Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but they tend to be leaner and may dry out faster. To keep them juicy, avoid overcooking and consider marinating for the full 8 hours.

Is this recipe very spicy?

No, the spice level is mild, thanks to the red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and increase it gradually to your taste.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also marinate the chicken overnight for more flavor.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

If you have a peanut allergy or prefer a different taste, almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Thai Peanut Chicken

Name: Thai Peanut Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: ½ cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce; 1 ½ tablespoons dark brown sugar; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (about 3 large cloves); ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks; Cooked white or brown rice; 1 cup reserved peanut sauce; Lime wedges; Chopped peanuts; Chopped green onions; Chopped cilantro

Description

This Thai Peanut Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with hints of lime, garlic, and ginger. Perfect for an easy, beginner-friendly meal, this dish can be grilled, broiled, or baked for a deliciously satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Peanut Sauce:

½ cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce or fish sauce
1 ½ tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic (about 3 large cloves)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks

For Serving (Optional):

Cooked white or brown rice
1 cup reserved peanut sauce
Lime wedges
Chopped peanuts
Chopped green onions
Chopped cilantro

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Transfer one cup of the sauce to a small bowl, cover, and refrigerate for serving later.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or baking dish. Pour the remaining peanut sauce over the chicken and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, up to eight hours for maximum flavor.
Preheat for Cooking: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat (375-450°F) and lightly grease the grates. If broiling, set the oven to high broil and line a baking sheet with foil. If using skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto them for easy grilling or broiling.
Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken skewers directly on the grill grates, or arrange the chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet for broiling. Grill for about six minutes per side, or broil for six minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 160°F.
Rest and Serve: Let the cooked chicken rest for five minutes before serving. Serve over rice or noodles with a drizzle of the reserved peanut sauce. Garnish with lime wedges, chopped peanuts, green onions, and cilantro for extra flavor.

Notes

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
If the peanut sauce thickens too much in the fridge, whisk in a small amount of warm water before serving.
To store, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Broiling
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 576
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 772mg
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0.04g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 54g
Cholesterol: 215mg