Description
Delicious and vibrant Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls featuring marinated chicken cooked to caramelized perfection, served over vermicelli noodles with a refreshing cucumber and red onion salad, fresh herbs, and crunchy peanuts, all drizzled with a tangy peanut satay sauce dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin slices
- 8-ounce jar Thai peanut satay sauce (from Trader Joe’s), divided
- 1 clove grated garlic
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Salt and sugar to taste
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (1 large English cucumber)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 an onion)
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- Salt and sugar to taste
Other
- 4 ounces vermicelli noodles
- A few tablespoons crushed peanuts
- A few sprigs fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)
- Soy sauce, water, or chili oil for thinning remaining sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine half of the Thai peanut satay sauce jar with the grated garlic and sliced chicken. Mix well, ensuring the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Cucumber Salad: In a bowl, toss together the thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar to taste. Mix gently and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken slices, allowing them to sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a caramelized crust. Flip and repeat until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Optionally, sprinkle a pinch of sugar towards the end to deepen caramelization.
- Cook Vermicelli Noodles: Prepare the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, usually by soaking or boiling briefly. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Bowls: Arrange a bed of cooked vermicelli noodles in each bowl. Top with caramelized chicken, a portion of cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts.
- Prepare the Sauce Dressing: Take the remaining peanut satay sauce and thin it out by adding a bit of water, soy sauce, or chili oil to achieve a drizzle-able consistency. Drizzle over the assembled bowls before serving.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and basil for a fragrant finish.
- Adjust salt and sugar in the cucumber salad to balance acidity and sweetness according to taste.
- Caramelizing the chicken adds depth, but monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Thinning the peanut sauce makes it easier to drizzle and enhances the coating on the dish.
