Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

If you crave mouthwatering meals layered with bold flavor and creamy richness, you simply must try Thai Peanut Chicken. This irresistible dish features juicy, tender chunks of chicken bathed in a luscious peanut sauce, delivering the perfect harmony of salty, sweet, tangy, and a gentle kick of spice. Whether served hot off the grill on skewers or nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice, Thai Peanut Chicken is that weeknight hero you’ll want to make again and again for friends, family, or just for yourself.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Thai Peanut Chicken recipe plays a vital role: from the creamy peanut butter lending its signature depth to the punchy lime and fragrant garlic, each element contributes to the unforgettable balance of flavors and textures. Gather these essential ingredients and watch them quickly transform into something truly special.

• Creamy peanut butter: The foundation of the sauce, bringing richness and an unmistakable, nutty base.
• Full-fat coconut milk (unsweetened, canned): Adds silky creaminess and tempers the punch of the savory and spicy ingredients.
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens everything with acidity and a citrusy zing — don’t skip the fresh lime here!
• Soy sauce (or fish sauce): Infuses savory, umami notes; fish sauce gives it a distinctly Thai edge.
• Brown sugar (dark preferred): Sweetens and rounds out the flavors, creating perfect harmony.
• Ground ginger: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of spice, enhancing the overall depth.
• Minced fresh garlic: Fragrant and sharp, garlic is essential for those classic Thai undertones.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Gives the sauce a subtle pop of heat; adjust to your spice preference.
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Stay juicy and flavorful after marinating and cooking; they’re hard to overcook!
• Rice (white or brown): The perfect fluffy bed to soak up every drop of the creamy peanut sauce.
• Lime wedges: For zingy garnish and a splash of color.
• Peanuts (whole or chopped): Add crunchy texture and extra peanut punch.
• Chopped green onions: Bring fresh, mild onion flavor and pretty pops of green.
• Chopped cilantro: Freshness and herbal brightness tie all the flavors together.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy or fish sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until the sauce is silky-smooth and totally combined. This peanut sauce is the flavor backbone for your Thai Peanut Chicken—so take your time making it luscious!

Step 2: Reserve Some Sauce

Once the sauce is well mixed, set aside 1 cup in a small bowl, cover, and pop it in the refrigerator. This reserved peanut sauce will be the finishing touch for drizzling and dunking when your chicken is done!

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add those bite-sized chicken thigh pieces to a large baking dish or mixing bowl. Pour the remaining peanut sauce all over the chicken, using tongs or a spatula to make sure every morsel gets coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours if you’ve got extra time). Don’t forget to toss or stir the chicken at least once during marinating to maximize the flavor infusion.

Step 4: Thread and Prep

After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge. If you’re going for skewers (always fun!), thread the pieces onto soaked wooden or metal skewers. If you’d rather bake or broil without skewers, set the chicken pieces on a wire rack placed over a greased baking sheet. This ensures everything cooks up juicy and evenly caramelized.

Step 5: Broil or Grill the Chicken

For broiling, preheat your broiler to high and slide the chicken under for about 6 minutes, or until the pieces reach an internal temp of 160°F. For grilling, preheat to medium-high (375° to 450°F), lightly spray the grates, and cook your skewers for 6 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 6 to 10 minutes until gloriously charred and cooked through. Let Thai Peanut Chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking—this keeps every bite juicy and tender!

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A handful of chopped peanuts and green onions add irresistible crunch, while plenty of chopped cilantro and a few wedges of fresh lime bring brightness. These simple garnishes highlight the color and flavor of the Thai Peanut Chicken, elevating your meal from home-cooked to restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Thai Peanut Chicken pairs perfectly with a generous serving of fluffy white or brown rice, helping to soak up every drop of that golden peanut sauce. For a lighter option, try steamed jasmine rice or a bed of sautéed greens. Cucumber salad, quick-pickled veggies, or a simple side of steamed broccoli are all fantastic partners for this dish, adding freshness to balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring the wow factor by arranging the chicken skewers on a big shared platter with small dip bowls of reserved peanut sauce. Alternatively, tuck pieces of Thai Peanut Chicken into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb twist, or serve atop noodles for a hearty, Thai-inspired bowl. The aroma and color of this dish make it an entertainer’s dream—let your imagination run wild!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cool the Thai Peanut Chicken completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as craveable.

Freezing

For future cravings, freeze the chicken (just the meat, without garnishes or rice) in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again—Thai Peanut Chicken is a freezer-friendly superstar!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm Thai Peanut Chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or extra peanut sauce to keep it moist. Stir and check often so the luscious sauce doesn’t curdle or overcook. Top with fresh garnishes right before serving for that just-made sparkle.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and harder to overcook, chicken breast works beautifully in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—chicken breast can cook a bit faster, so pull it from the heat as soon as it’s no longer pink to preserve juiciness.

Is there a non-peanut substitute for peanut allergies?

You can swap peanut butter with cashew or almond butter for a nutty, creamy twist. Sunflower seed butter is also a delicious, allergy-friendly option—just adjust the seasoning to taste, since these alternatives can be slightly less sweet than peanut butter.

What’s the best way to make Thai Peanut Chicken gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, or grab fish sauce for that wonderful Thai flavor. Be sure to check all ingredient labels, especially if buying pre-made sauces or spice blends, to stay totally gluten-free.

Does this work well for meal prep?

Thai Peanut Chicken is a meal-prepping dream! Cook up a big batch, portion it out with rice or veggies in individual containers, and refrigerate for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and flavorful for days.

Can kids or spice-sensitive eaters enjoy this dish?

Yes! Just reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes in the peanut sauce if you prefer a milder taste. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is—you can always add more spice on the side for heat lovers.

Final Thoughts

Thai Peanut Chicken is that magical combination of bold, bright flavors and easy, rewarding cooking that you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a family favorite—don’t be surprised if you find yourself making extra just for leftovers!

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