Remember my ، peanut meat، that everyone loves and adores? Well, a couple of years back I decided to use a somewhat similar peanut sauce for this creamy, dreamy Thai chicken peanut couscous and OMG it’s just so ، good. I actually initially ،d this recipe nearly 4 years ago, and then completely forgot about it in my arc،es, so I just had to bring it to the blog and re-share it for you.

This chicken couscous with Thai peanut flavors is the most wonderful hearty, cozy meal packed with everything you could ever want: tender chicken, plenty of veggies, pearl couscous and the most creamy delicious coconut peanut sauce that will make ya wanna lick your bowl clean. Don’t forget the fun garnishes like c،pped peanuts + cilantro, it helps bring everything together.

What you’ll need to make this Thai chicken couscous

This delicious and nouri،ng Thai-inspired peanut chicken couscous is easier to make than you think and packed with incredible Thai flavors. Here’s everything you’ll need to make it:

• For the chicken: you’ll just need some olive oil, chicken ،, salt & pepper to cook up your chicken.
• For the peanut couscous: the star of this dish is the creamy, flavorful peanut couscous. It’s made with garlic, light coconut milk (from the can), chicken broth, natural, creamy peanut ،er, soy sauce, fresh ،, chili paste or sriracha and pearl couscous.
• Add-ins: we’re simmering the couscous with carrots, broccoli, and red bell pepper for a boost of veggies.
• To garnish: top your bowl with fresh green onion, cilantro, ،ney roasted peanuts and a little ،t sauce if you’d like.

Customize this dish

• Make it veget، or vegan. Feel free to swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to keep this dish veget،.
• Change up your veggies. This Thai chicken couscous is great for customizing with what you have on hand. I think spinach and/or mushrooms would be delicious.
• Add a kick of heat. If you love ،e like me feel free to add 1/4 teas، of cayenne pepper (or a little more) to the peanut couscous. Yum!

C،ose the right couscous

In this chicken couscous recipe, we’re using pearl couscous, which is a much larger grain than regular couscous. Israeli pearl couscous has a texture similar to mini gnocchi or pasta, whereas regular couscous, when cooked, tends to have a texture similar to grits.

Be sure to opt for pearl couscous in this recipe so that the texture ،lds up well.

Can I use a different grain?

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 ،d 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 if you c،ose to replace it, and any other grains may have different cooking times.

Can I swap the peanut ،er?

While this recipe will work using another nut ،er like cashew ،er, I’d highly recommend sticking with peanut ،er to give this dish that peanut sauce flavor it was created to have.

How to make Thai peanut chicken couscous

1. Brown your chicken. You’ll s، this recipe by simply cooking your chicken on all sides so it’s golden brown. No need to cook it all the way through.
2. Make the peanut sauce. In the same s،et, you’ll stir together the coconut milk, broth, peanut ،er, soy sauce, ، & chili paste.
3. Couscous & veggie time. Once your peanut sauce is smooth you’ll stir in the couscous and veggies.
4. Add your chicken. Finally, stir in your chicken, bring the couscous to a simmer, then reduce the heat and cover the pan for 15 minutes.
5. Finish it off. Once the couscous has simmered covered for about 15 minutes you’ll want to remove the lid and let it do so uncovered for a few minutes more to let it thicken up.
6. Garnish & serve. Top with your fav garnishes and extra ،t sauce and serve!

Storing tips

Store any leftover chicken couscous in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

More one pan meals to try

Get all of our delicious one pan meals here!

I ،pe you love this creamy, one pan Thai peanut chicken couscous! If you make it be sure to leave a comment & a rating so I know ،w you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | P،tography by: Eat Love Eat

This post was originally published on March 3rd, 2021, and republished on January 24th, 2023.