Dinner

Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls Recipe

Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 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, divided; Pinch of sugar (optional, for caramelizing); 2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (1 large English cucumber); 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 of an onion); 1 tablespoon vinegar; Salt, to taste; Sugar, to taste; 1 tablespoon avocado oil; 4 ounces vermicelli noodles; A few tablespoons crushed peanuts; A few sprigs of fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil); Soy sauce or chili oil (optional, to thin sauce); Water (optional, to thin sauce)

ByClara Bennett February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

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Introduction

Thai Peanut Chicken Bowls offer a vibrant and flavorful meal that balances savory, tangy, and fresh elements. This dish combines tender marinated chicken, crisp cucumber salad, fragrant herbs, and rich peanut sauce for a satisfying and quick dinner.

A bowl with three main layers: the bottom layer is thin white rice noodles, slightly tangled and soft, placed at the center bottom of the bowl. On the top left, there are pieces of grilled chicken with a crispy, dark golden-brown crust, covered with a creamy, light orange peanut sauce and sprinkled with crushed peanuts. On the right side, there are thin cucumber slices mixed with fresh green herbs and thin slices of red onion, lightly coated with some of the sauce. The dish is garnished with whole green herbs scattered around, and a golden spoon resting on the right side. The bowl is white with a blue geometric pattern, held by a woman's hand from the bottom left. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin slices
8-ounce jar Thai peanut satay sauce (from Trader Joe’s)
1 clove grated garlic
2 cups thinly sliced cucumber (1 large English cucumber)
1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (about 1/4 an onion)
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 tablespoon vinegar
Salt and sugar to taste
4 ounces vermicelli noodles
A few tablespoons of crushed peanuts
A few sprigs of herbs such as mint, cilantro, and basil

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the chicken with half the jar of peanut satay sauce and the grated garlic. Let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber salad by tossing the sliced cucumbers and red onions with avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 3: Cook the vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken, allowing it to sit undisturbed for a few minutes to caramelize. Flip and cook until golden brown and cooked through. For extra caramelization, add a pinch of sugar near the end.
Step 5: Thin the remaining peanut sauce by stirring in a little water, soy sauce, or chili oil to create a dressing consistency.
Step 6: Assemble the bowls by layering vermicelli noodles, cooked chicken, cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. Drizzle the thinned peanut sauce over the top before serving.

Tips & Variations

Substitute avocado oil with sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
Add fresh chili slices or chili oil for extra heat.
Try garnishing with lime wedges to add a zesty brightness.
For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh.

Storage

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave and add fresh cucumber salad and herbs just before serving to maintain their crispness. Avoid storing the noodles mixed with sauce to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white bowl with a blue geometric pattern holds a vibrant dish with three main parts. On the left side are golden-brown grilled pieces topped with a light orange sauce and sprinkled with crushed nuts. The bottom center has a small pile of thin white noodles drizzled with the same orange sauce. On the right, there is a fresh salad made of thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, and leafy greens, all lightly coated with sauce and garnished with clear green herbs. A gold fork is placed on the right side of the bowl, partly on the salad. A woman's hand holds the bowl from the bottom against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, ensure your peanut sauce and soy sauce are gluten-free, and use gluten-free rice noodles. Most vermicelli noodles are naturally gluten-free.

How spicy is the peanut sauce?

The Thai peanut satay sauce from Trader Joe’s has a mild to medium spice level. You can adjust the heat by adding chili oil or fresh chilies according to your preference.