Introduction

Thai Peanut Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the creaminess of peanut butter with the aromatic spices of Thai cuisine. The tender chicken is enveloped in a rich peanut sauce, bursting with umami, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures—juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and a touch of crunch from garnishes like peanuts and cilantro. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a fantastic dinner option for busy nights or when you’re craving something exotic.

The key to this dish is the peanut sauce, which should be made fresh to ensure the richest flavor. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up the spices and flavors of the sauce, but marinating for a few hours will only enhance the taste. If you’re preparing it ahead of time, the sauce can also be made and stored in the fridge for up to a week. This dish pairs perfectly with rice or a crunchy salad for a complete meal.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Protein: 40g

Able to serve: 4 people

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

For the Peanut Sauce

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp sriracha (optional for heat)
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp ground cumin
• Salt, to taste

For Garnish

• Crushed peanuts
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Make the Peanut Sauce: In a small saucepan, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, coconut milk, lime juice, coriander, and cumin over medium heat. Stir occasionally until smooth and heated through, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or spice level as needed.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
4. Toss in the Sauce: Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the peanut sauce over it and toss until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce is slightly thickened.
5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over steamed rice or with a side of veggies. Garnish with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness and flavor.

Tips

• For extra flavor, you can also grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet.
• If the peanut sauce is too thick, you can add more coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Make sure to let the chicken marinate to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Conclusion

Thai Peanut Chicken is a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Thailand straight to your table. With its creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken, this meal will become a regular favorite in your kitchen. Happy cooking!