Introduction
This delicious recipe combines tender chicken marinated in Thai peanut satay sauce with a refreshing cucumber salad and vermicelli noodles. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken
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
Cucumber Salad
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
Noodles and Toppers
4 ounces vermicelli noodles
A few tablespoons of crushed peanuts
A few sprigs of herbs – mint, cilantro, and basil
Prep Time
30 minutes to 1 hour for marinating the chicken, plus a few minutes for preparing the cucumber salad and noodles.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: Approximately 15 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-3 people
Enjoy this flavorful bowl that’s both satisfying and refreshing, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
Combine the chicken slices with half the jar of peanut satay sauce and the grated garlic. Let it marinate for about 30 minutes to an hour.
Prepare the Cucumber Salad
In a bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers and red onions with avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Toss well to combine.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a small amount of oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to achieve caramelization. Flip the pieces and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown. For additional caramelization, you can add a pinch of sugar towards the end of cooking.
Assemble the Bowl
Place the cooked vermicelli noodles in a bowl. Top with the caramelized peanut chicken, cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts.
Prepare the Sauce
To the remaining peanut satay sauce, add a bit of water, soy sauce, or chili oil to thin it to a dressing consistency. Drizzle this sauce over the assembled bowls before serving.
Notes
Marination Time
Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor; consider preparing it the day before for best results.
Serving Suggestions
This dish can be served warm or cold. It’s great for meal prep as the components can be made ahead of time.
Herb Variations
Feel free to mix and match different herbs based on your preference; other options include Thai basil and green onions.
Cucumber Salad Customization
Adjust the seasoning of the cucumber salad based on your taste. Include additional veggies like carrots for extra crunch.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Marinate the chicken in a mixture of peanut satay sauce and grated garlic to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Salting and Sugaring
When preparing the cucumber salad, balancing the flavors with salt and sugar can enhance the overall taste by drawing out moisture and providing contrast.
Caramelization
Cook the marinated chicken in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden brown and caramelized, ensuring to cook undisturbed for better texture.
Assembling
Layer the cooked vermicelli noodles, caramelized chicken, cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts for a visually appealing and flavorful bowl.
Thinning Sauce
Adjust the remaining peanut satay sauce by adding water, soy sauce, or chili oil to create a drizzleable dressing consistency for the assembled bowl.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chicken cut instead of breasts or thighs?
Yes, other chicken cuts can be used, but adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the pieces.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or vegetable oil based on your preference.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating the chicken for about 30 minutes to an hour is optimal for flavor without compromising texture.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, adding chili oil or sliced fresh chili can increase the spice level to your preference.
What other toppings can I use?
Feel free to add other toppings such as sliced jalapeños, carrots, or sesame seeds for varied texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Thai-inspired dish combines tender, marinated chicken with a refreshing cucumber salad and delicate vermicelli noodles, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The addition of fresh herbs and crushed peanuts enhances the overall experience, making it a vibrant and satisfying meal option that can be enjoyed any day of the week.
Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Use the marinated chicken in crisp lettuce leaves instead of noodles for a low-carb, fresh alternative.
Coconut Curry Rice Bowl
Serve the peanut chicken over coconut-infused jasmine rice for an aromatic and hearty meal.
Veggie Stir-Fry
Incorporate a mix of your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots with the chicken and noodles for added nutrition and color.
Soba Noodle Salad
Swap vermicelli noodles for soba noodles and dress with a soy sauce-based dressing for a nutty, umami flavor.
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill for a smoky twist, perfect for summer barbecues.
Thai Peanut Soup
Utilize the satay sauce to create a warming peanut soup, combining it with broth, coconut milk, and veggies for a comforting dish.
