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4.9 from 405 votes

One Pan Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken Couscous

Delicious one pan Thai-inspired peanut chicken couscous packed with protein and a boost of colorful veggies. This cozy chicken couscous recipe is filled with Thai flavors thanks to a rich and creamy peanut sauce made with coconut milk, fresh ginger, soy sauce, garlic and creamy peanut butter. Options to add a kick of heat if you love spice!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 643 kcal
Course: Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: Thai

Ingredients

  • FOR THE CHICKEN:
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper
  • For the peanut couscous:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can light coconut milk
  • ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth (or sub water)
  • ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter (just peanuts + salt)
  • 2-3 tablespoons gluten free soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon chili paste or sriracha
  • Optional for a spicy peanut sauce: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (plus ¼ teaspoon more if you love it a little extra spicy!)
  • 1 cup pearl couscous
  • Add-ins:
  • 2 large carrots, thinly sliced
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned
  • TO GARNISH:
  • Green onion (green part only), diced
  • fresh chopped cilantro
  • Honey roasted peanuts, chopped
  • Hot sauce, if desired

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Place a large deep skillet over medium-high heat and add in oil. Once hot, add the chicken, season with salt and pepper and cook, about 5-7 minutes total. You don’t need to cook chicken all the way, just about halfway through so it’s nice and golden brown with flavor. Transfer chicken to a bowl or plate and set aside.
  2. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in the garlic, cooking for 30 seconds, then add in the coconut milk, chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger and chili paste to the same skillet. Whisk together until well combined and smooth. Stir in the couscous, carrots, broccoli and bell pepper; then add the chicken back into the pan; bring to a simmer. Cover the pan, reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every so often to prevent couscous from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  3. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and gently simmer for 5-10 more minutes uncovered to soak up any excess liquid.
  4. Garnish with chopped honey-roasted peanuts, green onion, and cilantro. Serves 4.

Notes

  • To make gluten free: I think this recipe would work okay using white basmati rice or quinoa in place of the couscous, but please note that I have not tested it this way. Using pearl couscous really adds a wonderful texture that can't be replicated with another grain. Please note that you'd likely need much less quinoa (probably 3/4 cup) if you choose to replace it, and any other grains may have different cooking times.
  • To make vegetarian/vegan: feel free to swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to keep this dish vegetarian and/or vegan.

Nutrition Information

Serving 4servings Calories 643cal (32%) Carbohydrates 58.4g (19%) Protein 41.9g (84%) Fat 28.4g (44%) Saturated Fat 8g (40%) Fiber 10.5g (42%) Sugar 6.6g (13%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 643

% Daily Value*

Serving 4servings
Calories 643cal 32%
Carbohydrates 58.4g 19%
Protein 41.9g 84%
Fat 28.4g 44%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Fiber 10.5g 42%
Sugar 6.6g 13%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.