Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy peanut sauce. Infused with the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and lime, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. It’s easy to prepare, pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles, and brings a delicious taste of Thai cuisine right to your table.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)peanut butter (creamy or chunky)soy saucegarlic (minced)ginger (freshly grated)lime juicebrown sugarcoconut milkrice vinegarchili flakes or srirachagreen onions (sliced)chopped peanutsfresh cilantrooil for cooking
directions
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, coconut milk, lime juice, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth and heated through.
Add chili flakes or sriracha to taste for desired heat level.
Return the chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the peanut sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes
Variations
Substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.
Use tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles for an authentic touch.
Add a splash of fish sauce for deeper umami flavor.
storage/reheating
Store Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens too much upon cooling.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well and the flavors often deepen over time.
Is this dish spicy?
It can be mildly spicy or more intense depending on the amount of chili used.
Can I freeze Thai Peanut Chicken?
Yes, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What type of peanut butter should I use?
Creamy peanut butter works best, but chunky adds texture if preferred.
What can I serve it with?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles are great options.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs add more flavor and remain juicy when cooked.
How do I make it healthier?
Use light coconut milk, reduce sugar, and add more veggies.
Can I omit the coconut milk?
Yes, but it alters the flavor. Substitute with chicken broth and a bit of cream for a similar texture.
What’s a good garnish?
Crushed peanuts, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and green onions.
Can I make it in the slow cooker?
Yes, add all ingredients and cook on low for 4–5 hours, then thicken the sauce if needed.
Conclusion
Thai Peanut Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that brings together the richness of peanut sauce with the zest of Thai flavors. It’s perfect for busy nights or impressive meals, and once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.
Print
Thai Peanut Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A flavorful and creamy Thai-inspired dish featuring chicken coated in a savory peanut sauce, perfect for a quick dinner or serving over rice.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- Chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir over low heat until the sauce is smooth and warmed through.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the peanut sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to warm the chicken and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve the chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped cilantro and peanuts before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce it over low heat before serving.
- This dish also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier result, if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx.)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
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