Chef Mitchell preparing Savory Thai Peanut Chicken
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Savory Thai Peanut Chicken recipe while traveling through Thailand. The unique combination of flavors captivated my taste buds, and I knew I had to replicate it at home. After several attempts, I perfected the recipe to create a dish that brings a taste of Thailand to my kitchen. It's a beloved meal in my family and among friends."

With over a decade of experience cooking Thai cuisine, I have developed a passion for creating authentic dishes that capture the essence of Thailand. My expertise in dinner recipes is complemented by my love for exploring and experimenting with flavors.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Savory Thai Peanut Chicken served on a plate

Why This Savory Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its rich, creamy peanut sauce that complements the tender chicken beautifully. The blend of soy sauce, honey, and lime adds a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. It's not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it suitable for any occasion.

The technique of cooking the chicken first and then adding the sauce ensures that the meat remains juicy and flavorful. The sauce thickens as it cooks, allowing it to cling perfectly to the chicken, creating a satisfying and delicious meal.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils. This enhances the authenticity of the dish and allows you to control the sweetness and texture of the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare Savory Thai Peanut Chicken ahead of time. Cook the chicken and sauce as instructed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving to maintain its flavors and textures.

If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. These alternatives will provide a different taste but still create a creamy sauce.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center. The sauce should be thickened and bubbly, fully coating the chicken pieces.

Yes, Savory Thai Peanut Chicken can be frozen. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Savory Thai Peanut Chicken pairs well with jasmine rice or rice noodles. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.

When stored properly in an airtight container, Savory Thai Peanut Chicken can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to reheat it thoroughly before consuming.

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and sauce in advance. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator, then cook them together when you're ready to serve. This can save you time during busy weeknights.

The best way to reheat Savory Thai Peanut Chicken is on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, which helps maintain the sauce's consistency. You can also use a microwave, but be sure to cover it to prevent drying out.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your Savory Thai Peanut Chicken turns out dry, it may be overcooked.

Solution: To prevent dryness in the future, monitor the cooking time closely and use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C).

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The chicken may not have a crispy exterior.

Solution: To achieve a crispy texture, you can sear the chicken pieces in a hot skillet before adding the sauce or broil them for a few minutes after cooking.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooking can lead to tough and rubbery chicken.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size and use a timer to avoid exceeding the cooking duration.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked in the center, it won't be safe to eat.

Recovery: Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces and check the internal temperature with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The chicken may burn while cooking, especially if the heat is too high.

Prevention: Use medium heat for cooking and adjust as needed. You can also add a splash of water to the pan if the sauce thickens too quickly.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of lime juice or soy sauce to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, adding a little sugar or additional coconut milk can help mellow the saltiness.

Bland: If the dish is bland, increase the seasoning with additional soy sauce or lime juice to enhance the flavors.

Fresh ingredients for Savory Thai Peanut Chicken

Essential Ingredients for Savory Thai Peanut Chicken

The key ingredients in this recipe include chicken, creamy peanut butter, and a blend of flavorful sauces. Each ingredient plays a critical role in building the dish's overall taste and texture.

Using high-quality ingredients, especially fresh chicken and natural peanut butter, enhances the flavors and makes a significant difference in the final result of your dish.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, making them a great option for this recipe.
  • Peanut Butter: Choose creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture in the sauce. Look for brands with minimal added ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds richness to the sauce, enhancing its creaminess. Light coconut milk can be used for a healthier version but may result in a thinner sauce.
Cooking process for Savory Thai Peanut Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process begins by preparing the chicken, ensuring it's cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. The peanut sauce is made separately, allowing flavors to meld beautifully before combining.

Cooking the chicken in the skillet first locks in moisture, while adding the sauce later creates a rich, flavorful coating that enhances every bite.

Key Technique for Perfect Savory Thai Peanut Chicken

The key technique is to cook the chicken before adding the sauce. This method ensures the chicken retains its moisture and allows the sauce to cling beautifully, creating a satisfying dish.

Savory Thai Peanut Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
    Creamy
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium recommended
  • 1/4 cup honey
    Natural sweetener
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
    For a nutty flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
    Grated
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
    Full-fat preferred

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
    For garnish
  • 1/4 cup cilantro
    Chopped
  • 2 green onions
    Sliced
  • Rice
    For serving
  • Lime wedges
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken

    Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.

  2. Make Peanut Sauce

    In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, coconut milk, and lime juice until smooth.

  3. Cook Chicken

    In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken pieces until they are browned and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes.

  4. Add Sauce

    Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until heated through.

  5. Prepare Rice

    While the chicken is cooking, prepare rice according to package instructions.

  6. Garnish

    Stir in chopped peanuts, cilantro, and green onions into the chicken and sauce mixture.

  7. Serve

    Serve the Savory Thai Peanut Chicken over rice and garnish with lime wedges.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best quality, reheat only the portion you plan to eat at that time.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served hot over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice. You can also pair it with steamed broccoli or a light salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and nutrition.