Simple Thai Peanut Chicken

There’s something magical about the moment when a meal is both comforting and exciting—a dish that warms your soul while offering a little adventure for your taste buds. Simple Thai Peanut Chicken is one of those dishes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering with friends, or even a meal prep plan for the week ahead, this recipe brings a taste of Thailand straight into your kitchen without the fuss of complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Inspired by the vibrant street food markets of Bangkok, this dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce, fragrant with garlic, ginger, and a touch of lime. The balance of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors creates a perfect harmony that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s a reminder that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can deliver incredible flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 medium carrot, julienned

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

• Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and coconut milk until smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, and sliced bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp. Add the carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the prepared peanut sauce over the top. Stir to coat everything evenly and cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

5. Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately over a bed of jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

6. Optional adjustments: For extra heat, add a dash more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha to the sauce. For a creamier texture, stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of coconut milk.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Yield: 4 servings

Notes

• Vegetable variations: Feel free to swap the bell peppers and carrots with broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini depending on what’s in season or your personal preference.

• Protein alternatives: This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even beef strips if you want a different protein option.

• Make-ahead tip: Prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over medium heat to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Thai Peanut Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The creamy peanut sauce is both indulgent and comforting, while the fresh vegetables add a vibrant crunch and color to the dish. The balance of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors keeps your taste buds engaged with every bite.

Unlike restaurant versions, which can often be heavy or oily, this recipe is light, fresh, and customizable. You can easily adjust the spice level, swap vegetables, or even make it vegan by using tofu and plant-based alternatives for the sauce. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special on the table.

Tips for the Perfect Thai Peanut Chicken

1. Choose the right peanut butter: Smooth, unsweetened peanut butter works best for this recipe. It melts easily into the sauce and allows you to control the sweetness.

2. Don’t overcook the chicken: Bite-sized chicken pieces cook quickly. Overcooking can make the meat dry, so aim for golden brown edges while keeping the interior juicy.

3. Fresh ingredients make a difference: Fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice elevate the flavor, making the dish taste vibrant and authentic.

4. Customize the veggies: Add whatever vegetables you love. Bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, snap peas, and zucchini are all excellent choices. Roast or stir-fry them lightly to maintain a crisp texture.

5. Sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it up. Too thin? Let it simmer a few extra minutes to thicken naturally.

Pairing Suggestions

Simple Thai Peanut Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

• Rice: Jasmine rice or brown rice absorbs the creamy sauce perfectly.

• Noodles: Serve over rice noodles or egg noodles for a comforting, carb-forward meal.

• Salads: A fresh cucumber salad with a light lime dressing balances the richness of the peanut sauce.

• Pickled vegetables: Quick-pickled carrots or radishes add tang and crunch, enhancing the overall flavor experience.

Health Benefits

Despite its indulgent flavor, this dish packs a nutritional punch. Chicken provides lean protein, while the vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Peanut butter adds healthy fats, which promote satiety and sustained energy. Using coconut milk in moderation provides a subtle creaminess without the heaviness of dairy cream. Overall, this dish is a wholesome option for those seeking flavorful, balanced meals.

A Cultural Note

Thai cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, often balancing sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements in every dish. Peanut sauces are a staple in Thai cooking, commonly paired with grilled meats or satays. This recipe draws inspiration from those traditional flavors while keeping it accessible for home cooks. By combining simple ingredients with authentic seasoning, you can enjoy a taste of Thailand without leaving your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of this Simple Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is how easy it is to adapt to different dietary needs. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Both options absorb the flavors of the peanut sauce beautifully and still provide an excellent source of plant-based protein. If you are aiming for a fully vegan dish, skip any ingredients that contain animal products and use tamari or a certified vegan soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Also, choose plant-based peanut butter without added dairy. The result will be just as rich, flavorful, and appealing. You may also increase the amount of vegetables to bulk up the meal, incorporating broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for added color and texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers of this dish store very well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. When reheating, you can warm the dish gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, or in the microwave in short intervals. Because peanut sauces can thicken as they cool, you may need to add a small splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir occasionally while heating to ensure an even texture and prevent any sticking on the bottom of the pan.

Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, and that flexibility is one of the reasons this dish is so popular with families and guests who have varying heat tolerances. To create a mild version, simply reduce or completely omit the crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce. You can still enjoy the savory and slightly sweet flavors without added heat. If you enjoy more spice, increase the amount of crushed red pepper or add thinly sliced fresh chiles directly into the stir-fry. Another option is serving chili sauce on the side, allowing everyone to customize their own dish. This way, even those who prefer mild flavors can enjoy their meal comfortably.

What can I serve with this dish?
This Thai-inspired recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Jasmine rice is a classic choice because it absorbs the creamy peanut sauce so well. Brown rice or wild rice blends work as nutritious alternatives. For a noodle-based meal, serve the chicken over rice noodles or egg noodles. To add freshness, pair the dish with a crisp cucumber or cabbage salad dressed with lime and a pinch of salt. Lightly pickled vegetables such as carrots or radishes also offer a bright, crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Simple Thai Peanut Chicken is the ultimate example of a quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal. Its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables come together in perfect harmony, making it suitable for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing friends without spending hours in the kitchen. The flexibility of this recipe allows you to adjust flavors, proteins, and vegetables to suit your preferences, ensuring it becomes a staple in your weekly rotation.

Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner, a vibrant dish to share at gatherings, or a healthy yet indulgent meal prep option, this Thai-inspired chicken recipe checks all the boxes. Try it today and experience the balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors that make Thai cuisine truly unforgettable.

Simple Thai Peanut Chicken

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• Author: Michelle Davis
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Simple Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and quick weeknight dinner that brings creamy, savory, and slightly spicy peanut sauce together with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for serving over rice or noodles for a wholesome and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 medium carrot, julienned

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 2 green onions, sliced

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

• Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

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Instructions

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, and coconut milk until smooth. Set aside.

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

• In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the carrots and cook 2 more minutes.

• Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the peanut sauce. Stir well to coat all ingredients. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

• Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve over jasmine rice or noodles.

Notes

• Swap the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Add more coconut milk for a creamier sauce or water to thin if needed.

• Adjust spice by increasing or reducing crushed red pepper flakes.

• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently with a splash of liquid.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes

Michelle Davis