Hoisin Peanut Sauce With Chicken and Rice
By: Merritt Allen
Looking for a delicious and hassle-free dinner option? Look no further than this incredible Thai bowl recipe featuring chicken, fluffy rice, and the star of the show – hoisin peanut sauce. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something both satisfying and quick. This recipe is so fast to make and totally crave-able!
The peanut sauce is super easy to make, requiring no equipment or cooking, but adding maximum flavor to any dish. This peanut sauce features hoisin sauce, which is a little sweet, a little salty, and goes great with peanut butter. The pairing with chicken, rice, cucumbers, and any extra vegetables, this dish is so delicious!
Notes and Tips For Hoisin Peanut Sauce with Rice and Chicken:
This recipe makes a great meal prep dinner or lunch! Everything can be made in advance and assembled for an easy weekday meal whenever you need! If you are looking for more meal prep options for your week, check out my Ultimate Burrito Guide! An easy recipe booklet for a burrito every day of the week!
You can any protein with these bowl. Tofu is a great vegetarian option that goes really well with the hoisin peanut sauce. Other protein options include thinly cooked pork or flank steak!
I recommend buying pre-cooked chicken if you want to make this recipe even faster. You can buy rotisserie chicken, frozen cooked chicken, or pre-shredded chicken. This will make the preparation and assembly so quick for a weeknight dinner. You can also cook fresh chicken! I like to broil chicken thighs or grill chicken breast during the summer!
Does Hoisin Sauce Contain Peanuts:
Hoisin sauce does not contain peanuts but uses peanut butter! Hoisin sauce is traditionally a Korean condiment that contains fermented soybeans. It is a sweeter sauce that is salty and full of umami flavor. It combines great with stir-fries and vegetables.
In this recipe, we combine hoisin sauce with peanut butter and other ingredients to make a Hoisin Peanut Sauce!
How To Store Leftover Sauce and What to Use It With:
Leftover hoisin peanut sauce can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks in an airtight container. when you are ready to use, you may need to add a dash of warm water to help soften the peanut sauce. The sauce will harden a bit in the fridge so you can also remove it from the fridge about 1 hour before use.
If you want to use your leftover peanut sauce for something tasty you should definitely try it on Oven Roasted Cauliflower or as a dipping sauce for Crispy Szechuan Tofu!
What To Serve With Hoisin Peanut Sauce Rice Bowls:
This chicken and rice bowl topped with hoisin peanut sauce is such an easy dinner for a weeknight. As mentioned, you can make this meal in about 30 minutes which is one reason I love this meal! If you are looking for some extra flavor or other dishes to server this wish, I have listed a few options that I love below!
Garlic and Parmesan Roasted Broccolini is one of my favorite pairings for these bowls! I actually show the roasted Tenderstem broccoli in first picture of this blog post! The broccolini cooks really fast and goes great with the hoisin peanut sauce.
Homemade Pork Gyoza may take a little longer to make but they are the perfect side dish for these bowls if you have the time! I love pairing the gyoza
Easy Sautéed Bok Choy is the best topper for these bowls. Made with a chili lime sauce that uses Korean red pepper, baby bok choy is a light and flavorful vegetable addition!
Ingredients for Hoisin Peanut Sauce with Chicken and Rice:
Recipe for Hoisin Peanut Sauce: Makes 4-6 Servings
- 2 Tbs Hoisin Sauce Any brand will do. You can find hoisin sauce at your local Asian grocer or most grocery stores!
- 1/4 cup peanut butter Unsweetened peanut butter is best but chunky or smooth will work depending on preference!
- 2 Tbs Soy Sauce You can use low sodium or regular soy sauce. I recommend adding the soy sauce in 1 Tbs increments and tasting between.
- 1 Tbs Rice Vinegar You can also use a lime for your acid.
- 2 Tbs Water Water helps emulsify the sauce.
Recipe Rice Bowls (Makes 2 Rice Bowls)
- 1 3/4 Cup short grain rice, cooked. I love sushi rice but you can use brown, long grain, or even quinoa!
- 1/2 cucumber, chopped
- 8 Oz Chicken, cooked. Storebought works great for a quicker meal. You can also use tofu!
- Fresh Cilantro Other herbs that go well are fresh basil or Thai basil
- 1 Tbs sesame seeds Optional and for topping
- 4 Tbs Hoisin Peanut Sauce- See Above
How To Make Hoisin Peanut Sauce with Rice Bowls
Mix All The Ingredients:
In a bowl, add the hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Mix until combined.
Add the water and stir vigorously to emulsify.
Taste and adjust to taste. You can add in extra hoisin, vinegar, or water here!
Assemble the Rice Bowls
If Needed, cook rice and chicken.
Chop the cilantro and cucumber into a rough chop and coins, respectively.
For each rice bowl, add 3/4 cup rice, 4 oz of chicken, cilantro, and cucumber.
Top with sesame seeds and a generous portion of hoisin sauce, Enjoy!
Why I Love This Recipe:
This recipe is one of my favorite ways to make dinner during the week. It is super fast, filling, tasty. MY favorite way to enjoy is to pick up a chicken from the store and then dinner can be made in less than 20 minutes! Having a great sauce is the best way to make weeknight dinners or lunches more enjoyable and this recipe is the perfect fit!