If you love bold flavors and crave a dish that combines creamy, spicy, and tangy notes all at once, then this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is about to become one of your new favorites. It’s packed with tender chicken drenched in a luscious peanut sauce that carries the perfect kick of heat from sriracha and the fresh brightness of lime. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe brings a beautiful balance of textures and tastes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but uses each ingredient to maximize flavor and texture. Every component plays a vital role, from the creamy peanut butter that forms the sauce’s base to the fresh ginger adding zing and the sriracha delivering just the right amount of heat.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect protein that soaks up all the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps to cook the chicken evenly and prevents sticking.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient for that rich, nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds depth and saltiness, balancing the peanut butter.
- 1/4 cup coconut milk: Provides creaminess and a subtle sweetness that mellows the spices.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Sweetness that layers perfectly with the tangy and spicy elements.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference): Gives the dish its signature spicy kick.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds an aromatic punch to enhance all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Brings warmth and a little zest.
- 1 lime (juiced): Provides a fresh, acidic lift that brightens the entire dish.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbal note and pops of color.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish): Adds crunch and reinforces the peanut theme.
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): The perfect base to soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.
How to Make Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This not only helps the chicken cook quickly but also ensures every piece gets coated with the delicious peanut sauce later on. Uniform pieces mean even cooking, which is key to juicy chicken every time.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it get hot enough so it sizzles when the chicken hits the pan. This technique helps create a lovely golden sear, locking in the juices.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and season them with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. The smell at this point will have your mouth watering already.
Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce
While the chicken cooks, mix creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, fresh ginger, and freshly squeezed lime juice in a bowl. Stir everything until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce that’s rich and inviting.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour the homemade peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Give everything a good stir so each piece is nicely coated. Let it simmer together for another 3 to 5 minutes so the flavors meld into something truly irresistible.
Step 6: Garnish Beautifully
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts over the chicken. These garnishes add bursts of fresh herbaceousness and satisfyingly crunchy texture that take this dish over the top.
Step 7: Serve It Up
Serve your Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe steaming hot over fluffy rice or your favorite noodles. The sauce soaks into these bases perfectly, creating a meal that’s comfort food at its finest but with an exciting Asian twist.
How to Serve Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and crunchy chopped peanuts are classics, but feel free to add sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. These touches brighten the dish and make it visually inviting.
Side Dishes
To complement the richness of the peanut sauce, consider serving with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or rice noodles. A side of lightly sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas adds a refreshing crunch and balances the meal nutritionally.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh and fun handheld option, or turn it into a noodle bowl by tossing it with some cooked rice noodles and extra fresh herbs. For a party, this recipe works beautifully as a dip with crunchy veggies or crispy wonton chips.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, let the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warmth without drying out the chicken or sauce. Adding a splash of water or coconut milk can help maintain the creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter gives the dish its signature flavor, you can substitute with almond or cashew butter for a different nutty profile. Just keep in mind the taste will subtly change.
How spicy is this recipe, and can I adjust the heat?
This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe has a pleasant kick from the sriracha, but you can easily modify the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha sauce used. Adding fresh chilies also works if you want more fire.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditionally, soy sauce contains gluten, so to keep this dish gluten-free, opt for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve this with besides rice or noodles?
It’s delicious over quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even tossed with spiralized vegetables. This flexibility lets you adapt the meal to your dietary preferences and adds variety to your meals.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and use a plant-based peanut butter with tamari instead of soy sauce if needed. The sauce is rich enough to make a satisfying vegetarian or vegan meal.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe brings together vibrant flavors and comforting textures like nothing else. It’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends and family. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes your go-to for a delicious, spicy, nutty dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken recipe delivers a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich peanut sauce infused with sriracha, garlic, ginger, and lime. Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and spicy notes, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and ideal served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Cooking
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, warm the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sauté the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, honey, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, minced ginger, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece evenly, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to heat through.
- Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped cilantro and chopped peanuts for fresh flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Serve the spicy Thai peanut chicken hot over your choice of cooked rice or noodles, creating a complete and flavorful meal suitable for family and friends.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
- Using creamy peanut butter helps create a smooth and rich sauce; natural peanut butter may be used but may result in a less creamy texture.
- If coconut milk is not available, whole milk or heavy cream can be used as a substitute, but the flavor will slightly differ.
- For added vegetables, consider stirring in cooked broccoli or bell peppers before adding the sauce.
- This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group.
