Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Craving something bold, flavorful, and packed with rich textures? Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect dish for you! Combining tender chicken with a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory peanut sauce, this recipe is a go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for family and friends.

Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or just dipping your toes into it, this dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Tools You’ll Need

Before diving in, make sure you have the following tools:

• A large skillet or wok
• A mixing bowl
• A whisk for the sauce
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Tongs for turning the chicken

Preparing the Chicken

The secret to a flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken lies in a good marinade. While this step is optional, it enhances the flavor. To marinate the chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of lime juice, minced garlic, and ginger.
2. Coat the chicken evenly and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.

Making the Peanut Sauce

The peanut sauce is the star of this dish. Here’s how to make it:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar, and red curry paste.
2. Ensure all ingredients are well-blended to get that creamy, rich texture that makes the sauce irresistible.

Tip: If the sauce feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of warm water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Cooking the Chicken

Once your chicken is marinated and your sauce is ready, it’s time to cook:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked.
3. Set the cooked chicken aside.

Combining the Chicken and Sauce

1. In the same skillet, pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken.
2. Lower the heat to a simmer and stir to ensure the chicken is fully coated with the sauce.
3. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Peanut Chicken can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Jasmine Rice: The classic option that absorbs all the savory sauce.
• Over Rice Noodles: For a lighter, more traditional Thai experience.
• With Stir-Fried Veggies: Add a burst of freshness with some sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or bok choy.

Variations of Thai Peanut Chicken

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh. You can also use vegetable broth in place of fish sauce.
• Different Meat Choices: You can switch out chicken for beef or pork if you prefer a heartier option.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to keep the peanut sauce smooth.

Health Benefits of Peanut Sauce

Peanut butter is packed with protein and healthy fats, while coconut milk offers good MCTs (medium-chain triglycerides), which provide quick energy. The ginger and garlic in the sauce add immune-boosting properties, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.

Pairing with Side Dishes

For a complete meal, consider pairing your Thai Peanut Chicken with:

• Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice
• Garlic Butter Noodles
• Stir-fried Vegetables

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
• Too Thick Sauce: If your peanut sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add some water or broth to adjust the consistency.

How to Make It Spicy (Optional)

For those who love a little heat, add 1-2 chopped Thai chilies or a teaspoon of sriracha to the peanut sauce. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes on top when serving.

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Chicken is a perfect combination of creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors that will leave you and your family satisfied. It’s easy to make, customizable, and a great way to enjoy the tastes of Thailand right at home. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave something special!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does it take to cook Thai Peanut Chicken?
   From prep to finish, this recipe takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on how long you marinate the chicken.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
3. Is Thai Peanut Chicken gluten-free?
   It can be if you use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
4. What’s the best type of chicken to use?
   Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but breasts work well too.
5. Can I freeze Thai Peanut Chicken?
   Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat gently.

Yield: 4

Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Print

Craving something bold, flavorful, and packed with rich textures? Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect dish for you! Combining tender chicken with a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory peanut sauce, this recipe is a go-to for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for family and friends. Whether you're a fan of Thai cuisine or just dipping your toes into it, this dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ginger, grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for serving)
• For the Peanut Sauce:
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup coconut milk (or water for a lighter version)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust for spice level)
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Peanut Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), lime juice, fish sauce (if using), chili garlic sauce, and turmeric until smooth. Set aside.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
   Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil.
   Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, bell peppers, and carrots. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
   
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
   Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and crushed peanuts.
   Serve with steamed rice, rice noodles, or over a bed of salad for a low-carb option.
   Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

You can adjust the consistency of the peanut sauce by adding more coconut milk or water if it’s too thick.

For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or additional vegetables like zucchini and broccoli.

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add sliced Thai chilis.