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Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls

Tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, savory-sweet and creamy peanut coconut sauce, served over jasmine rice and topped with crunchy peanuts, cilantro, and chilies. Ready in 30 minutes.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Thai
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Base & Chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken thighs boneless skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil coconut or vegetable
  • 4 cups jasmine rice cooked
The Peanut Sauce
  • 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1 can (14oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp red curry paste optional, for depth and mild heat
The Toppings
  • 0.25 cup roasted peanuts chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 red chilies thinly sliced (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Whisk
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Start cooking the jasmine rice according to package instructions.
  2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until browned on all sides, then remove from pan and set aside.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and red curry paste until smooth.
  4. Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-8 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thickened.
  5. Serve chicken and sauce over fluffy rice. Garnish generously with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sliced red chilies.

Notes

For a vegan version, substitute tofu for chicken and maple syrup for honey. If the sauce becomes too thick upon reheating, add a splash of water or coconut milk to thin it out.