Thai Peanut Chicken
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dish to brighten up your weeknight dinners, then this Thai Peanut Chicken is the answer! This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines tender chicken with a creamy peanut sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for just yourself or whipping up something special for family gatherings, this dish is bound to impress.
In less than 30 minutes, you can serve up a plate of deliciousness that rivals your favorite takeout. Plus, it’s versatile enough to suit various tastes—serve it over rice or noodles, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, this recipe comes together in no time—a lifesaver on busy evenings!
- Family-Friendly: The rich flavors of the peanut sauce are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies like bell peppers or snap peas. You can make it your own!
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and just cook the chicken when you’re ready to eat. It makes meal prep a breeze!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a look at the simple and wholesome ingredients that make this Thai Peanut Chicken so delightful! Each one plays an important role in creating that amazing flavor you’ll love.
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to fit your cravings or whatever you have on hand.
- Swap the protein: Try using sliced turkey breast or even tofu for a vegetarian twist!
- Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped vegetables like broccoli or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or sriracha to give it an extra kick.
- Noodle swap: Instead of rice, serve it over whole grain noodles or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a lighter option.
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures that every bite is packed with flavor right from the start!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until they are browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Removing the chicken from the skillet will allow us to build our amazing sauce without burning anything.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic
Lower the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic into the same skillet. Sautéing until fragrant (about one minute) helps release those wonderful aromas that will make your kitchen smell heavenly!
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir in the soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, and coconut milk. Mix well until smooth—this is where all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return your cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring until each piece is coated with that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is heated through. It’s such a rewarding moment when everything comes together!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve warm over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts or cilantro if desired. Watch as everyone digs into this flavorful dish—you’ll be so proud of what you’ve created!
Pro Tips for Making Thai Peanut Chicken
This recipe is simple and quick, but a few helpful tips can take your Thai Peanut Chicken to the next level!
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Marinate for Extra Flavor: Consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least an hour before cooking. This enhances the flavor and moisture of the chicken, making it even more delicious.
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Add Color with Veggies: Customize your dish by adding colorful vegetables such as bell peppers or snap peas. They not only increase the nutritional value but also add vibrant colors and textures that make the dish visually appealing.
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Adjust Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a bit more coconut milk or water while cooking. This allows you to customize the sauce to your desired creaminess and richness.
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Experiment with Heat: If you enjoy a little spice, feel free to add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce. The heat complements the creamy peanut butter perfectly and adds an exciting kick.
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Use Leftovers Creatively: Don’t let any leftovers go to waste! Use them in wraps or salads for a quick lunch option, ensuring you enjoy this delightful dish multiple times.
How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken
Serving Thai Peanut Chicken is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some delightful ideas to elevate your dining experience!
Garnishes
- Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances every bite.
- Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro adds brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish—just a squeeze will brighten up all those wonderful flavors.
Side Dishes
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The classic pairing! Steamed jasmine rice soaks up the rich peanut sauce beautifully, making each mouthful satisfying.
- Coconut Rice: For a twist, try coconut rice, which complements the tropical flavors of your main dish while adding sweetness.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas provides crunch and color on your plate.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with lime dressing offers a cool contrast to the warm chicken dish—a perfect palate cleanser!
With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting meal that makes everyone feel welcome at your table. Enjoy cooking!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Thai Peanut Chicken is perfect for meal prep, making it a convenient choice for busy weeks. You can easily prepare it in advance and store it for later enjoyment.
Storing Leftovers
- Store any leftover Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Ensure the dish has cooled to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, or use the microwave for quick thawing.
- Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of coconut milk if needed to regain creaminess.
- Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about making Thai Peanut Chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for Thai Peanut Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on their size.
How can I make my Thai Peanut Chicken even more flavorful?
For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic for at least an hour before cooking. Adding fresh herbs like basil or cilantro during serving can also elevate the taste!
Is Thai Peanut Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This recipe is ideal for meal prep. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for later enjoyment.
What can I serve with Thai Peanut Chicken?
Thai Peanut Chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped peanuts or cilantro for added texture and flavor!
Final Thoughts
I hope you enjoy making this delightful Thai Peanut Chicken! Its rich flavors and creamy peanut sauce truly make it special. Whether you’re whipping it up for a family dinner or sharing it with friends, it’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!
Thai Peanut Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Thai Peanut Chicken is a delightful weeknight meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. This recipe features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a creamy peanut sauce, making it a family favorite that rivals any takeout dish. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a satisfying and nutritious dinner that can be served over rice or noodles, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, this dish is sure to impress with its rich flavors and ease of preparation.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook until browned (5-7 minutes). Remove from skillet.
- Lower the heat, add minced garlic to the same skillet, and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, peanut butter, and coconut milk; mix until smooth.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until coated in sauce; simmer briefly until heated through.
- Serve warm over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts or cilantro if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
