
Thai Peanut Chicken is relatively easy to make and doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques. The recipe uses simple ingredients that are readily available in most grocery stores, and the steps are straightforward. Searing the chicken and cooking the vegetables doesn’t take much time, and the sauce comes together quickly with just a few ingredients.
What’s great about this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures. The creamy peanut sauce is rich and savory, with a hint of sweetness from the coconut milk and honey.
The addition of garlic, ginger, and lime juice adds depth and brightness to the sauce, while the chili flakes provide a subtle kick of heat. The tender chicken and crisp bell peppers soak up the delicious sauce, creating a dish that’s satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it’s versatile – you can serve it with rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a complete meal.
Overall, Thai peanut chicken is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Some Topping Ideas
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a pop of freshness and color to the dish.
- Crushed peanuts: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that enhances the peanut sauce.
- Sliced green onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and a touch of brightness.
- Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the dish adds a refreshing citrusy kick.
Dipping Sauces
- Extra peanut sauce: Serve extra peanut sauce on the side for dipping chicken and vegetables.
- Sweet chili sauce: Offers a balance of sweetness and heat that pairs well with the savory flavors of the dish.
- Sriracha mayo: A creamy and spicy dipping sauce that adds a kick of heat.
Serve it with:
- Steamed jasmine rice: The perfect accompaniment to soak up the delicious peanut sauce.
- Thai-style coconut rice: Fragrant and slightly sweet, coconut rice complements the flavors of the dish.
- Stir-fried vegetables: Serve alongside the Thai peanut chicken for added color and nutrition. Broccoli, snap peas, carrots, and baby corn are all excellent choices.
- Fresh salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and savory flavors of the chicken.
- Noodles: Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice noodles or udon noodles for a satisfying and hearty meal.
These topping, dipping, and side dish ideas add variety and enhance the overall dining experience, making your Thai peanut chicken meal even more enjoyable and satisfying. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Some cooking tips to ensure your Thai peanut chicken turns out perfectly
- Cut Chicken Evenly: When cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, try to make them as uniform as possible. This ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are still raw.
- Adjust Spice Level: The level of heat in the dish can be adjusted by adding more or less chili flakes according to your preference. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
- Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Be careful not to overcook the bell peppers. They should be slightly softened but still have a crisp texture to add a contrast to the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
- Thicken Sauce as Needed: If the peanut sauce is too thin, you can simmer it for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken it slightly. Conversely, if it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a little more coconut milk or water.
- Garnish at the End: Garnish the dish with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and texture to the finished dish.
- Serve Immediately: Thai peanut chicken is best served immediately after cooking while the chicken is still tender and the flavors are vibrant. If you need to reheat leftovers, do so gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken and vegetables as directed. This makes for a quicker meal prep on busy days.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious Thai peanut chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress!
FAQ’s about Thai Peanut Chicken
Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter in this recipe. Just be aware that natural peanut butter tends to have a thicker consistency and may not blend as smoothly into the sauce. You may need to adjust the amount of coconut milk or add a little water to achieve the desired consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by varying the amount of chili flakes used in the recipe. Start with a small amount and add more if desired. You can also omit the chili flakes altogether for a milder version of the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that has a similar flavor profile. Be sure to check the labels of other ingredients such as peanut butter and coconut milk to ensure they are also gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 cup 240ml coconut milk
- ¼ cup 60g creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes adjust to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- Crushed peanuts for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Sear the Chicken:Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables:In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare the Sauce:In a mixing bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, and chili flakes until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Everything:Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the bell peppers. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken and bell peppers, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve:Serve the Thai peanut chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Enjoy:Enjoy your delicious Thai peanut chicken with its creamy, savory, and slightly spicy sauce! Adjust the seasoning and spice level to suit your taste preferences.