If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with rich, nutty flavors and just the right kick of spice, then this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces perfectly coated in a creamy, aromatic peanut sauce enhanced by vibrant ginger, lime, and a touch of chili heat. It’s a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting, combining familiar ingredients in a way that transports your taste buds straight to a bustling street food market in Thailand. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe brings joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in layering flavor, texture, and color. From the creamy peanut butter that gives the dish its distinctive richness to the fresh cilantro that adds a pop of brightness, every element matters.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Perfect for sautéing the chicken to a golden brown.
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter: The star ingredient that makes the sauce creamy and flavorful.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds savory umami depth and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings a subtle tang that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and rounds out the heat.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Fresh and zesty, it brightens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Adds warmth and a gentle spiciness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that aromatic foundation.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes: Adjustable heat to suit your spice preference.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk: Provides creaminess and a hint of tropical sweetness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Thins the sauce while boosting savory notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfectly season and balance flavors.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts: Adds delightful crunch and extra peanut goodness as garnish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: For a fresh, herbal finish.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional): A toasted nutty touch for presentation and flavor.
- Cooked rice or noodles: To serve as a satisfying bed for the saucy chicken.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken to Perfection
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Adding the bite-sized chicken pieces lets them brown beautifully, sealing in their juices and creating a flavorful base. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until they’re fully cooked and have a lovely golden color. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to make room for your sauce.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Peanut Sauce
Keeping the skillet on medium heat, add the peanut butter along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir continuously, blending these ingredients together until the mixture becomes wonderfully fragrant, usually about 1 to 2 minutes. This step unlocks the deep flavors that will coat your chicken.
Step 3: Add Creamy Coconut Milk and Broth
Slowly pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth while stirring steadily so the sauce combines smoothly without lumps. Bring this luscious mixture to a gentle simmer. This silky base is what transforms the dish into a comforting, sauce-laden delight.
Step 4: Return the Chicken and Let Flavors Meld
Return your sautéed chicken pieces to the skillet, carefully coating them in the creamy peanut sauce. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes. This simmering allows the chicken to soak up all those delicious flavors and for the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 5: Season and Adjust the Heat
Give the sauce a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. If you like your Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe with an extra spicy touch, feel free to sprinkle in more chili flakes. This is where you tailor the dish perfectly to your liking.
Step 6: Garnish and Prepare to Serve
Finish by sprinkling chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds over the chicken. These garnishes add a burst of texture and a fresh, vibrant contrast that makes every bite exciting.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped peanuts give a satisfying crunch while fresh cilantro brightens the rich sauce with herby freshness. Sesame seeds add a subtle nuttiness and a lovely visual appeal. These thoughtful touches elevate the dish to something truly special and restaurant-worthy in your own kitchen.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy cooked rice or tender noodles, which soak up the delicious peanut sauce beautifully. Steamed vegetables or a simple cucumber salad can also be refreshing accompaniments, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Thai Peanut Chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh handheld option. Alternatively, layer it over a bed of rice noodles with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts for a noodle bowl style that’s equally satisfying and visually appealing. The versatility lets you make this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Freeze it in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the peanut chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage. This ensures every bite is luscious and warm.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can use almond or cashew butter if you prefer, but the flavor will shift slightly. Peanut butter offers the classic, authentic taste that makes this dish so special.
Is this dish spicy?
The chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance, adding more for a fiery kick or leaving it out altogether for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
What can I serve instead of rice or noodles?
Cauliflower rice or spiralized veggies like zucchini noodles are great low-carb alternatives that pair wonderfully with the Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply let it simmer a bit longer uncovered after adding the chicken, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and a bit indulgent. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve guests. Don’t hesitate to make it your own and share it with the people you love. Once you try it, this recipe is bound to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
Print
Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
A flavorful and creamy Thai Peanut Chicken dish featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich peanut sauce with hints of ginger, garlic, lime, and chili. Perfectly balanced with coconut milk and served over rice or noodles, this recipe brings vibrant Thai-inspired flavors to your dinner table with a quick stovetop cooking method.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
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
Garnish and 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 browned and fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and chili flakes. Stir continuously to combine the ingredients, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is aromatic.
- Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth while stirring constantly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce. Bring the mixture gently to a simmer, allowing flavors to meld.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the peanut sauce. Let it simmer together for an additional 5 minutes to deepen the flavor integration.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Increase chili flakes if a spicier result is preferred.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sesame seeds if using. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Adjust chili flakes to control spiciness according to your preference.
- Peanut butter can be natural or smooth, but avoid chunky for a creamier sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
