Easy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
This Easy Thai Peanut Chicken is tender, flavorful, and coated in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with just the right hint of spice. Juicy chicken pairs perfectly with a rich, nutty sauce and a touch of lime for a vibrant, satisfying meal. It’s a quick, weeknight-friendly dish that brings bold Thai flavors to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Thai Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 –2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce optional for spice
- ¼ –½ cup water to thin sauce as needed
Optional Toppings
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Cook diced chicken 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
- In the same skillet, add peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha.
- Stir over medium heat until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Add water 2 tablespoons at a time to reach desired consistency.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet.
- Toss in the peanut sauce until fully coated.
- Cook 2–3 minutes more to heat through and let flavors meld.
Step 4: Serve
- Serve over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, and a squeeze of lime.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for best results.
- Adjust peanut butter and soy sauce to taste for a creamier or saltier sauce.
- Add fresh lime juice for brightness and balance of flavors.
- Use fresh chili or chili flakes to control spice level.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions for presentation.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent sauce separation.