If you are craving a dish that bursts with rich, bold flavors and a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy notes, this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender chicken thighs bathed in a luscious homemade peanut sauce made from coconut milk, lime, and a touch of heat, this recipe is comfort food with an exotic twist. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish promises to impress and satisfy with its vibrant colors and irresistible taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
As with any truly memorable dish, the magic lies in the ingredients. These simple staples come together to create layers of flavor that make this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe unforgettable. Each component plays a crucial role—from the creamy peanut butter adding richness to the fresh lime juice introducing a bright zing that cuts through the savory sauce.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that brings luscious creaminess and nutty depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk: Adds smooth, tropical richness and ensures the sauce isn’t too thick or dry.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Brightens the sauce with a lively citrus kick, balancing the sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or fish sauce): Provides salty umami that enriches every bite.
- 1 ½ packed tablespoons brown sugar: Adds a touch of caramel sweetness that harmonizes the flavors—dark brown sugar preferred for deeper notes.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Infuses warm spice that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic: Fresh garlic offers pungent sharpness and aroma that elevate the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds manageable heat, with room to adjust according to your spice tolerance.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly tender and juicy, these cut into bite-sized chunks absorb the marinade beautifully.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The ideal base to soak up extra peanut sauce and create a fulfilling meal.
- Lime wedges: For garnish, adding fresh tang just before serving.
- Whole or chopped peanuts: Provides delightful crunch and enhances the peanut flavor as a garnish.
- Chopped green onions: Adds freshness and color contrast to the dish.
- Chopped cilantro: Brings herbal brightness and an authentic Thai touch.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
The foundation of this dish is the rich peanut sauce. Simply whisk together the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and perfectly blended. Reserving some sauce for marinating ensures the chicken absorbs all those incredible flavors to the core.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Take your bite-sized chicken chunks and coat them thoroughly with the peanut sauce you just made. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour, or up to eight hours if you have the time. This marinating process infuses the meat with all the wonderful flavors, making every juicy bite irresistible.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
You have two delicious options here: broiling or grilling. To broil, arrange the marinated chicken evenly on a baking sheet and broil until fully cooked and caramelized on the edges. For grilling, thread the chicken onto skewers to make flipping easier and grill until the chicken is tender and slightly charred. Either method locks in moisture and adds a smoky note that complements the peanut sauce perfectly.
Step 4: Rest and Prepare to Serve
Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking—this is the secret to juicy, tender bites. Then, get ready to plate your dish with cooked rice and generously spoon on the remaining peanut sauce. The finishing touches of garnishes will elevate this dish to restaurant-quality delight.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe truly shines through with the right garnishes. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty finishing touch. Sprinkle whole or chopped peanuts over the top for that wonderful crunch. Bright green onions and chopped cilantro are not just pretty—they bring fresh flavor contrasts that wake up your palate and add bursts of color.
Side Dishes
To make your meal wholesome and balanced, serve this chicken alongside plain jasmine rice or hearty brown rice to soak up every bit of peanut sauce. For extra texture and nutrition, a crisp Asian slaw or simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas complement this dish beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get playful, try serving the Thai Peanut Chicken over noodles tossed lightly with sesame oil and scallions for a delightful twist. Alternatively, spoon the chicken and peanut sauce into lettuce cups for a refreshing and fun finger food option perfect for gatherings. No matter how you present it, this dish is bound to steal the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken separately from rice and garnishes in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent sogginess, making it easy to enjoy leftovers without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze the cooked chicken after it has cooled completely, spreading it in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Frozen chicken will maintain its best quality for up to two months, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick but satisfying meal.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat so it doesn’t dry out, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if it seems thick. Reheat rice separately for best texture. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken tender, but if short on time, use medium power and stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay juicier and more tender, chicken breasts can work if you keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out. Consider marinating longer for better flavor infusion.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap chicken for firm tofu or tempeh and use tamari or a vegan soy sauce alternative. The peanut sauce is naturally vegan-friendly, just ensure your sides and garnishes follow suit.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Start with less if you’re sensitive to spice and add more as you go to tailor it perfectly to your taste buds.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
Creamy peanut butter is ideal for a smooth sauce texture. Natural or processed works well—but avoid chunky varieties to keep the sauce silky and well-blended.
Can I prepare the peanut sauce in advance?
Definitely! Making the peanut sauce a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just whisk it again before use to restore its creamy consistency if it separates.
Final Thoughts
I can’t encourage you enough to dive into this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe as soon as possible. It’s a fantastic blend of comforting, vibrant flavors that never fail to brighten a meal and make everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and destined to become a household favorite. Happy cooking!
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Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Thai Peanut Chicken recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs coated in a rich and creamy peanut sauce made with coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. The chicken is marinated for up to 8 hours to infuse flavors and then cooked by broiling or grilling. Served over white or brown rice and garnished with lime wedges, chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (from can, not carton; stirred well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice from approximately 1 medium lime)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1½ packed tablespoons brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized chunks)
For Serving and Garnish
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Lime wedges (to garnish)
- Whole or chopped peanuts (to garnish)
- Chopped green onions (to garnish)
- Chopped cilantro (to garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, stirred coconut milk, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and fully combined. Reserve a portion of this sauce to be used later for marinating the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces thoroughly with the reserved peanut sauce. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Prepare for Cooking: After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers if grilling or place the pieces spaced out on a baking sheet if broiling.
- Broil the Chicken: Place the baking sheet under the broiler, keeping the chicken a few inches from the heat source. Broil the chicken pieces, turning once if needed, until fully cooked through and slightly caramelized, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on your broiler’s intensity. Remove and let rest briefly before serving.
- Grill the Chicken: If using a grill, place the chicken skewers over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the exterior has nice grill marks and slight char, roughly 10-12 minutes.
- Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken: Plate the cooked chicken over warm white or brown rice. Drizzle additional prepared peanut sauce on top or serve on the side. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro to add fresh, crunchy elements and brightness to the dish.
Notes
- Dark brown sugar is preferred as it adds a deeper molasses flavor that complements the peanut sauce well.
- For more heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Ensure to use full-fat coconut milk from a can for the richest, creamiest sauce texture rather than cartons.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 8 hours) enhances flavor but avoid marinating too long to prevent texture breakdown.
- Chicken thighs are recommended for juicier, more flavorful results compared to chicken breasts.
