Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe with Easy, Flavorful Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Chicken

If you’re a home cook looking for something delicious and simple, Thai Peanut Chicken is a go-to recipe that brings bold flavors to your table without much hassle. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy peanut sauce that’s packed with taste, making it ideal for busy parents, students, or anyone short on time. Plus, it’s versatile enough for diet-conscious folks to tweak it to their needs, all while keeping that amazing Thai-inspired zing.

One reason you’ll adore this recipe is its ease of preparation. With just a few straightforward steps and minimal ingredients, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re feeding a crowd on the fly. The marinated chicken thighs add juicy tenderness, and the peanut sauce brings everything together with its rich, nutty goodness. Whether you’re grilling or broiling, you can have a satisfying meal ready in under an hour and a half.

Health benefits are another big draw for Thai Peanut Chicken. It’s loaded with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from peanuts, and nutrients that keep you feeling full and energized. For food enthusiasts or travelers wanting a taste of Thai cuisine at home, this dish offers a balanced option that’s not only tasty but also supports wellness for seniors or working professionals watching their diet. The combination of fresh lime and garlic adds vitamins, making it a smart choice for overall nutrition.

Versatility is key here, as you can easily adapt this recipe for different dietary preferences. Swap ingredients to make it vegan or gluten-free, and it still keeps its distinctive flavor profile. That unique blend of creamy peanut sauce, tangy lime, and aromatic herbs creates a standout meal that feels special every time. Imagine serving it with rice and garnishes like cilantro it’s sure to become a family favorite for newlyweds or baking enthusiasts exploring new recipes.

Exploring the Flavors

Let’s not forget how this recipe shines with its taste. The peanut sauce, made from fresh ingredients like coconut milk and ginger, gives a creamy texture that’s hard to resist. If you’re curious about more chicken ideas, check out our stuffed chicken recipe for another flavorful option. Overall, Thai Peanut Chicken is all about fun in the kitchen and creating memorable meals.

Essential Ingredients for Thai Peanut Chicken

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this Thai Peanut Chicken recipe. Everything you need is listed below in a clear, structured way to make shopping and prep a breeze. This ensures you get the exact measurements for a perfect outcome every time.

Ingredients for the Peanut Sauce

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (canned, well stirred)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 1 medium lime)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce
• 1 ½ packed tablespoons dark brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Ingredients for the Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

Optional Garnishes and Serving Suggestions

• Cooked white or brown rice
• Lime wedges
• Whole or chopped peanuts
• Chopped green onions
• Chopped cilantro

These ingredients come together to create a flavorful dish that’s simple yet packed with Thai cuisine vibes. For those interested in the health perks of peanuts, you can learn more from Health Benefits of Peanuts. Remember, this list covers everything needed, so don’t skip any for the best results.

How to Prepare the Perfect Thai Peanut Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting started with Thai Peanut Chicken is fun and straightforward, especially if you’re a beginner. First, prepare all your ingredients by measuring and chopping everything out this keeps things organized and helps you move quickly through the steps. You’ll whisk up a tasty peanut sauce that’s the heart of this easy Thai peanut chicken recipe, then marinate the chicken for maximum flavor.

Next, heat your skillet or get your grill ready, as this recipe lets you choose between broiling or grilling for that perfect char. The process is simple: marinate the chicken thighs in the sauce, cook them until juicy, and serve with rice for a complete meal. This step-by-step approach makes it accessible for busy parents or students who want a homemade Thai chicken recipe without the fuss.

Here are the detailed steps to follow:

1. Vigorously whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy or fish sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until smooth and fully combined.
2. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for serving by covering and refrigerating it; bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving. Use the remaining sauce to marinate the chicken.
3. Place chicken chunks in a baking dish, pour over the remaining peanut sauce, and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. Stir once during marinating.
4. To broil, preheat the broiler on high and place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack. Broil for about 6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
5. To grill, preheat grill to medium-high (375°F to 450°F). Spray grill grate if desired. Skewer chicken pieces if preferred. Grill over indirect heat, turning once, for about 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest 5 minutes before serving.
6. Plate chicken with cooked rice and the reserved peanut sauce. Garnish with lime wedges, peanuts, green onions, and cilantro as desired. Chicken can be served on skewers or off the skewers.

This method ensures your Thai peanut chicken with flavorful sauce turns out just right. For more chicken inspiration, try our taco chicken casserole for a different twist.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Thai Peanut Chicken – Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Making Thai Peanut Chicken fit your needs is easy with a few smart swaps. Protein alternatives include using firm tofu or tempeh for a vegan option, which absorb the peanut sauce beautifully while maintaining texture. For poultry-free choices, seitan or chickpeas also work well, giving you flexibility for various diets without losing that Thai cuisine appeal.

Now, let’s talk about vegetable, sauce, and seasoning modifications. Try swapping in snap peas, carrots, or broccoli to match what’s in season or your taste preferences. For sauces, coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free choice, and adding a bit of fish sauce can boost the depth for non-vegetarian versions. Adjust chili flakes or toss in fresh herbs like basil to personalize your easy Thai peanut chicken recipe.

These changes keep the dish versatile for diet-conscious individuals or food enthusiasts. Whether you’re a working professional or a senior, adapting this Asian chicken dish recipe helps everyone enjoy it.

Mastering Thai Peanut Chicken: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’ve got the basics down, leveling up your Thai Peanut Chicken is all about little tricks. Pro cooking techniques like marinating the chicken longer up to 8 hours help deepen the flavors, but don’t go overboard to avoid tough meat. Using a cast-iron skillet ensures even cooking, giving you that perfect sear on your how to make Thai peanut chicken dish.

For unique flavor variations, add ginger to the sauce or swap peanuts with cashew butter for a nuttier twist. Presentation tips include plating with bright herbs, lime wedges, and a drizzle of coconut cream to make it look as good as it tastes. If you’re always on the go, prepare the peanut sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.

Here are some helpful tips to enhance your recipe:

• For peanut allergies, substitute with almond or cashew butter.
• Start with less crushed red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive to spice.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free versions.
• To adapt for keto, use low-carb peanut butter and a sugar substitute like brown swerve.
• Coconut milk can be replaced with heavy cream if needed.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.

These ideas make your Thai peanut chicken with flavorful sauce even better for travelers or newlyweds experimenting in the kitchen.

How to Store Thai Peanut Chicken: Best Practices

Keeping your Thai Peanut Chicken fresh is simple with the right storage methods. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days to keep its flavors intact. This works great for meal prep, letting busy parents or students grab a quick, tasty meal anytime.

For longer storage, freeze the dish in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers; it stays good for up to 2 months. When reheating, do it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the sauce from drying out. Batch cooking and dividing into single-serve containers makes this recipe even more convenient for working professionals.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai Peanut Chicken

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• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

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Description

🥜 Experience bold Thai flavors with this easy-to-make peanut chicken that’s perfect for weeknight dinners
🍽️ Transform simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-quality meal with a creamy, savory peanut sauce

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

½ cup creamy peanut butter

1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce

1 ½ packed tablespoons dark brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

Cooked white or brown rice

Lime wedges

Whole or chopped peanuts

Chopped green onions

Chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1-Vigorously whisk peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy or fish sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl until smooth and fully combined.

2-Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for serving by covering and refrigerating it; bring to room temperature 15 minutes before serving. Use the remaining sauce to marinate the chicken.

3-Place chicken chunks in a baking dish, pour over the remaining peanut sauce, and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours. Stir once during marinating.

4-To broil, preheat the broiler on high and place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet or wire rack. Broil for about 6 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

5-To grill, preheat grill to medium-high (375°F to 450°F). Spray grill grate if desired. Skewer chicken pieces if preferred. Grill over indirect heat, turning once, for about 6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Rest 5 minutes before serving.

6-Plate chicken with cooked rice and the reserved peanut sauce. Garnish with lime wedges, peanuts, green onions, and cilantro as desired. Chicken can be served on skewers or off the skewers.

Notes

🥜 For peanut allergies or paleo variations, substitute almond or cashew butter for the peanut butter
🌡️ Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 160°F for safe cooking without overcooking
⏰ Don’t marinate longer than 8 hours as the acid in the lime juice can make the chicken tough

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Broiling or Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
• Calories: 576
• Sugar: 2
• Sodium: 772
• Fat: 37
• Saturated Fat: 15
• Unsaturated Fat: 18
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 9
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 54
• Cholesterol: 215

Keywords: thai peanut chicken, easy sauce, flavorful chicken, thai recipe