Description
Irresistible Thai Peanut Chicken – Juicy chicken in creamy peanut sauce. Quick, spicy, and crowd-pleasing. Perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) vegetable oil, divided
- ½ cup (120g) creamy natural peanut butter (unsweetened works best)
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) lime juice (from about 1 medium lime)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 tablespoon (15g) grated fresh ginger
- 1–2 teaspoons red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
- ¼ cup (25g) chopped roasted peanuts, for garnish
- ⅓ cup (15g) fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ChickenPat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season generously with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and sear for 2 minutes per side until golden but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Step 2: Create the Sauce BaseIn the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Reduce heat to medium and add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Add red pepper flakes and cook for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices and release their flavors into the oil.
- Step 3: Build the Peanut SauceWhisk in peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, and lime juice until combined. The mixture will be quite thick initially. Gradually add chicken broth while whisking continuously to create a smooth, pourable sauce. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Step 4: Combine and FinishReturn the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, gently folding to coat each piece in the Irresistible Thai Peanut Chicken sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce has reached your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more lime juice for tanginess or honey for sweetness if needed.
- Step 5: Serve and GarnishTransfer your Irresistible Thai Peanut Chicken to a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions. The contrast of the warm, creamy sauce with fresh herbs and crunchy nuts creates the perfect final touch. Serve immediately over jasmine rice or with your preferred accompaniments.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg