Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai Peanut Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy, savory-sweet peanut sauce with a hint of spice. This quick and easy meal brings restaurant-quality Thai flavors to your kitchen and is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Served over rice or noodles and topped with fresh herbs or crunchy peanuts, it’s a hearty dish that satisfies every craving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Peanut Chicken is easy to make yet loaded with complex, layered flavor. The peanut sauce is the star—rich, slightly sweet, tangy, and just spicy enough. The dish is incredibly versatile: you can customize the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, or swap in tofu for a vegetarian option. It’s fast, family-friendly, and pairs well with a variety of sides or grains.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive oil or sesame oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, minced
• Soy sauce
• Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• Coconut milk or water
• Rice vinegar or lime juice
• Honey or brown sugar
• Sriracha or red pepper flakes (for heat)
• Salt and black pepper
• Optional: chopped peanuts, cilantro, green onions, lime wedges for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

• Bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or broccoli
• Rice or noodles for serving

directions

1. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in soy sauce, peanut butter, coconut milk (or water), rice vinegar or lime juice, and honey or brown sugar.
4. Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to taste. Stir until smooth and heated through.
5. Return chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the peanut sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Optional: Add sautéed or steamed vegetables and cook until just tender.
7. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, green onions, or lime wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Spicier: Add extra sriracha or a dash of Thai chili paste.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar creamy effect.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or steamed veggies.
• Add Noodles: Use rice noodles or soba noodles for a filling, saucy meal.
• Lighter Sauce: Use light coconut milk or reduce peanut butter for a thinner sauce.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.

To freeze, cool completely and freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds great texture to the sauce, though creamy gives a smoother consistency.

What type of chicken is best?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs offer more flavor and tenderness, but chicken breasts work well too.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it reheats well and the flavors deepen over time, making it great for meal prep.

Is Thai Peanut Chicken spicy?

It can be mild or spicy depending on how much sriracha or chili flakes you use. It’s easy to adjust.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, green beans, and snap peas all work beautifully.

Can I make the peanut sauce separately?

Yes, make and store the sauce in the fridge for up to a week. Use it for dipping or as a dressing.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Almond or cashew butter work well as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I serve this cold?

It’s best warm, but leftovers can be enjoyed cold, especially when served over noodles or in wraps.

What should I serve with Thai Peanut Chicken?

Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, rice noodles, or a simple Asian slaw are all excellent pairings.

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings rich, bold Thai-inspired taste to your dinner table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and versatile ingredients, it’s a meal you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether served over rice or noodles or loaded with fresh vegetables, this recipe is a go-to for quick weeknight dinners and impressive homemade takeout.

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