Thai Peanut Chicken

Name: Thai Peanut Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; ¼ cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); ½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk); 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish); 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish); Steamed rice or noodles, for serving

Jack

Update : November 13, 2025

Deliciously cooked Thai Peanut Chicken served with fresh vegetables and rice

why make this recipe

Thai Peanut Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and creamy peanut sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that brings vibrant flavors to your dinner table. This dish is not only quick to prepare, but it also offers a wonderful balance of spice, sweetness, and nuttiness, making it a family favorite. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles!

how to make Thai Peanut Chicken

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Steamed rice or noodles, for serving

Directions:

Prepare the Chicken:

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Make the Peanut Sauce:

In the same pan, add peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, coconut milk, lime juice, and sesame oil.
Stir well and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the sauce is smooth and heated through.

Combine and Serve:

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan with the peanut sauce.
Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
Serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles.
Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

how to serve Thai Peanut Chicken

Serve Thai Peanut Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice or toss it with warm noodles. You can pair it with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal. The dish is often enjoyed family-style, where everyone can help themselves.

how to store Thai Peanut Chicken

If you have leftovers, let them cool down completely. Store the Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

tips to make Thai Peanut Chicken

Ensure your chicken is cooked evenly by cutting it into smaller pieces if needed.
Adjust the level of sriracha if you want a milder or spicier dish.
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger for a few hours before cooking.
Use freshly squeezed lime juice for a vibrant taste.

variation

You can easily modify this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the pan while cooking the chicken. For a vegetarian variation, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture, but creamy peanut butter gives a smoother sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can I make Thai Peanut Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then combine them when you are ready to serve. This makes it great for meal prep!