Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors and irresistible creaminess, this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining tender chicken thighs with a luscious peanut sauce made from creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, and zesty lime, this recipe perfectly balances sweet, salty, and a hint of spice. It’s comfort food with a deliciously exotic twist that’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or a get-together with friends, this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe come alive, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of our sauce, providing rich, nutty creaminess that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk: Adds silkiness and a subtle tropical flavor that balances the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Brightens everything up with a fresh, tangy kick that cuts through the richness.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce: Delivers deep umami notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• 1 ½ packed tablespoons brown sugar: Brings a gentle sweetness and slight molasses undertone to balance the salty and sour elements.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a warm, zesty spice to keep the sauce lively.
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic pungency that wakes up the palate.
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more to taste): Provides the perfect touch of heat for those who like a little spice.
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for their juicy tenderness and flavor, cut into bite-sized chunks for easy marinading and cooking.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Peanut Sauce

Start by mixing up the peanut sauce—that magical blend that defines this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe. In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, full-fat coconut milk, fresh lime juice, soy or fish sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything vigorously until smooth and fully combined. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy, setting the flavor foundation for your chicken.

Step 2: Reserve Some Sauce for Serving

Before you dive into marinating, scoop out about one cup of the prepared peanut sauce and pop it into the fridge. This will be your delicious dip or topping to bring everything together when it’s time to serve. Keep the rest for marinating the chicken, where it’ll soak right in and infuse every bite.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place your bite-sized chicken thigh pieces into a baking dish and pour the remaining peanut sauce over them. Toss everything well, making sure each chunk gets a good coating of that luscious sauce. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to mingle and tenderize the meat. For best results, aim for no longer than eight hours and give the chicken a stir once or twice during this time.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

When you’re ready, decide how you want to cook the chicken: broiling or grilling both work beautifully with this recipe. To broil, preheat your oven’s broiler on high and arrange the marinated chicken on a lightly greased baking sheet or wire rack. Broil for about six minutes, checking for an internal temperature of 160° Fahrenheit, then let the chicken rest five minutes before serving. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high, lightly spray the grates with cooking spray if desired, and cook the chicken skewers over indirect heat for about 12 to 16 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Again, ensure the meat reaches 160° internally before resting.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

The garnishes are where you get to add a little personal flair and texture magic. Sprinkle your plated chicken with whole or chopped peanuts for extra crunch, chopped green onions for a mild bite, and fresh cilantro to brighten each mouthful. A wedge of lime on the side is not just pretty—it lets everyone add a zesty finish to their taste.

Side Dishes

This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with simple white or brown rice, which soaks up the delicious peanut sauce. For a refreshing contrast, a crisp cucumber salad or steamed greens like bok choy add neat, fresh notes that balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling adventurous? Serve the chicken over a bed of rice noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil and scallions for a noodle bowl vibe. Or try wrapping the chicken and garnishes in warm lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld treat. No matter how you present it, this Thai Peanut Chicken is guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making the next meal even tastier.

Freezing

If you want to stash some for later, place cooked chicken and peanut sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave if you can, to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts can work just fine, though thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.

Is this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe spicy?

It has a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes that you can adjust to your liking. Feel free to add more or less depending on how much heat you want.

Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before marinating or serving for the best consistency.

What if I’m allergic to peanuts?

Peanuts are central to this recipe’s flavor profile, but you might try substituting almond butter for a similar texture and taste. Keep in mind it will change the dish somewhat, but it can still be delicious.

Can I grill this on a gas grill?

Definitely! Just preheat your gas grill to medium-high and cook the chicken skewers as instructed. Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the peanut sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big, warm hug—rich, comforting, and full of character. It’s straightforward enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends, and its vibrant flavors always bring smiles to the table. Give it a try, and let this recipe become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

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