Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 inch piece ginger root, minced; 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons tomato sauce or ketchup; 3 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter; 1 tablespoon chili powder (or homemade chili powder); 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar (optional; omit for paleo); 14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk; 1 teaspoon salt; Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish; Chopped roasted peanuts for garnish

If you’re craving a vibrant, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that brings together the best of Southeast Asian flavors, this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is an absolute must-try. It beautifully marries tender chicken with a luscious peanut sauce infused with ginger, garlic, and a hint of sweetness from the chili and coconut milk, creating layers of taste that make every bite a little celebration. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it’s going to quickly become one of your favorite go-to dinners when you want a comforting yet exotic meal at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a white cutting board on a white marbled surface with chopped white onion pieces arranged in the center, minced garlic placed in two small piles on the left side, and a piece of fresh ginger root next to them. The second image shows a close-up of a metal pot with chopped white onions and minced garlic cooking together, the onions appearing translucent and soft. The third image shows the same metal pot with added pieces of raw chicken scattered over the onions and garlic, the chicken pieces light pink and filling most of the pot's surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe uses simple, straightforward ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen or can easily find. Each one plays a vital role in building the iconic rich, tangy, and nutty profile the dish is known for, while giving it the perfect balance of color, texture, and zest.

Cooking oil: A neutral oil like vegetable or canola helps sauté and soften the aromatics without overpowering the flavors.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a soft texture base when sautéed.
Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with a pungent and aromatic punch essential to Thai cooking.
Ginger root: Brings warmth and a subtle spicy zest to the sauce.
Chicken breast: The star protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Sweet chili sauce: Contributes both heat and sweetness, elevating the spicy notes effortlessly.
Tomato sauce or ketchup: Adds acidity and a slight tang for depth in the sauce.
Crunchy peanut butter: Creates the signature creamy, nutty texture while adding richness.
Chili powder: Adjust the amount for your preferred spice level and bold flavor kick.
Dark brown sugar: Optional, for balancing the heat with a touch of molasses sweetness.
Unsweetened coconut milk: Lends a velvety, tropical creaminess that softens and rounds out the sauce.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.
Chopped roasted peanuts: Sprinkle on top for extra crunch and peanut flavor contrast.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics with Love

Start by heating the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it releases the natural sweetness and forms a flavorful base. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for an additional 2 minutes to infuse the oil with their inviting scents.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet, allowing them to brown lightly as you cook for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to get just enough color on the outside while still juicy inside because they will continue cooking in the sauce later. This also builds layers of savory goodness that you can taste in every bite.

Step 3: Build the Peanut Sauce

To the cooked chicken, stir in the sweet chili sauce, tomato sauce or ketchup, chili powder, crunchy peanut butter, and brown sugar if you’re using it. Combining these now gives you a beautifully complex sauce that balances spicy, sweet, and nutty flavors in perfect harmony. Stir everything thoroughly so that the peanut butter begins to melt and coat each chicken piece.

Step 4: Simmer with Coconut Milk

Pour in the unsweetened coconut milk and sprinkle the salt over the mixture. Bring it all to a boil before reducing the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes. This slow cooking melts the flavors together and tenderizes the chicken further, resulting in a creamy, dreamy sauce that wraps every morsel.

Step 5: Adjust the Sauce Thickness

If you find the sauce a little too thin for your taste, simply dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, stir it into the simmering sauce, and cook for another minute until it thickens beautifully. Don’t forget to taste and add extra salt if needed to balance everything perfectly.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side close-up views of a pot with food inside on a white marbled surface. The left side shows a creamy mix with white and light brown swirls being stirred by a dark wooden spoon, the texture is thick and smooth with some lumps visible. The right side shows the same pot filled with a thick brown sauce with small chunks of light-colored meat spread evenly throughout, the sauce looks rich and creamy. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts on top just before serving. These garnishes add a vibrant color contrast and a fresh, crunchy texture that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. Plus, the herbal brightness of cilantro brightens the rich flavors.

Side Dishes

Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice is the classic pairing here because it soaks up the luscious sauce and provides a fragrant, fluffy base. For a lighter option, serve it alongside stir-fried or steamed vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or bok choy. A crisp vegetable side adds a refreshing balance to the creamy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or rice noodles, garnished with extra crushed peanuts and a wedge of lime on the side. This adds a fun, fresh element and makes the dish wow-worthy at your next dinner party or family meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making your next meal just as delicious, if not more.

Freezing

If you want to save it longer, freeze the cooled chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm everything evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. It’s just like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, peanut butter powder can be a great alternative if you want to reduce fat or calories, but you’ll need to rehydrate it with a little water before adding. The flavor will still be wonderfully nutty but slightly lighter in texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe has a gentle kick from the sweet chili sauce and chili powder, but it’s easily adjustable. If you love heat, add extra chili powder or fresh sliced chilies. For milder tastes, reduce the amount or omit the chili powder entirely.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your protein is perfectly cooked without losing its tenderness.

What can I use if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, mix a bit of honey or brown sugar with some chili flakes and a splash of rice vinegar for a quick homemade substitute that brings the same sweet-spicy balance.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the dish as written is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tomato ketchup or sauce and ensure your chili powder and peanut butter contain no gluten additives. Always check ingredient labels to be certain.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make this Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe, I’m reminded how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something utterly crave-worthy and comforting. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty, with a creamy texture that makes you want seconds—and maybe thirds. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this delicious and easy-to-make dish that captures the heart of Thai flavors right in your own kitchen.

Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need