Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
This Thai Peanut Chicken is an easy, 25-minute dish bursting with flavor. Tender chicken is coated in a creamy peanut sauce made with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and just a touch of heat.Serve it over rice or noodles for a better-than-takeout meal any night of the week. The recipe is flexible, easy to meal prep, and loved by both kids and adults!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- ½ cup water plus more to thin sauce if needed
- 1 tablespoon oil for cooking the chicken
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce optional, for heat
- Chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Steamed rice or noodles for serving, optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry and cut it into bite-sized chunks. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and water. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or chili garlic sauce. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir to coat evenly and let simmer for 2–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, or fresh cilantro, if desired.