Peanut Chicken Recipe: If you’ve never tried peanut chicken before, get ready for a flavor bomb. This dish is packed with creamy, nutty goodness, balanced with a bit of sweetness, a kick of spice, and tender juicy chicken. It’s a fantastic meal to whip up when you’re craving takeout but want something homemade, simple, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a hungry crowd, this peanut chicken will definitely hit the spot.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know—from ingredients to step-by-step instructions—to create the ultimate peanut chicken right in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Chicken Dish
There are a million chicken recipes out there, but peanut chicken is something special. Why? It’s incredibly flavorful, super easy to make, and it feels indulgent while still being wholesome. Here’s why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation:
- It’s quick and easy – Perfect for weeknights.
- Bursting with flavor – Sweet, salty, spicy, and savory.
- Customizable – Add veggies, make it spicy, serve it with rice or noodles.
- Family-friendly – Kids and adults both love the creamy, nutty flavor.
- Great leftovers – Tastes even better the next day.
Plus, if you’re a fan of Thai or Asian-inspired food, this recipe brings that restaurant-style flavor home without a complicated ingredient list.
What Is Peanut Chicken?
Peanut chicken is a flavorful dish that blends tender pieces of chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. It’s commonly inspired by Southeast Asian flavors—particularly Thai cuisine—where peanut sauces are a staple in many dishes like satay, noodles, and curries.
The dish typically includes sautéed chicken breasts or thighs, simmered in a peanut butter-based sauce that may include garlic, ginger, soy sauce, chili flakes, lime juice, and coconut milk. Some versions are spicy, while others lean toward sweet and savory.
You can serve it over steamed jasmine rice, toss it with noodles, or even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a lighter version.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The key to peanut chicken is balance. The sauce should be:
- Creamy – From peanut butter and possibly coconut milk.
- Savory – Thanks to soy sauce and garlic.
- Sweet – A touch of honey or brown sugar adds depth.
- Spicy – Optional, but chili flakes or sriracha can elevate it.
- Tangy – Lime juice or vinegar adds brightness.
When all these elements come together, it creates an unforgettable dish that’s both comforting and exciting with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, here’s everything you need to make this peanut chicken magic happen.
Main Ingredients
- Chicken – 1.5 to 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
- Oil – 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
- Salt & pepper – To season the chicken
For the Peanut Sauce
- Peanut butter – ½ cup (smooth or chunky based on preference)
- Soy sauce – ¼ cup (low sodium is best)
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger – 1 tablespoon freshly grated
- Lime juice – 2 tablespoons
- Brown sugar – 1 to 2 tablespoons
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon (optional)
- Chili flakes or sriracha – To taste
- Water or coconut milk – ½ to ¾ cup (to thin out the sauce)
Optional Garnishes
- Crushed peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Sliced green onions
- Lime wedges
- Sesame seeds
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy—just a few basic kitchen tools:
- Cutting board & knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Non-stick skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk (for the sauce)
Prepping Before You Cook
Prepping ahead will make cooking a breeze:
- Cut the chicken into even-sized cubes so they cook evenly.
- Mince your garlic and grate your ginger.
- Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Measure everything ahead of time. It keeps you stress-free while cooking.
Think of prep as setting the stage—once you’ve got everything lined up, the actual cooking takes just 15–20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get to the fun part: making the actual dish! Follow these steps for a smooth and delicious cooking experience.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook quickly and evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Heat your pan over medium-high heat, add a tablespoon of oil, and once it’s hot, toss in the chicken. Cook it until it’s browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly cooked—it will simmer more in the sauce later.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Peanut butter
- Soy sauce
- Lime juice
- Brown sugar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Chili flakes or sriracha
- Rice vinegar (if using)
- Water or coconut milk (to reach your desired consistency)
The result should be a thick, creamy sauce. Adjust with more water or coconut milk if it’s too thick.
Taste and tweak. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Need more kick? More sriracha. Customize it to your liking.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Return the chicken to the skillet over medium heat. If there’s leftover oil in the pan, that’s perfect—it’ll help flavor the sauce.
Pour in your peanut sauce and gently stir to coat every piece of chicken.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Let everything simmer together. This is where the magic happens.
As the sauce heats, it thickens and clings to the chicken, infusing it with all those rich, nutty, umami-packed flavors.
Step 5: Simmer Until Thick & Creamy
Let the dish simmer for about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the sauce is glossy, thick, and the chicken is fully cooked, it’s ready.
Taste one last time and adjust any flavors as needed.
Tips to Make Your Peanut Chicken Extra Delicious
If you really want to elevate your peanut chicken and make it restaurant-worthy, there are a few easy tips that make a big difference in flavor and texture:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you want more juicy and tender meat. They’re more forgiving and flavorful.
- Marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice for 15–30 minutes before cooking for extra depth of flavor.
- Toast your peanuts before adding as a garnish. It brings out their natural oils and enhances the nutty aroma.
- Don’t skimp on fresh herbs. Fresh cilantro, green onions, or Thai basil sprinkled on top give the dish a burst of freshness.
- Add veggies! Bell peppers, snow peas, broccoli, or carrots go beautifully in this dish. Just stir-fry them before adding the sauce.
Remember, peanut chicken is versatile. Treat it as a blank canvas—don’t be afraid to adjust it based on your tastes or what’s in your fridge.
Serving Suggestions
So now you’ve got this rich, creamy, flavorful peanut chicken ready to go. The next question is: how should you serve it? The answer depends on your vibe for the meal—comforting, light, or extra indulgent. Here are a few ways to plate it up:
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice – a classic, no-fail choice.
- Pair with coconut rice – for a sweeter, tropical touch.
- Ladle it over rice noodles – for a Thai-inspired twist.
- Make a peanut chicken bowl – add cucumbers, shredded carrots, and pickled onions.
- Wrap it in lettuce leaves – for a low-carb option.
- Toss it with stir-fried veggies – for a balanced, nutrient-rich meal.
No matter how you serve it, be sure to spoon lots of sauce over the top. That’s the good stuff.
Variations You Can Try
One of the best things about peanut chicken is how flexible the recipe is. Whether you want to spice it up, lighten it, or grill it—there’s a variation for you.
Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken
Want some heat? Go for a spicy Thai-inspired version:
- Add more sriracha or red curry paste to the sauce.
- Toss in chili garlic sauce for depth and spice.
- Top with chopped Thai chilis if you’re feeling brave.
This version is fire—in the best way possible.
Peanut Chicken with Coconut Milk
Want it creamier and milder?
- Use ½ cup of full-fat coconut milk instead of water to thin the sauce.
- It gives the dish a rich, velvety texture with a hint of tropical sweetness.
- Add a splash of fish sauce for more umami.
This version tastes like something you’d get at a high-end Thai restaurant.
Grilled Peanut Chicken
Feeling like firing up the grill?
- Marinate chicken chunks in the peanut sauce for a few hours.
- Skewer them and grill over medium heat.
- Baste with sauce as you go for a glossy finish.
- Serve with rice or in flatbread with slaw.
This makes a fantastic summer BBQ meal.
What to Serve with Peanut Chicken
Peanut chicken is rich and flavorful, so choosing the right side dishes helps balance the meal. Here are some options:
With Rice
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice – Soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Coconut rice – Adds a mild sweetness.
- Brown rice or quinoa – For a healthier option.
With Noodles
- Rice noodles – Light and slurp-worthy.
- Udon or soba – Hearty and chewy.
- Zoodles (zucchini noodles) – Great for a low-carb plate.
With Vegetables
- Stir-fried veggies – Broccoli, bell peppers, snow peas.
- Steamed bok choy – Mild and tender.
- Cucumber salad – Crisp and cooling.
- Pickled carrots or radishes – Add a tangy crunch.
Adding greens to your plate not only balances the richness but makes the dish look more vibrant and appetizing.
Storing and Reheating Peanut Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you. This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave it in short bursts (1-minute intervals), stirring between to heat evenly.
Avoid overheating or the sauce might split. Stir frequently for best results.
Is Peanut Chicken Healthy?
That depends on how you make it—but generally, yes, it can be quite balanced:
- Protein-rich – Thanks to lean chicken.
- Good fats – From peanut butter and nuts.
- Low-carb or gluten-free friendly – Depending on sides and soy sauce alternatives.
- Customizable – You control the sugar, sodium, and spice.
To keep it healthier:
- Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar.
- Swap soy sauce for low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos.
- Load up on veggies to increase fiber and nutrients.
So yes, peanut chicken can totally fit into a balanced diet—especially when made at home.
FAQs about Peanut Chicken Recipe
1. Can I make peanut chicken vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken with tofu or tempeh. Just make sure to press the tofu and pan-fry it for a crispy edge before adding the sauce.
2. Is peanut chicken gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always double-check your ingredients to avoid hidden gluten.
3. Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes! It adds texture and extra crunch. Just make sure it’s not too thick—thin it with a little extra liquid if needed.
4. How spicy is peanut chicken?
That depends on your chili or sriracha levels. Start mild and build up to your heat tolerance. It’s super easy to adjust.
5. Can I meal prep this recipe?
Definitely. Peanut chicken stores well in the fridge and reheats beautifully. Portion it with rice and veggies for easy lunches all week.
Conclusion
Peanut chicken is the kind of dish that’s way easier to make than it seems—and once you taste it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. Whether you’re in the mood for something cozy and comforting, or you’re trying to impress guests with something exotic and delicious, this recipe delivers.
With tender chicken, a sauce that’s both savory and sweet, and endless serving options, this peanut chicken recipe might just become your new go-to dinner. Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your household.
So grab those ingredients, fire up your stove, and treat yourself to a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and oh-so-satisfying.
