Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken – A Flavor-Packed Delight

There’s something magical about Thai flavors—rich, creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and that irresistible balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy. This Thai Peanut Chicken is one of those dishes that brings comfort in every bite. The creamy peanut sauce coats tender, juicy chicken, creating a meal that feels indulgent yet incredibly easy to make at home.

If you love the bold flavors of Thai cuisine but want something simple enough for a weeknight dinner, this dish is perfect. It’s packed with protein, full of flavor, and comes together in just one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside fresh veggies, this peanut chicken will become a go-to in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: The peanut sauce is velvety smooth with the perfect balance of flavors.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making it an easy and mess-free meal.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level, add veggies, or swap the protein to fit your taste.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love the nutty, slightly sweet taste of this dish.
• Great for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen over time, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For Garnishing:

• ¼ cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Lime wedges (for serving)

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper.

Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be aromatic but not browned.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, sriracha, and sesame oil. This mixture will be thick at first, but once it heats up, it will turn into a smooth, luscious sauce.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water or extra coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the dish for an extra burst of flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger, garlic, and lime juice make a big difference in flavor.
• Adjust the Spice: If you love heat, add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount or omit it.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based version.
• Thinner Sauce: If the peanut sauce is too thick, add a little warm water or extra coconut milk until you get the perfect consistency.
• Crunchy Texture: Use crunchy peanut butter or add extra chopped peanuts for a more textured sauce.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• You can store leftover peanut chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Try adding vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~450
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 7g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work wonderfully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check ingredient labels to be sure.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors actually deepen over time, making this a fantastic meal prep option. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.

What can I serve with Thai peanut chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables. For a lighter option, serve it over a fresh salad.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: This dish freezes well! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
• Reheating: Warm it up in a pan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Thai Peanut Chicken, you might also enjoy:

• Sweet Chili Chicken
• Chicken Pad Thai – A Taste of Thailand in Your Kitchen
• Vietnamese Chicken Salad (Gỏi Gà)
• Slow Cooker Chicken Satay Curry

Final Thoughts

Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and savory flavors, making it a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal-prepping for the week, this easy, one-pan recipe is sure to become a favorite.

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