Name: Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced; 1 cup jasmine rice; 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage; 1/2 red bell pepper or 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1 ripe mango, cubed; 1 avocado, sliced; 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions; 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional); 1 lime, cut into wedges; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger; 1 to 2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste); 3 to 4 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

Craving a bold, vibrant, and utterly satisfying meal that brings restaurant-level flavor to your kitchen? This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl hits every mark. Creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of heat, it’s a wholesome dish that combines juicy marinated chicken with crisp veggies, buttery avocado, and fragrant jasmine rice. Drizzled with a luscious Thai peanut sauce, it offers texture, color, and flavor in every bite.

Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this bowl layers well-balanced nutrition with craveable taste. Whether you’re a Thai food enthusiast or just discovering the magic of peanut sauces, this dish is an easy way to level up your dinner game without complicated steps.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To prepare the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl smoothly, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the essentials and why they matter:

Non-stick skillet or grill pan — Ideal for evenly cooking the marinated chicken pieces without drying them out.
Medium saucepan — Perfect for cooking fluffy jasmine or basmati rice as the base for your bowl.
Blender or food processor — Helps achieve a velvety consistency for the peanut sauce.
Sharp chef’s knife — For clean slicing of avocado, mango, red cabbage, and bell peppers.
Cutting board — Keeps your workspace tidy and ingredients organized.
Mixing bowls — Useful for marinating the chicken and tossing the veggies if desired.
Tongs or spatula — Makes flipping and mixing easy without breaking up the chicken pieces.

These tools help streamline prep, ensure even cooking, and make presentation a breeze, so you can enjoy both the process and the result.

Ingredients for the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Each ingredient in this bowl brings a purpose—flavor, texture, and nutrition. Here’s what you need and why it belongs:

Chicken breast or thighs — Lean protein that soaks up the spicy peanut marinade beautifully.
Jasmine rice — Fragrant and soft, it anchors the bowl with comforting warmth.
Red cabbage — Adds crunch and a pop of purple, boosting color and nutrients.
Carrot or red bell pepper — Brings natural sweetness and freshness to balance the savory sauce.
Ripe mango — Offers a tropical tang that pairs perfectly with the heat of the peanut sauce.
Avocado — Creamy, cooling, and rich in healthy fats.
Fresh cilantro and green onions — Herbaceous and sharp, they brighten up the bowl.
Chopped peanuts (optional) — Adds crunch and ties back to the peanut-based sauce.
Lime wedges — A squeeze brings zest and heightens all other flavors.

For the Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce:

Peanut butter — The star base, creamy and rich.
Soy sauce — Adds umami and saltiness.
Rice vinegar or lime juice — For acidity and balance.
Honey or maple syrup — A touch of sweetness.
Garlic and ginger (fresh) — Spicy aromatics.
Chili garlic sauce or sriracha — Brings the heat.
Warm water — To thin the sauce to a drizzle-able consistency.

How To Make the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, a spoonful of the peanut sauce, and a little garlic. Toss your diced chicken in and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the chicken marinates, cook jasmine rice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes depending on thickness.

Step 4: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, chili sauce, and warm water. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Prepare the Veggies

Slice avocado, shred cabbage, julienne the bell pepper or carrot, and cube the mango. Keep ingredients separate for easy bowl assembly.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of rice, then add chicken, veggies, and mango in sections. Drizzle generously with the spicy peanut sauce.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, optional peanuts, and a fresh squeeze of lime for brightness.

Serving and Storing the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

This bowl is best served freshly assembled. The warm rice and chicken contrast beautifully with the chilled mango, avocado, and crisp vegetables. For the ultimate experience, serve the peanut sauce warm for a drizzle that slightly melts into the chicken and rice.

Hosting a gathering? Lay out all the toppings buffet-style and let guests build their own bowls—fun, interactive, and crowd-pleasing!

To store: Keep components separate in airtight containers in the fridge. Chicken and rice will last up to 4 days, while the peanut sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week. Add fresh toppings like avocado and mango just before serving to preserve their texture and color.

Reheat tips: Warm the rice and chicken in the microwave or skillet, then reassemble with fresh toppings and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work beautifully. Thighs tend to be juicier, but both absorb the marinade well.

Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?

You can, but homemade gives better control over spice and sweetness. It also uses fresh garlic and ginger for an extra punch of flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a kick, but you can adjust the heat easily by reducing or increasing the amount of chili garlic sauce or sriracha.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even roasted chickpeas for a delicious plant-based version.

What’s the best rice alternative?

Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice all work well depending on your dietary preferences.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Slice it fresh just before serving. If prepping ahead, coat it lightly with lime juice and store it tightly covered.

Want More Thai-Inspired Bowl Ideas?

You might also love the Honey Garlic Chicken Rice Bowls, a slightly sweeter twist that brings bold umami flavor with minimal prep. For more heat, try the Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta, a dish that’s not a bowl but definitely delivers a chili-kissed kick.

If you’re into seafood, the Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa brings coastal freshness with a creamy twist. Or take a comforting turn with the One Skillet Smoky Cajun BBQ Chicken Pasta, a hearty and robust option for pasta lovers.

Finally, the Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites can be repurposed into bowls too—just add rice and veggies, and you’re set!

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this recipe to your favorite weeknight meals or rice bowl boards for quick inspiration. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go extra spicy? Did you try a different protein or fruit combo? Share your twists in the comments below.

And for more daily recipe inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at LadyPlate on Pinterest.

Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl

Author: Julia Koch
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl combines juicy, marinated chicken with creamy peanut sauce, crisp veggies, fluffy jasmine rice, and tropical mango. It’s a vibrant, balanced meal perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.