I’m a fan of quick dinner solutions! These bowls include caramelized peanut chicken, a twist of vermicelli noodles, vibrant herbs and cucumber salad, topped with a drizzle of peanut sauce.
In This Post
Watch How To Make These Peanut Chicken Bowls
The Meal I Didn’t Know I Needed.
Oh, that was delicious.
This is a bowl of caramelized peanut chicken, sitting on a tangled nest of vermicelli noodles, accompanied by herbs and cucumber salad, finished with extra peanut sauce on top.
After feeling somewhat stuck in a post-holiday funk with overwhelming cooking, my first taste of this truly revitalized me. It was just the pick-me-up I needed.
Also, have you tried Trader Joe’s Peanut Satay Sauce? It makes this unbelievably simple to prepare. It’s thick, creamy, and mild enough to satisfy all four of our little Scandinavian family members. You should grab a jar and whip this up.
If a Trader Joe’s isn’t available near you, give this peanut sauce a go! I use it similarly with tofu, and I think it would work perfectly here. The sesame oil in it adds a delightful touch.
And unsurprisingly, I’m still enjoying and using these PFAS-free nonstick pans, which are great for this recipe.
January might not be anyone’s favorite month (does anyone actually like it?), but you know what? We have noodles. We have caramelized chicken bits. We’ve got fresh mint, little jars of sauce, and pure flavor happiness.
Let’s dig into a hearty bowl of noodles / chicken / peanut sauce / salad and remind ourselves that everything’s going to be alright.
Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls
Total Time:
45 minutesYield:
3–4 servings 1x
Description
I’m a fan of quick dinner solutions! These bowls include caramelized peanut chicken, a twist of vermicelli noodles, vibrant herbs and cucumber salad, topped with a drizzle of peanut sauce.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
Cucumber Salad
Noodles and Toppers
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken with half the jar of sauce and the garlic for about 30 minutes to an hour.
- Cucumber Salad: Meanwhile, mix the cucumbers, onions, oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar together.
- Cook the Chicken: In a nonstick skillet over medium heat, add a little oil; introduce the chicken, allowing it to sit undisturbed for several minutes to caramelize, then flip and repeat until the chicken is fully cooked and golden. You can add a pinch of sugar near the end for additional caramelization.
- Make a Bowl: Serve the chicken on top of rice noodles, along with some cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and peanuts.
- Sauce: Using the remaining sauce, mix in some water, soy sauce, or chili oil to thin it out into a dressing. Drizzle over the bowls and enjoy.
Notes
If you lack access to a Trader Joe’s for the peanut satay sauce, consider using this peanut sauce instead! Use about 1/3 cup for marinating the chicken in step 1 and an additional 1/3 cup to mix into the dressing in step 5!
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: satay sauce, thai peanut sauce, peanut sauce, peanut noodles, chicken
Three More Trader Joe’s Shortcut Meals
**Flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls with Rice and Vegetables: A Perfect Blend of Taste and Nutrition**
If you’re searching for a dish that’s bursting with bold tastes, vivid colors, and healthy ingredients, look no further than Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls with Rice and Vegetables. This meal is a wonderful blend of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, perfectly united with a creamy peanut sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s not just a delight for your palate, but also a balanced and nutritious meal that’s straightforward to prepare. Let’s explore what makes this dish unique and how to recreate it in your kitchen.
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### **The Essence of Thai Cuisine**
Renowned for its balanced flavors—spicy, sweet, sour, salty, and umami—Thai cuisine creates dishes that are both intricate and satisfying. Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls truly embody this culinary philosophy, merging tender chicken, a rich peanut sauce, and a variety of fresh vegetables over a fluffy rice base. This results in a meal that’s comforting yet exhilarating, traditional yet adaptable.
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### **Key Ingredients**
The charm of Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls comes from the quality and combination of ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
#### **1. Chicken**
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this dish. The chicken is usually marinated and cooked to perfection for juiciness and flavor.
#### **2. Peanut Sauce**
The star of the dish is the rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s filled with flavor. It’s created with peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, honey (or brown sugar), and a bit of chili paste. Feel free to customize it for your desired sweetness or spiciness.
#### **3. Rice**
Jasmine rice is the classic choice for Thai meals, providing a fragrant and slightly sticky texture that pairs harmoniously with the sauce. For a healthier option, you can switch it for brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
#### **4. Vegetables**
A bright mix of vegetables not only enhances nutritional value but also elevates the dish’s appearance. Common choices include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, and red cabbage, typically stir-fried or steamed to maintain their crunch and vibrant hues.
#### **5. Garnishes**
Fresh garnishes such as chopped cilantro, green onions, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges add complexity and texture.
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### **How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls**
Making this dish at home is easier than you might expect. Follow these steps:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce**
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste. Add a splash of water until you reach your preferred consistency. Set it aside.
#### **Step 2: Cook the Chicken**
Cut the chicken into small bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high, drizzle with oil, and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
#### **Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables**
Using the same skillet, add a bit more oil and stir-fry the vegetables until they’re crisp-tender, taking care not to overcook to keep their bright colors and crunch.
#### **Step 4: Assemble the Bowls**
Begin with a layer of cooked rice in each bowl. Layer in the cooked chicken and stir-fried vegetables. Generously drizzle with peanut sauce.
#### **Step 5: Garnish and Serve**
Top the bowls with chopped cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts, and include a lime wedge on the side for an explosion of freshness. Serve right away and enjoy!
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### **Why You’ll Love This Dish**
1. **Brimming with Flavor:** The peanut sauce offers a magnificent combination of creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors.
2. **Versatile:** This recipe allows for easy adjustments to suit your dietary needs. Consider swapping chicken for tofu or shrimp, using gluten-free soy sauce, or adding more vegetables.
3. **Nutritious:** Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, it makes a complete meal.
4. **Perfect for Meal Prep:** Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls work wonderfully for meal prepping. Just store the components separately and assemble when ready to enjoy.
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### **Tips for Success**
– **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh lime juice, garlic, and ginger significantly enhance flavor.
– **Don’t Skip the Garnishes:** They provide a fresh, crunchy, and aromatic element that ties the dish together beautifully.
– **Adjust the Heat:** If you like it spicy, don’t be afraid to up the chili!