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Thai peanut chicken in skillet coated with creamy peanut sauce garnished with cilantro and peanuts

Thai Peanut Chicken

Tender chicken coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce with ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. Ready in 30 minutes for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk or regular milk
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • Steamed rice or noodles for serving

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Whisk
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F and chicken is golden brown. Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
  2. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and coconut milk to the skillet. Whisk until completely smooth with no clumps. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy (the sauce should coat the back of a spoon).
  4. Stir in lime juice and sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more sriracha for heat (start with ½ teaspoon at a time), honey for sweetness, or soy sauce for saltiness.
  5. Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss gently in the peanut sauce until well coated. Heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Serve over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles. Top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in skillet with splash of coconut milk if sauce thickens. Adjust sriracha for desired spice level - start with 1 teaspoon for mild heat. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier results.