Description
This easy Peanut Chicken Recipe delivers bold Thai flavor in just 30 minutes! Juicy chicken bites are tossed in a creamy peanut sauce loaded with garlic, ginger, lime, and a touch of heat. It’s the perfect weeknight meal—simple, satisfying, and way better than takeout. Serve it over rice, noodles, or lettuce wraps and watch it disappear!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Thai Peanut Sauce:
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1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (natural preferred)
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2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/3 cup water, plus more to thin if needed
For Serving:
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Steamed rice, rice noodles, or lettuce wraps
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Chopped peanuts
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Fresh cilantro or green onions
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Lime wedges
Instructions
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Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Make the peanut sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, chili sauce, ginger, garlic, and water until smooth.
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Simmer the sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thickened slightly.
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Combine and finish: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce and simmer for another 2–3 minutes.
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Serve: Plate over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with peanuts, herbs, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
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Thin the sauce with extra water or coconut milk if it gets too thick.
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For extra depth, marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic for 15 minutes before cooking.
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Use natural peanut butter for best texture and balanced sweetness.
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Want a veggie boost? Stir in sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots.
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Tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas work great as substitutes for chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
Keywords: Cooking Recipes Chicken