Introduction
This delicious recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a vibrant cucumber salad and vermicelli noodles, topped with fresh herbs and crushed peanuts. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish bursts with flavor and is both refreshing and satisfying.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chicken
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into thin slices
8-ounce jar Thai peanut satay sauce
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 Toppings
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
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 2-4 depending on portion sizes
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, toss together the thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions, avocado oil, vinegar, and season with salt and sugar to taste.
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 repeat until the chicken is cooked through 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, a portion of the 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 out to a dressing consistency. Drizzle this over the assembled bowls before serving.
Notes
Chicken Selection
You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and retain moisture better.
Cucumber Salad Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables to the cucumber salad, such as shredded carrots or bell peppers, for added texture and color.
Noodle Cooking Tips
Soak the vermicelli noodles in hot water according to the package instructions to ensure they are cooked perfectly and have the right texture when served.
Herb Selection
Using a mix of mint, cilantro, and basil will elevate the freshness of the dish, but you can choose any combination of fresh herbs you enjoy most.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store each component separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Combining chicken with peanut satay sauce and garlic allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, enhancing its taste and tenderness.
Slicing
Cutting the chicken and cucumbers into thin slices ensures they cook evenly and allows for better flavor absorption in dishes.
Caramelization
Cooking the chicken undisturbed for a few minutes helps develop a nice brown crust, adding depth to the flavor. Flipping the pieces allows for even browning.
Assembling
Layering cooked noodles, chicken, cucumber salad, herbs, and peanuts creates a visually appealing and flavorful dish.
Dressing Preparation
Thinning out the remaining peanut satay sauce with water or other liquids creates a dressing that enhances the dish without overpowering it.
FAQ
Can I use different types of chicken?
Yes, you can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating for 30 minutes to an hour allows sufficient time for the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
What can I substitute for avocado oil?
You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or any neutral oil you prefer.
Can I add more vegetables to the cucumber salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional crunch and flavor.
What if I don’t have vermicelli noodles?
If you don’t have vermicelli noodles, you can substitute them with rice noodles or any other type of noodles you enjoy.
How can I make the dish spicier?
To add heat, you can include chili oil in the sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Conclusion
This dish combines the savory flavors of marinated chicken with the freshness of cucumber salad, all balanced by the creaminess of peanut satay sauce. The addition of fresh herbs and crushed peanuts elevates the meal, making it not just nutritious but also visually appealing. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Thai Peanut Tofu Bowl
Swap chicken for tofu, using the same marinade and cooking method, and serve it over the vermicelli noodles with cucumber salad and herbs.
Grilled Shrimp with Satay Sauce
Replace chicken with skewered shrimp marinated in satay sauce and grilled to perfection. Serve with the same noodle and salad base.
Pork Satay Noodle Salad
Use thinly sliced pork tenderloin marinated in peanut satay sauce. Cook and serve on vermicelli noodles with the cucumber salad for a hearty twist.
Vegetable Vermicelli Bowl
Add a variety of stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots along with a tofu or chicken base for added nutrition.
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Serve the marinated chicken in lettuce leaves with peanut sauce drizzled on top for a low-carb, refreshing option. Accompany with a side of cucumber salad.
