Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango

Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with a zesty mango topping that’s sweet, spicy, and refreshing. This dish is all about bold contrasts: warm and cool, creamy and crisp, sweet and spicy—delivering a fusion-style plate that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the richness of Thai peanut sauce with the brightness of lime and the sweet heat of fresh mango. The chicken is tender and coated in a luscious, savory sauce, while the mango topping cuts through with citrus and chili heat. It’s quick to make, loaded with flavor, and great served over rice, noodles, or greens for a complete, exciting meal.

ingredients

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

For the Thai peanut chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil or sesame oil
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Soy sauce or tamari
• Peanut butter (smooth and unsweetened)
• Coconut milk
• Lime juice
• Brown sugar or honey
• Chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional for heat)

For the spicy lime mango topping:

• Ripe mango, diced
• Fresh red chili or jalapeño, finely chopped
• Lime juice and zest
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt
• Optional: red onion or green onion, finely chopped

For serving:

• Steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles
• Crushed peanuts
• Extra lime wedges
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil

directions

1. Cook the chicken:
   Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
2. Make the peanut sauce:
   In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant. Stir in peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, and chili sauce. Whisk until smooth and simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Return chicken to pan:
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another few minutes to combine flavors.
4. Prepare the mango topping:
   In a bowl, combine diced mango, chili, lime juice and zest, cilantro, and a pinch of salt. Toss well. Add onion if using.
5. Assemble and serve:
   Spoon the peanut chicken over rice or noodles. Top with spicy lime mango, crushed peanuts, and fresh herbs. Serve with extra lime wedges.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: approx. 35 minutes

Variations

• Swap chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein.
• Use almond butter in place of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative.
• Add steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables.
• Turn it into a salad bowl by serving over greens instead of rice.
• Use pineapple instead of mango for a tropical twist.

storage/reheating

Store the peanut chicken and mango topping separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or microwave. The mango topping is best served fresh but can be stored for 1–2 days.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, it adds texture. Just make sure it’s not overly sweetened.

Is this dish spicy?

The base is mildly spicy. Adjust heat by adding more or less chili sauce and fresh chili.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes. Cook the chicken and sauce ahead and refrigerate. Add fresh mango topping just before serving.

Is it gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use canned mango?

Fresh is best for texture and flavor, but canned can work in a pinch—drain well and reduce added lime juice.

What type of chicken works best?

Thighs are juicier, but breasts work well too. Slice evenly for quicker cooking.

Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?

You can, but homemade gives better flavor and control over spice and sweetness.

What pairs well with this dish?

Cucumber salad, coconut rice, or a simple green salad all make great sides.

How do I thin the peanut sauce?

Add more coconut milk or water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Can I freeze this?

Freeze the peanut chicken without the mango topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango is a bold, craveable dish that brings together rich, creamy, spicy, and fresh elements in one unforgettable bite. Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner rotation or impress guests with something unique, this dish is easy to prepare, full of color, and bursting with flavor. It’s sure to become a favorite.

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