Introduction
This delicious recipe combines tender marinated chicken with a refreshing cucumber salad, served over vermicelli noodles, and topped with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish is bursting with flavor and has a delightful balance of textures.
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 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 additional time for preparing the salad and cooking.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: Serves 2-4 people
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 sliced cucumbers, red onions, avocado oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar. Adjust seasoning 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 cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. 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 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 over the assembled bowls before serving.
Notes
Chicken Variations
You can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs based on your preference for taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
Adjust the amount of crushed peanuts and fresh herbs according to your taste for a personalized flavor profile.
Storage
Leftover salad and chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Vegetarian Option
To make this dish vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking them in the same way.
Heat Level
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding chili flakes or slices of fresh chili peppers during cooking or as a garnish.
Cook techniques
Marinating
Combine chicken with sauce and grated garlic, allowing it to absorb flavors for enhanced taste and tenderness.
Caramelization
Cook chicken undisturbed to develop a golden brown crust, enhancing flavor through Maillard reaction.
Salad Preparation
Toss cucumbers and red onions with oil, vinegar, salt, and sugar to create a refreshing side with balanced flavors.
Noodle Cooking
Soak vermicelli noodles in hot water until tender, ensuring they maintain a delicate texture for the dish.
Assembly
Layer cooked noodles, caramelized chicken, cucumber salad, fresh herbs, and peanuts in a bowl for a well-rounded meal.
Dressing Preparation
Thin remaining peanut satay sauce with water, soy sauce, or chili oil to create a pourable dressing for added richness.
FAQ
Can I use other types of chicken?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts or use bone-in cuts; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I use instead of peanut satay sauce?
You can try other nut-based sauces, or make a homemade version with peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices.
How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a plant-based satay sauce.
What herbs can I use?
Feel free to mix and match herbs like parsley, chives, or dill based on your preference.
Conclusion
Combining tender chicken marinated in a rich peanut satay sauce with a refreshing cucumber salad and vermicelli noodles creates a delightful and satisfying dish. The balance of flavors and textures, along with the addition of fresh herbs and crushed peanuts, elevates this meal, making it perfect for any occasion.
Thai Grilled Chicken Skewers
Use the marinated chicken to make grilled skewers, served with a side of the cucumber salad for a fun appetizer.
Peanut Sauce Stir-Fried Noodles
Stir-fry vermicelli noodles with remaining peanut sauce and your choice of vegetables for an easy, flavorful meal.
Vegetarian Alternative
Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinating and cooking them in the same peanut satay sauce for a vegetarian option.
Spicy Chicken Variations
Add sliced jalapeños or a splash of chili oil to the chicken marinade for an extra kick of heat.
Nutty Cucumber Slaw
Add shredded carrots and sesame oil to the cucumber salad for an Asian-inspired slaw with extra crunch and flavor.
