help achieve a nice caramelized crust. For extra caramelization, consider adding a small pinch of sugar towards the end of cooking.
- Customize Your Sauce Consistency: To create a dressing-like consistency for the peanut sauce, add a splash of water, soy sauce, or chili oil to the remaining sauce. This will make it easier to drizzle over your bowl and enhance the overall flavor.
- Experiment with Fresh Herbs: Use a mix of fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil for garnish. These not only add a burst of flavor but also a vibrant freshness that complements the richness of the peanut sauce and chicken.
Equipment
- PFAS-free nonstick pan
- Grater (for the garlic)
- Vermicelli noodle strainer or colander (if you don’t already have one)