Transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand with this Thai Peanut Chicken—a creamy, spicy dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, nutty peanut sauce. This delightful recipe is not only a feast for your palate but also a simple solution for any meal of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or a small gathering, this dish comes together in no time while delivering impressive flavor. The secret lies in the wonderful combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and a hint of sriracha that creates a sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet.

Thai Peanut Chicken is incredibly versatile. Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or crisp lettuce wraps for a complete, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion. As the creamy peanut sauce envelops the chicken, the flavors meld beautifully, providing a harmonious balance that is sure to please your family and guests alike. Once you try this recipe, it will undoubtedly become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Chicken

Creamy Peanut Sauce: Rich, nutty, and irresistibly smooth, it coats every piece of chicken.
Bold & Balanced Flavors: Peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sriracha create a savory, sweet, and slightly spicy combo.
Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Customizable Heat: Adjust sriracha or chili flakes for your preferred spice level.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve over rice, noodles, in lettuce wraps, or atop salads.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace to ensure everything goes smoothly. Start by gathering your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large skillet or frying pan, a cutting board, a sharp knife for slicing the chicken, measuring cups for accurately portioning ingredients, and a spatula for stirring. It’s also helpful to have a mixing bowl to combine the peanut sauce ingredients. Prepare your chicken by removing any excess fat and cutting it into strips or cubes. This makes it easier to cook and helps the chicken absorb the delicious peanut sauce later on.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)
2 tbsp fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Steamed rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavors. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook it for approximately 6–7 minutes per side, or until the outside becomes golden and the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Once finished, remove the chicken from the skillet and allow it to rest for a few minutes. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or cubes, ready to be combined with the luscious peanut sauce.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

Using the same skillet, begin creating the peanut sauce. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for 1–2 minutes over medium heat until they become fragrant. This step builds a wonderful base for the sauce. Stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and coconut milk. Mix well and let it cook for about 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and warmed through. Before finishing, add the fresh lime juice and sesame oil, which add brightness and depth of flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if necessary; you can add more sriracha for extra heat or honey for sweetness.

Step 3: Combine & Serve

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Toss the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the peanut sauce, ensuring that every piece is generously coated and absorbed with that delicious sauce. Let it cook for a minute or two to warm the chicken back up, then you’re ready to serve. This dish works well over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, allowing you to savor every bite. Garnish your Thai Peanut Chicken with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness.

Variations

Protein: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef to switch things up and cater to different dietary preferences.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a healthy twist and extra crunch.
Spices: Experiment with adding a splash of lime zest or chili oil for an added dimension of flavor.

Cooking Notes

For a creamier sauce, consider using regular coconut milk instead of low-fat options.
If you’re making this dish ahead of time, it holds up nicely in the refrigerator for up to three days, so you can meal prep with ease.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the peanut sauce.
Top with extra chopped peanuts and fresh lime wedges for a zesty pop of flavor.

Tips

To save time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version of this recipe.
Always taste as you go; everyone’s palate is different, so adjusting flavors is key to making this your own!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 450 per serving
Protein: 30 grams
Sodium: 800 mg

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can easily swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this delicious dish.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunbutter or tahini for a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.

How spicy is this dish?

The spice level is adjustable! The original recipe calls for sriracha, but you can add less or more depending on your preference.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to three months. Just store it in an airtight container, and reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Chicken is a sensational dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine right to your kitchen. Its creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken create a meal that is both comforting and delicious. As you explore this recipe, remember that you can tailor it to your preferences, making it your own culinary creation. We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments below and try out different variations – whether it’s changing up proteins or adding in fresh vegetables. So, grab your ingredients and start cooking this flavorful dish today!