If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, creamy peanut flavors with zesty lime and a hint of spice, then this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a luscious blend of coconut milk, peanut butter, and aromatic garlic, then grilled or broiled to perfection. Every bite offers a delicious dance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes that’ll make your taste buds sing. It’s comfort food with an exciting international twist that’s surprisingly easy to make at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a special role in creating the rich flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color of this dish. From the creamy peanut butter to the fresh lime juice, every item contributes to a balanced and mouthwatering Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives the sauce its signature creamy, nutty richness.
- 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk: Adds a smooth, tropical creaminess that balances the spices perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: Brightens the sauce with a fresh, tangy kick.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or fish sauce): Brings umami depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 1 ½ packed tablespoons brown sugar (dark preferred): Adds sweetness and complexity, caramel notes enhance the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives warmth and a subtle spicy backbone.
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic: Provides a pungent aroma and savory flavor complexity.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adds heat that gently tingles the palate.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The ideal bed for soaking up all those amazing peanut sauce flavors.
- Lime wedges (to garnish): Freshens each bite with citrusy zing.
- Whole or chopped peanuts (to garnish): Adds satisfying crunch and extra peanut punch.
- Chopped green onions and cilantro (to garnish): Brings freshness and vivid green color to the presentation.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Begin by whisking together the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This sauce is the heart of the dish—smooth, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between savory, sweet, and spicy. Reserve a bit of the sauce aside for marinating your chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Coat the bite-sized chicken thigh chunks generously with the peanut sauce you set aside. Let the chicken soak in those bold flavors for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours if you have the time—this will make the meat incredibly tender and flavorful. For easy grilling, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, or simply spread them out on a baking sheet if you’re broiling.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
You have two great options here. If you’ve threaded your chicken onto skewers, grill them over medium-high heat until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred, which adds a beautiful smoky note. Alternatively, broil the chicken pieces on a baking sheet, turning once to ensure even cooking and caramelization. Either way, the chicken should be juicy and tender, perfectly coated in that irresistible peanut glaze.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving
Once cooked, let the chicken rest briefly to lock in the juices. Then, plate it over a bed of steaming white or brown rice. Drizzle with extra peanut sauce for that creamy, nutty goodness in every bite. Garnish generously with lime wedges, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of whole or chopped peanuts to add a delightful crunch and burst of freshness.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes are what bring the final layer of freshness and texture. Lime wedges add a zesty brightness that cuts through the rich peanut sauce, while green onions and cilantro bring a herbaceous pop. Chopped peanuts add a wonderful crunch, making each mouthful more exciting. Don’t be shy with these — they truly elevate the dish to restaurant-quality.
Side Dishes
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement rather than compete with the bold flavors. Rice is a classic choice, but you could also serve it alongside steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or snap peas. A crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, making the meal even more vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken skewers family-style on a large platter surrounded by vibrant fresh herbs and lime wedges, inviting everyone to dig in. You could also stuff the chicken and sauce into lettuce wraps for a handheld treat that’s light yet satisfying. And why not drizzle extra peanut sauce artistically on the plate to impress your guests visually and taste-wise?
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is often the case because this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is so delicious), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the chicken taste even better the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Thai Peanut Chicken for up to 2 months. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to include some of the sauce to keep the meat moist. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or additional peanut sauce to keep it creamy and saucy. Serve over fresh rice for a quick and comforting meal.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts will work fine. Just be careful not to overcook them since they can dry out more easily.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the crushed red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice according to your taste by adding more or less.
Can I make the peanut sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just whisk it well before using as it may thicken when chilled.
What if I don’t have coconut milk?
While coconut milk adds creaminess and richness, you can substitute with heavy cream, but the flavor will be less authentic. Avoid using the carton kind of coconut milk as it’s thinner and less flavorful.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Fish sauce is naturally gluten-free but always check labels to be certain.
Final Thoughts
This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s destined to bring joy to your dinner table. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make over and over because it’s simple, wholesome, and irresistibly tasty. So go ahead and give it a try — your taste buds will thank you!
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Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Thai Peanut Chicken recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce made from coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice, soy sauce, and spices. The chicken is marinated and then cooked either by broiling or grilling, served over rice and garnished with fresh herbs, peanuts, and lime wedges for an authentic Thai-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk (from can, stirred well)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice from approximately 1 medium lime)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or fish sauce)
- 1 ½ packed tablespoons brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (approximately 3 large cloves)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (plus more to taste)
Chicken and Serving Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized chunks)
- cooked white or brown rice, for serving
- lime wedges, for garnish
- whole or chopped peanuts, for garnish
- chopped green onions, for garnish
- chopped cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until fully combined. Reserve some of this sauce for marinating the chicken and set aside.
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the bite-sized chicken thigh pieces thoroughly with the prepared peanut sauce. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for more intense flavor. After marinating, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers or arrange them on a baking sheet if broiling.
- Cook the Chicken – Broiling Option: Preheat the broiler to high. Place the marinated chicken pieces on a broiler-safe baking sheet and broil until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes.
- Cook the Chicken – Grilling Option: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for about 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Remove from grill and let rest.
- Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken: Plate the cooked chicken pieces over white or brown rice. Drizzle with additional peanut sauce. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and whole or chopped peanuts for texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor in the peanut sauce.
- Marinating for longer than 1 hour enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Both broiling and grilling are suitable cooking methods; choose based on available equipment and preference.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh garnishes and creamy peanut sauce at their best.
