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Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai Peanut Chicken features tender chicken in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with ginger, garlic, and lime. This 30-minute dish delivers bold Thai flavors perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 475

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or regular milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons peanuts chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Steamed rice or noodles for serving

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Add chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side without moving, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Remove chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
  4. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and coconut milk to the skillet. Whisk together and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and heated through.
  6. Stir in lime juice and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness if desired.
  7. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the peanut sauce.
  8. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish generously with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for more flavor and tenderness. Adjust spice level by reducing or omitting sriracha. Sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in refrigerator. Add stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors meld together.
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