Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl Easy Recipe for Busy Weeknights

If you’re looking for a quick, easy meal that’s full of flavor, a Thai peanut chicken bowl is a great choice. It combines tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy peanut sauce that makes every bite tasty and satisfying.

This post may contain affiliate links.

A Thai peanut chicken bowl is simple to make and perfect for a healthy, balanced meal that fits into your busy day. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to enjoy this dish.

This bowl is also very versatile, so you can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Once you try it, you might find yourself making it again and again.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

You’ll need a mix of fresh and pantry ingredients to get the right balance of flavors. The cooking process is simple and quick, focusing on layering taste and texture. Paying attention to how you cook the chicken and prepare the sauce will help you make a dish that feels homemade and fresh.

Essential Ingredients

Start with boneless chicken breast or thighs for tender meat. Use peanut butter—smooth or chunky, depending on your texture preference. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, while soy sauce and a bit of honey provide salty and sweet notes.

Other key items include:

Garlic and ginger for aroma
Rice or cauliflower rice as a base
Shredded carrots and sliced cucumbers for crunch
Chopped peanuts for extra texture
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Optional: Sriracha for some heat

Make sure your ingredients are fresh to keep flavors vibrant.

Thap Peanut Chicken Bowl Recipe

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cups cooked jasmine rice
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
Lime wedges (for serving)

For the peanut sauce:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 clove garlic, minced
2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and cook until they are fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the peanut sauce by whisking together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and warm water until smooth and creamy. Adjust the water to reach your desired sauce consistency and add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you like it spicy.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat. To assemble the bowls, start with a base of cooked jasmine rice. Top the rice with the cooked chicken, shredded carrots, red cabbage, red bell pepper, cucumber slices, and chopped green onions.

Drizzle the peanut sauce generously over the bowl. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips for Perfect Texture and Flavor

Use medium heat to avoid overcooking the chicken. This keeps it juicy. If your sauce is too thick, add a little water or coconut milk to thin it.

Taste the sauce before adding too much soy sauce. You want a nice balance of salty, sweet, and tangy. Crunch comes from fresh veggies and peanuts, so don’t skip these.

Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to keep juices locked in. Adjust spice levels by adding Sriracha bit by bit until it’s just right for you.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

You can switch up the ingredients in your Thai peanut chicken bowl to fit your taste or diet. Adding different textures and flavors can make your meal more exciting. Knowing how to keep leftovers fresh will help you enjoy this dish even on busy days.

Alternative Proteins and Vegetarian Options

If you want something other than chicken, try shrimp, tofu, or tempeh. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice seafood flavor. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option—press it to remove water, then marinate and pan-fry until crispy.

Tempeh has a firmer texture and a nutty taste that works well with peanut sauce. You can also use cooked chickpeas or edamame for plant-based protein. These options give your bowl different flavors and textures without losing protein.

Topping Ideas for Extra Crunch

Adding crunchy toppings brings a nice contrast to the creamy peanut sauce. Try chopped peanuts or cashews for a nutty bite. Crispy fried onions or shallots add a savory snack-like crunch.

You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or crispy garlic chips. Thinly sliced cucumber or shredded carrots provide a fresh crunch without extra fat. These toppings make your bowl more interesting and satisfying.

Ways to Store and Reheat

Store the peanut chicken bowl components separately if possible. Keep cooked chicken or alternative protein in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Rice or grains should be stored separately to avoid sogginess.

When reheating, warm the protein in a pan or microwave until hot. Add the peanut sauce and toppings fresh after heating. This keeps textures crisp and flavors fresh. Avoid reheating with sauce to prevent it from separating or getting too thick.

Follow my Healthy Bowl recipe board on Pinterest.