Craving a twist on classic tacos? These Thai Chicken Tacos with Creamy Peanut Sauce are your answer.
Juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and a rich peanut sauce come together in a warm tortilla for a meal that packs a flavor punch. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Get ready to impress your taste buds with a fusion of Thai and Mexican flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Steps
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag and flatten it to a thickness of half an inch. In a bowl, mix lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, vegetable oil, fish sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, cilantro, and green onions. Pour this blend over the chicken, seal the bag, and ensure the marinade covers the chicken. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine peanut butter, brown sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and hot sauce. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit on medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates and place the marinated chicken on the grill. Cook the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until its internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips or cubes.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas and place the grilled chicken on top. Add toppings such as shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, diced red bell peppers, chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro. Drizzle with the prepared peanut sauce before serving.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- Juice of 1 lime
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/3 cup peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 8 flour tortillas, warmed
- Shredded purple cabbage
- Shredded carrots
- Diced red bell peppers
- Chopped unsalted peanuts
- Chopped green onions
- Cilantro leaves
Nutritional Values
Calories 2588 | Calories from Fat 936 | Fat 104g | Saturated Fat 40g | Cholesterol 436mg | Sodium 8968mg | Potassium 3916mg | Carbohydrates 220g | Fiber 12g | Sugar 80g | Protein 176g | Vitamin A 896IU | Vitamin C 56mg | Calcium 432mg | Iron 16mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
- Yes, you can use ground chicken for convenience or even switch to tofu or shrimp for a different twist. These alternatives will still pair well with the peanut sauce and vegetable toppings.
- What can I use instead of tortillas for a gluten-free option?
- For a gluten-free version, you can use lettuce leaves as wraps instead of flour tortillas. This change will keep the dish fresh and light while maintaining its delicious flavors.
- How long should I marinate the chicken?
- It is recommended to marinate the chicken for at least 2 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors from the marinade to fully infuse into the chicken, enhancing its taste when grilled.
- Can I prepare the peanut sauce in advance?
- Absolutely! You can make the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to whisk it again before serving to ensure a smooth consistency.
- What additional toppings can I use for added texture and flavor?
- For extra crunch, consider adding bean sprouts, coleslaw mix, chunky peanut butter, scallions, or sesame seeds. These toppings will complement the existing flavors and add more texture to your tacos.
Tips
- Marinating Tip: Ensure the chicken is marinated for at least 2 to 4 hours. This allows the robust flavors of the lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and fish sauce to fully infuse the meat, enhancing its taste.
- Grilling Tip: Preheat your grill to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees in the center, which typically takes about 5 minutes per side.
- Peanut Sauce Preparation: When making the peanut sauce, blend the ingredients until smooth for a creamy texture. Adjust the sriracha and hot sauce to your spice preference.
- Serving Suggestion: For a fresh crunch, top the tacos with shredded purple cabbage, carrots, and diced red bell peppers. Consider adding chopped unsalted peanuts or scallions for extra texture and flavor.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan: Essential for grilling the chicken to achieve the lightly charred flavor.
- Meat Thermometer: Useful for checking that the chicken is cooked to the appropriate internal temperature of 165°F.
- Gallon-Size Resealable Bags: Used for marinating the chicken.
- Whisk: Needed for mixing the marinade and peanut sauce ingredients.
- Medium Bowl: Required for preparing the peanut sauce.
- Basting Brush: For brushing oil on grill grates.
