Thai Peanut Chicken

Name: Thai Peanut Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjustable); ½ cup coconut milk; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Published: July 8, 2025

by eva

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Thai Peanut Chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. This recipe features tender chicken coated in a savory peanut sauce that balances sweetness and spice beautifully. Whether served over rice or noodles, Thai Peanut Chicken is versatile enough to impress both family and guests alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Flavors: The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha creates a unique taste that is both satisfying and memorable.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preference for spice—perfect for both mild and adventurous eaters.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this dish with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a filling for wraps.
Nutritious Meal: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is not only tasty but also nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

To make Thai Peanut Chicken efficiently, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet or wok
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet or wok: Ideal for cooking chicken evenly while allowing for quick stir-frying.
Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient portions for the perfect balance of flavors.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
Chef’s knife: A good-quality knife speeds up prep work with precision cutting.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Peanut Sauce

¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Garnish

2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Serving Suggestions

Steamed rice or noodles, for serving

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure it is cooked through.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, coconut milk, lime juice, and sesame oil until smooth.
Taste the sauce and adjust heat by adding more sriracha if desired.

Step 3: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, pour the peanut sauce over it in the skillet.
Stir well to coat each piece of chicken evenly in the sauce.
Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.

Step 4: Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious Thai Peanut Chicken!

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai Peanut Chicken is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it on a bed of rice, nestled in a wrap, or as part of a vibrant salad, the creamy peanut sauce elevates every bite. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to enhance your meal.

Rice Bowl

Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over steamed jasmine rice for a satisfying and hearty bowl. The rice will soak up the delicious sauce.

Noodle Dish

Toss the chicken with cooked rice noodles for a delightful stir-fry experience. Add some vegetables for extra crunch and flavor.

Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the chicken mixture into large lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy appetizer or main dish. Top with chopped peanuts for added texture.

Asian Salad

Create a refreshing salad by combining mixed greens, shredded carrots, cucumbers, and Thai Peanut Chicken. Drizzle with extra peanut sauce for dressing.

Meal Prep Containers

Portion out the Thai Peanut Chicken with sides in meal prep containers. This makes for quick and easy lunches throughout the week.

Skewers

Thread pieces of cooked chicken onto skewers for an appealing presentation. Serve with additional peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Perfect Thai Peanut Chicken

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Thai Peanut Chicken, consider these helpful tips:

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the dish’s flavor profile significantly.
Adjust spice level: Modify the amount of sriracha based on your heat preference, ensuring it suits your taste.
Marinate chicken: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking.
Cook evenly: Ensure even cooking by cutting chicken into similar-sized pieces if using thighs or breasts.
Don’t skip garnishes: Chopped peanuts and cilantro add color and freshness, enhancing the overall presentation.
Serve immediately: For best results, serve the dish right after cooking to enjoy its creamy texture.

Best Side Dishes for Thai Peanut Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Thai Peanut Chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:

Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious touch and balances out the richness of the peanut sauce.
Fried Rice – A flavorful fried rice can complement the dish well; consider adding peas and carrots for extra color and nutrients.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar provides a crisp contrast to the creamy chicken.
Spring Rolls – Crispy spring rolls stuffed with veggies make an excellent appetizer alongside this rich dish.
Quinoa – Nutty quinoa offers a healthy twist; its texture pairs nicely with the saucy chicken.
Pickled Vegetables – A side of pickled veggies introduces tanginess that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce.
Garlic Bread – For something different, serve garlic bread to soak up any leftover peanut sauce from your plate.
Mango Sticky Rice – For dessert, this sweet treat complements your meal’s flavors beautifully while providing a sweet finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Thai Peanut Chicken can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch for.

Ingredients: Skipping essential ingredients like fresh ginger or garlic can lead to a bland dish. Ensure you have everything on hand before starting.
Overcooking Chicken: Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).
Ignoring Sauce Balance: Not adjusting the sauce to your taste can ruin the flavor. Taste and tweak as needed with more sriracha or honey.
Wrong Cooking Oil: Using oils with strong flavors may overpower the dish. Stick to neutral oils like vegetable oil for the best results.
Not Garnishing: Forgetting garnishes like chopped peanuts or cilantro misses out on flavor and texture. Always finish with fresh toppings for an appealing presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container.
It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Thai Peanut Chicken

Freeze Thai Peanut Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
It can be stored for up to 3 months; just be sure to label it with the date.

Reheating Thai Peanut Chicken

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until warm.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Thai Peanut Chicken.

What is Thai Peanut Chicken?

Thai Peanut Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish featuring chicken cooked in a rich peanut sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices.

How can I customize Thai Peanut Chicken?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition or adjust the spice levels by modifying the amount of sriracha used.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce beforehand and store it separately. Just cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve.

What should I serve with Thai Peanut Chicken?

It pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or even salad. Choose whatever side dishes you prefer for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Thai Peanut Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken make it comforting and satisfying. Feel free to experiment with different veggies or spice levels to make this recipe your own. Enjoy this delightful meal that’s sure to impress!

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