Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
This Thai Peanut Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a creamy, tangy peanut sauce with traditional Thai flavors like coconut milk, lime, garlic, and ginger. The marinated chicken is then cooked either under a broiler or on the grill, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken skewers perfect for serving with rice and garnished with fresh herbs and peanuts. It’s a vibrant and satisfying dish that balances sweetness, heat, and acidity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes to 8 hours 31 minutes (includes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Broiling or Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (canned, stirred well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce
- 1½ packed tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, plus more to taste
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
Serving Suggestions (All Optional)
- Cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup prepared peanut sauce made from ingredients listed above
- Lime wedges to garnish
- Whole or chopped peanuts to garnish
- Chopped green onions to garnish
- Chopped cilantro to garnish
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1½ tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic, and ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined and smooth.
- Reserve Some Sauce: Transfer 1 cup of the prepared peanut sauce to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate. This will be served with the finished dish. Leave the remaining sauce (about ½ to 1 cup) in the bowl to be used as the marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces in a baking dish. Pour the remaining peanut sauce over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours, stirring or tossing at least once during marination.
- Prepare for Cooking: After marinating, remove chicken from the refrigerator and uncover. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers if using, or alternatively, prepare a baking sheet with a wire rack to hold the chicken pieces during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken – Broiling Method: Preheat your broiler to high. Place the baking sheet with chicken under the broiler and cook for about 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove chicken carefully and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Cook the Chicken – Grilling Method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375° to 450°F). Lightly spray grill grates with cooking spray if desired. Place chicken skewers over indirect heat and close the lid. Grill for 6 minutes, flip, then grill for another 6 to 10 minutes until the internal temperature is 160°F and chicken releases easily from grill grates. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Bring Reserved Sauce to Room Temperature: While the chicken cooks, remove the reserved peanut sauce from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
- Serve: After resting, transfer the chicken to serving plates. Serve with cooked white or brown rice, drizzle with the prepared peanut sauce, and garnish with lime wedges, whole or chopped peanuts, chopped green onions, and chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, more caramelized flavor in the peanut sauce.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 8 hours) enhances flavor but do not exceed this time for food safety.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- Skewers are optional but help with even cooking and presentation.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
Find it online: https://deliciousyum.com/thai-peanut-chicken-recipe/
