Thai Peanut Chicken is one of those magical dishes that instantly transports your taste buds to the bustling night markets of Thailand without ever leaving your kitchen. With its luxurious peanut-infused sauce, a hint of zesty lime, and a gentle kick of spice, this recipe strikes the perfect harmony between creamy richness and bright, tangy freshness. It’s beginner-friendly, coming together in just 15 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking, with a short rest to let all those flavors meld. Whether you’re planning an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this dish offers a delightful 450 calories per serving that doesn’t skimp on satisfaction. The tender, bite-sized chicken pieces absorb every drop of the luscious sauce, making each forkful a cozy, comforting experience.
What really excites me about this Thai Peanut Chicken is how approachable it is for home cooks who crave something a bit adventurous. The heart of the sauce is creamy peanut butter whisked into coconut milk, which creates a silky backdrop for layers of flavor: savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, aromatic garlic and ginger, tangy lime juice, and a subtle heat from red pepper flakes. Fresh cilantro and crunchy roasted peanuts add pops of color and texture, while a bed of fluffy jasmine rice turns it into a complete meal. I love that you can customize the spice level, swap in tofu or extra veggies for a vegetarian twist, or even try different nut butters for a fun variation. This recipe not only fills your home with warm, enticing scents, it welcomes you into a world of Thai-inspired flavors that are as vibrant and friendly as a chat with your best cooking buddy.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN THAI PEANUT CHICKEN
Every delicious dish starts with quality components, and this Thai Peanut Chicken is no exception. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building the creamy base of the sauce to providing the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each item is essential to achieving that irresistible Thai-inspired flavor profile.
- Chicken breasts
Tender, lean protein that soaks up the rich peanut sauce beautifully. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and perfect sauce coverage.
- Vegetable oil
A neutral cooking oil that allows the chicken to brown nicely without overpowering other flavors. It helps create a golden sear for added texture and depth.
- Coconut milk
Provides a creamy, luscious base that mellows the heat and balances the tangy and savory elements in the sauce. Its subtle sweetness enhances the overall richness.
- Creamy peanut butter
The star of the sauce, contributing nuttiness, body, and smooth texture. It fuses with the coconut milk to form the signature Thai-inspired peanut coating.
- Soy sauce
Adds an umami-packed depth and salty edge that complements the sweetness of brown sugar and the creaminess of peanuts.
- Brown sugar
Brings a warm sweetness that balances the tang from lime juice and the heat from red pepper flakes. It helps caramelize the sauce as it simmers.
- Lime juice
Injects a bright acidity that cuts through the richness, lifting the flavors and adding a refreshing twist.
- Garlic
Aromatic and pungent, minced garlic infuses the sauce with a savory kick that warms the palate.
- Fresh ginger
Offers a peppery, zesty warmth that pairs beautifully with garlic, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish.
- Red pepper flakes
Provide adjustable heat to taste—just the right amount of spice to keep things exciting without overwhelming the creamy peanut sauce.
- Fresh cilantro
Adds a burst of herbal brightness at the end, giving the dish a fresh, green contrast against the rich sauce.
- Roasted peanuts
Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and a concentrated nutty flavor that enhances the texture and visual appeal.
- Jasmine rice
The perfect fragrant, fluffy base that soaks up every drop of sauce, turning this into a fulfilling, one-bowl meal.
- Lime wedges
Offer an extra hit of citrus brightness for anyone who loves a more pronounced tang.
HOW TO MAKE THAI PEANUT CHICKEN
Bringing all these flavors together is straightforward and incredibly satisfying. Below is a step-by-step guide that walks you through browning the chicken, crafting the silky peanut sauce, and gently simmering everything until it reaches creamy perfection.
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces and cook until each side is nicely browned, about 5–7 minutes. This sear locks in juices and builds a flavorful base for the sauce.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. Pour the peanut sauce over the browned chicken in the skillet, using a spatula to stir and coat each piece evenly. This helps the chicken absorb all the delicious flavors.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. During this time, the sauce will thicken and cling to the chicken, creating that luscious, creamy consistency.
5. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in half of the chopped fresh cilantro, folding it gently so the herb’s bright flavor infuses the sauce.
6. Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over cooked jasmine rice, and garnish with additional cilantro, chopped roasted peanuts, and lime wedges as desired for a vibrant and textural finish.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR THAI PEANUT CHICKEN
When it comes to presenting this Thai Peanut Chicken, you want each element to shine—creamy sauce, tender chicken, vibrant herbs, and a fragrant bed of rice. These serving ideas will not only make your dish look impressive but also enhance every mouthful.
- Serve the chicken over steaming jasmine rice, using a spoon to drizzle extra sauce around the edges of the plate. The rice acts like a sponge, soaking up every flavorful drop while providing a fluffy contrast.
- Accompany the dish with lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli florets or sugar snap peas. The vibrant green color pops against the rich peanut sauce, and the crunch adds a fresh textural layer.
- Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and a handful of roasted peanuts. The cilantro’s herbal brightness and the peanuts’ satisfying crunch provide a delightful counterpoint to the creamy sauce.
- Add a side of crisp cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and chili flakes. The cool, tangy salad refreshes the palate between savory bites and complements the dish’s warm spices.
HOW TO STORE THAI PEANUT CHICKEN
Keeping your Thai Peanut Chicken tasting fresh and just as delectable for leftovers (or meal prep) is simple when you follow these easy storage guidelines. Proper handling ensures the sauce stays creamy, the chicken remains tender, and the overall flavor profile holds up beautifully.
- Refrigeration in an airtight container: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the chicken and sauce to a sealed container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Before reheating, give it a gentle stir to reincorporate any separated oils.
- Freezing for longer storage: Allow the dish to cool completely, then divide into individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to one month. To thaw, move to the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
- Separate sauce storage: If you anticipate needing leftovers, consider storing the peanut sauce separately from the chicken. Keep the sauce in a small jar or container in the fridge, and reheat gently before mixing with reheated chicken. This prevents the chicken from becoming overly soft.
- Reheating tips: Gently warm the chicken and sauce over low heat in a skillet or pan, stirring occasionally. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of coconut milk or water to restore its creamy consistency without diluting the flavor.
CONCLUSION
This Thai Peanut Chicken recipe has everything you need for an unforgettable meal: beginner-level ease, vibrant Thai-inspired flavors, and a creamy peanut sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, salty, and tangy. In just about 40 minutes from start to finish—including prep, cooking, and a brief rest—you can enjoy a satisfying lunch or dinner that feels both comforting and exotic. With its gentle heat from red pepper flakes, aromatic notes of garlic and ginger, bright lime juice, and optional tweaks like extra veggies or alternative nut butters, this dish invites you to make it your own every time you cook.
Feel free to print this article or save it for future reference—your kitchen will thank you whenever you crave a quick, flavorful Thai cuisine fix. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to address any cooking questions or ingredient swaps you might be curious about. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment sharing your experience, ask any questions you have, or let me know what variations you experimented with. Cooking is all about exploration and community, so drop your feedback and join the conversation. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Thai Peanut Chicken
Description
Experience the perfect balance of richness and spice in this Thai Peanut Chicken. Tender chicken is enveloped in a luscious peanut sauce, creating a delightful meal that's hard to resist.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
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Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in half of the chopped cilantro.
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Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with additional cilantro, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges as desired.
Note
- For a nuttier flavor, try toasting the peanuts before chopping.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli.
- This dish can be made spicier by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for a unique twist on the sauce.
