Transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Thailand with this Thai Peanut Chicken—a creamy, slightly spicy dish featuring tender chicken coated in a rich, nutty peanut sauce. The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of sriracha creates a sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, perfectly balancing bold flavors with comforting textures.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a cozy family dinner, or a small gathering, this dish comes together quickly while delivering an impressive taste. Pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or crisp lettuce wraps for a complete, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 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.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Sauce:
- 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
Garnish & Serving:
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro
- Steamed rice or noodles
Ingredient Highlights:
- Peanut Butter: Adds creamy richness and nutty flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Brings savory depth to balance the sweetness.
- Sriracha: Adds adjustable heat for a spicy kick.
- Coconut Milk: Smooths the sauce and adds mild sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Brightens the flavors for a fresh finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and let rest, then slice into strips or cubes.
2. Make the Peanut Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic and ginger for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and coconut milk. Cook 2–3 minutes until smooth and heated.
- Finish with lime juice and sesame oil. Adjust seasonings if needed.
3. Combine & Serve
- Toss sliced chicken in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Serving Ideas
- With Rice or Noodles: Classic and filling.
- Lettuce Wraps: Low-carb, handheld option.
- Over Stir-Fried Vegetables: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for extra texture.
- Salad Topping: Use as a protein-packed topping for greens.
Tips & Variations
- Chicken Thighs: More flavorful and tender than breasts.
- Adjust Heat: Reduce or omit sriracha for milder taste.
- Make Ahead: Prepare sauce up to 3 days in advance.
- Add Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.
- Crispy Texture: Top with roasted peanuts or fried shallots.
Recipe Variations:
- Spicy Peanut Chicken: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes.
- Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss in mixed vegetables.
- Baked Peanut Chicken: Coat with sauce and bake.
- Peanut Chicken Salad or Wraps: Great for meal prep.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu.
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 25g
- Fat: 30g
FAQs
- Can I use crunchy peanut butter? Yes, for texture, though the sauce will be slightly less smooth.
- Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Store in an airtight container and reheat before serving.
- Can I use tofu instead of chicken? Yes, press tofu to remove excess moisture and cook as directed.
- How do I thicken the sauce? Mix a little cornstarch with water and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Can I freeze this dish? Yes, freeze in an airtight container and thaw before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Thai Peanut Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and quick to make, delivering the bold tastes of Thai cuisine straight to your kitchen. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, this versatile dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Serve with rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps, and enjoy the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors in every bite.