If you love bold flavors and crave something both satisfying and vibrant, this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. Imagine tender chunks of juicy chicken tossed in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that delivers the perfect punch of heat and tang, all balanced by the fresh crunch of colorful veggies. It’s a symphony of flavors that comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner packed with personality. Trust me, once you try this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe, you’ll be hooked on its wonderful blend of spice, sweetness, and that irresistible nutty goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward an unforgettable dish, and this recipe shines because of how simple yet purposeful every component is. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding texture, aroma, or balancing flavors beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 lb): Perfect for juicy, tender bites that soak up the sauce wonderfully.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Ideal for a high-heat sear that locks in flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to brighten the plate.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): Brings a subtle earthiness and refreshing texture that complements the richness.
- Chopped green onions (1/2 cup): Fresh burst of mild onion flavor for garnish and mixing in.
- Chopped roasted peanuts (1/4 cup plus extra): Essential for that addictive crunch and deep nutty taste in and on top of the dish.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (2 tablespoons, optional): Adds a bright herbal note that lifts the whole recipe.
- Cooked jasmine rice (for serving): Fluffy and fragrant, it’s the perfect base to soak up every bit of the spicy peanut sauce.
For the spicy Thai peanut sauce:
- Creamy peanut butter (1/3 cup): The rich, creamy backbone of our sauce that also brings a touch of sweetness.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds savory depth and umami hit, essential for authentic flavor.
- Fish sauce (1 tablespoon): Boosts the salty complexity and is a staple in traditional Thai cooking.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Balances richness with tangy brightness.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Sweetens and rounds out the spices for harmony in every bite.
- Fresh lime juice (1 tablespoon): Injects citrusy freshness that wakes up your taste buds.
- Sriracha (1–2 teaspoons, adjust to taste): Delivers the heat with its spicy kick; add more if you like it fiery!
- Grated fresh ginger (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a zesty warm spice note.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Gives that intoxicating aromatic base.
- Warm water (1/3 cup): Thins the sauce to a deliciously pourable consistency.
How to Make Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
Start by whisking together all the peanut sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. If the sauce feels too thick, simply add more warm water little by little until it reaches a silky, pourable texture that will coat the chicken perfectly. This sauce sets the stage for the entire dish, so getting it just right is key to that amazing Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are beautifully browned on the outside and cooked through. Removing the chicken now ensures it stays juicy and doesn’t overcook when combined with the rest of the ingredients later.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté these colorful veggies for 3 to 4 minutes until they slightly soften but still retain some crunch. This step adds a lovely fresh texture and subtle sweetness that contrasts deliciously with the spicy peanut sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the prepared peanut sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat the chicken and veggies evenly. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to heat through, creating that irresistible harmony everyone loves about the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Toppings
Stir in the chopped green onions and roasted peanuts for added crunch and brightness. These final touches elevate the dish, offering complexity and that signature nutty character that makes this meal so memorable.
How to Serve Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for a final vibrant pop of flavor and texture. These garnishes add freshness and a bit of aromatic lift, turning a simple meal into a feast for the senses.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, which soaks up every luscious drop of the spicy peanut sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli for an extra veggie boost and cooling contrast to the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe in crisp lettuce cups or over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles to keep it light and gluten-free. You can even turn it into a flavorful wrap using rice paper for a hand-held delight that’s perfect for a casual lunch or packed dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe keep remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious – if not more so – the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal on hand for longer, freeze the chicken and sauce mixture separately from the rice in freezer-safe containers. Stored properly, they will last for up to two months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will rejuvenate the creamy texture and bring back that fresh, vibrant taste that makes the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work well in this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking, but breasts are leaner and will still absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with one teaspoon for a mild kick and adjust upward to suit your taste buds. The peanut butter and brown sugar help mellow the spice, keeping it balanced.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be easily made gluten-free by swapping regular soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, keeping it safe and tasty for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Just pan-fry the tofu until golden before adding the sauce and veggies. The flavors will still be as fantastic and satisfying.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fish sauce?
If you don’t have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce alone or add a little extra lime juice and a pinch of salt to mimic the briny umami flavor that fish sauce contributes.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion without any fuss. With its stunning combination of spicy, tangy, and nutty flavors, plus a quick and easy cooking process, it’s destined to be a favorite in your kitchen. Dive in, enjoy the vibrant tastes, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!
Print
Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces cooked with fresh vegetables and coated in a rich, spicy Thai peanut sauce. Perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and spicy notes, this dish is served over fragrant jasmine rice, making it an ideal easy weeknight meal that brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- Cooked jasmine rice for serving
Spicy Thai Peanut Sauce
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup warm water (to thin the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, lime juice, sriracha, grated ginger, minced garlic, and warm water until smooth. Add more water as needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but retain some crunch.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared peanut sauce and toss everything together to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and the sauce is well incorporated.
- Add Final Touches: Stir in the chopped green onions and roasted peanuts for added texture and flavor. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Serve the spicy Thai peanut chicken over cooked jasmine rice. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and additional peanuts if desired for extra freshness and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce instead of soy sauce.
