If you crave a dinner that’s big on flavor but short on prep time, this Thai Peanut Chicken promises a creamy, nutty, and slightly savory sensation in every bite. Chicken pieces are sautéed until golden, then coated in a luscious peanut sauce that brings a touch of Thai magic to your kitchen. Whether you’re impressing friends or hustling for a weeknight meal, the harmony of tender chicken and rich peanut sauce is unmistakable. Try it once, and you’ll see why Thai Peanut Chicken is a repeat favorite in so many homes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Thai Peanut Chicken is gratifyingly simple, yet each element brings something essential—richness, creaminess, a pop of savor, or a welcome fragrance—to the final dish. Let’s take a peek at what will make your skillet sing.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and juicy, lean bites every time.
- Fresh garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with an aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: This provides that signature savory saltiness while allowing you to control the salt level.
- Creamy natural peanut butter: Go for natural peanut butter; it melts smoothly and gives the sauce its lovely nutty depth.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Adds the creaminess and slight sweetness that makes the sauce silky and lush.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to let all the flavors shine through—season to your preference.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that helps brown the chicken beautifully without adding competing flavors.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This allows for quicker cooking and ensures that every piece soaks up that delicious, velvety peanut sauce. Sprinkle a generous pinch of salt and pepper over the pieces, which helps build foundational flavor from the very start.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Grab your largest skillet and heat the vegetable oil over medium-high. Once shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden on the outside and no longer pink in the middle—about 5 to 7 minutes. When done, transfer them out of the pan so they don’t overcook.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium and add a touch more oil if the skillet is dry. Sauté the minced garlic for just a minute, stirring constantly. As soon as you smell that incredible garlicky aroma, it’s ready—don’t let it burn!
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Now add the soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, and coconut milk directly into the skillet. Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and unified—the sauce should transform into a gorgeously creamy consistency that coats the back of your spoon.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, turning it over to bathe every piece in that exquisite sauce. Let it simmer gently for another couple of minutes so the chicken heats through and absorbs all that flavor. And just like that, your Thai Peanut Chicken is ready to serve.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish takes Thai Peanut Chicken from weeknight staple to something worth savoring slowly. Sprinkle with a handful of chopped peanuts for extra crunch, or scatter fresh cilantro on top for bright herbal zing. Even a wedge of lime brings a welcome hit of acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or soft, slurpable noodles. Steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas add color and balance out the meal, turning Thai Peanut Chicken into a complete and satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re after a playful twist, try serving the saucy chicken in lettuce cups for a refreshing appetizer, or wrap it up in warm flatbreads for a fusion taco night. Thai Peanut Chicken also makes a stunning topper for grain bowls packed with crunchy salad veggies!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Thai Peanut Chicken to room temperature and then seal it in an airtight container. It holds up well in the fridge for up to three days, staying moist and flavorful for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, portion the cooled Thai Peanut Chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay them flat so they freeze quickly and evenly. It’ll keep beautifully for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When it’s time to revive your leftovers, gently reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens up too much. The microwave works in a pinch as well—just stir halfway to keep everything creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious, offering even more juicy, tender results. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—thighs may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
Is there a peanut-free alternative for the sauce?
If you need a nut-free version of Thai Peanut Chicken, try using sunflower seed butter or soy nut butter. The texture stays creamy, and the flavor is pleasantly rich, though slightly different from classic peanut.
What vegetables go well in this dish?
Colorful veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or shredded carrots make delicious, crunchy additions. Simply sauté them briefly before adding the sauce for a pop of freshness and nutrition.
Can I make this dish spicy?
If you enjoy heat, stir in a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes into the peanut sauce. Adjust to your personal spice level for a perfect kick!
How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
If the peanut sauce thickens more than you like, just whisk in a splash of coconut milk or water until it loosens to your desired consistency. It’s a simple fix that keeps the dish perfectly saucy.
Final Thoughts
When you need dinner to be both easy and extraordinary, Thai Peanut Chicken truly delivers. I hope you give this recipe a try—the creamy sauce and warm flavors could easily make it a new weeknight favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
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Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience a burst of flavor with this Thai Peanut Chicken, a quick and satisfying dish that blends tender chicken with a creamy, rich peanut sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Serve it over rice or noodles to delight your family and guests with this deliciously versatile meal!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
Seasoning:
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil. Cook the chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in soy sauce, peanut butter, and coconut milk; mix well.
- Combine ingredients: Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring until coated in the sauce. Let simmer for a few minutes until heated through.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with chopped peanuts or cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 99mg
