Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

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This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is a flavor-packed, colorful explosion in every bite. Juicy grilled chicken coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce pairs beautifully with fresh herbs, sweet mango, crunchy cabbage, and fragrant jasmine rice. It’s the perfect combination of spicy, sweet, salty, and tangy in one nourishing bowl.

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch idea, this dish delivers both convenience and satisfaction. The layered textures and vibrant ingredients not only make it incredibly tasty but also visually stunning—ideal for sharing on social media or impressing guests.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

This bowl is all about balance. The spicy marinated chicken brings a smoky kick, while the creamy peanut sauce adds comfort and richness. The fresh vegetables and herbs lighten everything up, creating a dish that’s filling without feeling heavy. It’s also highly customizable—swap proteins, grains, or veggies based on what you have on hand.

It’s a great meal prep option, stays fresh in the fridge for days, and works well both warm and cold. Plus, the peanut sauce alone is worth making in big batches!

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe—they stay juicy and absorb the marinade beautifully. However, you can use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat. For a plant-based twist, try tofu or tempeh marinated and grilled the same way. The key is getting that golden char for maximum flavor.

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Ingredients for the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Every component in this bowl plays a role in building bold, satisfying flavors:

• Chicken thighs: Rich, juicy, and perfect for absorbing the spicy marinade.
• Garlic and ginger: Aromatics that infuse the chicken and sauce with depth.
• Soy sauce and lime juice: For salty brightness in the marinade and peanut sauce.
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Adds heat and complexity.
• Peanut butter: The creamy base of the sauce that ties everything together.
• Honey or maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
• Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and tropical flair to the peanut sauce.
• Jasmine rice: Fluffy and fragrant, a neutral base that soaks up all the flavors.
• Mango chunks: A juicy contrast to the savory chicken.
• Avocado: Creamy, cooling, and full of healthy fats.
• Shredded red cabbage: Adds crunch and color.
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro): Brighten and freshen the bowl.
• Red chilies: For an extra spicy kick.
• Lime wedges: For squeezing over just before serving.

How To Make the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and sriracha. Coat the chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear the Chicken

Cook the marinated chicken on a hot grill or skillet until nicely charred and fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and sriracha. Heat gently until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

Start with a bed of jasmine rice. Top with sliced chicken, mango, avocado, cabbage, red chilies, and fresh herbs. Drizzle generously with peanut sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with sesame seeds, a squeeze of lime, and more herbs if desired. Serve warm or chilled.

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Serving and Storing the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

This bowl serves 4 hearty portions and is excellent for both fresh serving and meal prep. You can enjoy it warm right after cooking or chilled straight from the fridge, making it perfect for on-the-go lunches or quick dinners.

To store, place all components separately in airtight containers. The cooked chicken and peanut sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently if desired or serve cold as a refreshing bowl. Rice and veggies can be stored similarly but keep the herbs and avocado fresh by slicing them right before serving.

What to Serve With Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl?

Jasmine Iced Tea

Cool down the spice with a refreshing, lightly sweetened jasmine tea over ice.

Thai Spring Rolls

Serve fresh spring rolls with shrimp or tofu and a side of peanut dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer.

Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai)

A warm bowl of coconut milk soup with lemongrass and mushrooms makes a cozy complement.

Spicy Edamame

Quickly stir-fried edamame with chili oil and garlic adds a snackable side with a kick.

Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

Crunchy, tangy, and spicy, this salad mirrors the bold flavors in the chicken bowl beautifully.

Pickled Vegetables

Quick-pickled carrots, daikon, or cucumbers provide extra crunch and a vinegar tang.

Thai Peanut Noodles

Double up on the peanut flavor with a noodle side dish that echoes the bowl’s signature sauce.

Grilled Pineapple

Sweet and slightly charred, this tropical treat pairs naturally with the spicy, savory chicken.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use maple syrup instead of honey in the peanut sauce. It’s just as delicious and completely plant-based.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check that your peanut butter and other condiments are certified gluten-free.

3. Can I use another grain besides rice?
Yes, quinoa, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice work great here. The flavors are flexible and go well with many bases.

4. How spicy is the peanut sauce?
That’s up to you. Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce to your spice preference. Start small and add more as needed.

5. Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just warm it slightly before serving to bring back the creamy texture.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or mellow it out? Add a different fruit or skip the rice?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more of my recipes on my Life With Livia Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dadaking0065/

Conclusion

The Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a vibrant experience full of flavor, texture, and nourishment. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something bold and beautiful, this bowl has you covered. With easy-to-find ingredients and endless ways to customize, it might just become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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