If you are craving a dish that bursts with rich flavors and creamy textures, this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Packed with tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious peanut sauce that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, this recipe transforms simple everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Whether you want a cozy dinner for yourself or an impressive dish to share with friends, this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe delivers satisfying satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create the dish’s signature flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the creamy peanut butter to the zesty lime juice, making this recipe both approachable and irresistibly delicious.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown.
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter: The creamy base that gives the sauce its rich, nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami kick to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that brightens the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the savory and sour notes with a gentle sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds fresh citrus zing for that authentic Thai touch.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Lends a warm, fragrant spice that complements the peanut butter.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: Provides just the right hint of heat, adjustable to your taste.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk: Creates a creamy, luscious texture and subtle tropical flavor.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory moisture to thin the sauce slightly without losing richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to taste balance and enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts: For garnish, adding crunch and extra nuttiness at the end.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Provides a bright, herbal contrast that lifts the dish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Cooked rice or noodles: The perfect base to soak up that incredible peanut sauce.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, and let them cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked through, which takes about 6 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because getting those tasty browned edges seals in flavor and creates a lovely texture contrast with the creamy sauce later on. Once cooked, set the chicken aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build the Peanut Sauce
Lower the heat to medium and use the same skillet, which holds all those delicious browned bits from the chicken—these are pure flavor gold. Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir everything thoroughly so that the peanut butter starts melting into the mix. Allow it to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce becomes aromatic and the ingredients blend together beautifully. This is when your kitchen will start smelling irresistible, so get ready to dive in.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Next, pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to create a smooth and well-blended sauce. Bring it gently to a simmer so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly. The creamy coconut milk softens the punchy ingredients, making the sauce luscious and rich—exactly what makes this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe so comforting and satisfying.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to fully coat each piece with the peanut sauce. Let it simmer together for another 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak up all those vibrant flavors. This simmering step is key to ensuring every bite is bursting with that incredible peanutty goodness that defines the dish.
Step 5: Final Seasoning
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed. If you like a little more heat, this is the time to sprinkle in extra chili flakes. Adjusting these final touches allows you to customize the dish exactly to your preference, making this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe your own personal favorite.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off by sprinkling the chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds on top. These garnishes add great texture and visual appeal that will elevate your presentation. Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken piping hot over a bed of fluffy cooked rice or tender noodles for a complete, irresistible meal.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing the Thai Peanut Chicken with crunchy chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro is a game changer—adding layers of texture and a burst of freshness that perfectly contrast the creamy sauce. Sesame seeds, while optional, provide a subtle toasted nuttiness and a lovely visual touch that makes your dish look just as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every last drop of the delicious peanut sauce. For a balanced meal, pair it with a simple cucumber salad or lightly sautéed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. The crispness and lightness of these sides help balance the rich flavors of the peanut chicken wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, try serving the Thai Peanut Chicken in individual small bowls topped with extra cilantro sprigs and lime wedges. Another fun idea is to spoon the chicken over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves for a lighter, hand-held option perfect for casual get-togethers. You can also plate it alongside some colorful pickled vegetables to add zing and brightness to the presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making your leftovers just as tasty, if not more, than the first serving.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. To prevent the sauce from separating too much, give it a good stir when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to restore its creamy consistency without diluting flavor.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter with chunks instead of smooth peanut butter?
While smooth peanut butter creates a creamier sauce, using chunky peanut butter will add an extra nutty texture to the sauce, which some people really enjoy. Just be prepared for a slightly different mouthfeel.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less depending on your preference. For a milder dish, simply omit the chili flakes entirely.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips, so feel free to switch up the protein while keeping the same delicious sauce.
What can I use if I don’t have coconut milk?
If you don’t have coconut milk on hand, you can substitute with regular cream or a mixture of milk and a small amount of coconut extract to retain some of the tropical flavor. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a great option for those avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe has fast become one of my absolute favorite go-to dishes whenever I want something that’s flavorful, comforting, and easy to prepare. Each bite is a delightful blend of creamy, tangy, spicy, and nutty sensations that truly satisfy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to brighten your dinner table and become a new household staple.
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Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Thai Peanut Chicken recipe features tender chicken pieces sautéed to perfection and coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce with a hint of spice and citrus. Quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner, it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a delicious Thai-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Peanut Sauce
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes & Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts, for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sauté them until they are browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce Base: Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. Add smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir the mixture well to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes until it’s aromatic and the ingredients meld together.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth gradually while stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, ensuring they are fully coated in the peanut sauce. Let the mixture simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more chili flakes for extra spiciness according to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Thai Peanut Chicken with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles to complete this flavorful meal.
Notes
- Adjust chili flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
- For a richer flavor, use natural creamy peanut butter without added sugar or salt.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
