Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Thai Peanut Chicken combines tender chicken with a rich, flavorful peanut sauce that brings together sweet, savory, and tangy flavors in every bite. It’s a quick and simple weeknight meal that packs a punch of flavor and can be served with rice or noodles for a satisfying dish. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or simply looking for a new dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Honey or brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Coconut milk
• Red chili flakes (optional)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook the chicken in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and coconut milk. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. If you like a little heat, add red chili flakes.
5. Slice the cooked chicken and add it back into the pan with the peanut sauce, tossing to coat.
6. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
7. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped cilantro or peanuts if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the dish for extra texture and nutrition.
• Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Swap the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Spice it up more with extra chili flakes or some sriracha sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a pan over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter can be used for added texture, though creamy peanut butter gives the sauce a smoother consistency.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken can be cooked and the sauce prepared ahead of time. Just store everything separately in the fridge and assemble when you’re ready to serve.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice is customizable. If you prefer a mild flavor, skip the chili flakes or reduce the amount.

Can I use something other than chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even beef depending on your preferences.

Can I use a different nut butter?

While peanut butter is the traditional choice, almond or cashew butter can work as a substitute for a different flavor.

Conclusion

This Easy Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With its creamy peanut sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a dish that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Whether you’re a fan of Thai food or just looking for something new, this recipe is sure to impress.

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