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
Scale
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.
