Thai Peanut Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Chicken

If you’re in the mood for a dish that bursts with flavor, then Thai Peanut Chicken should be on your menu tonight. This recipe highlights the creamy richness of the peanut sauce, which wraps around tender chicken pieces beautifully. It’s a delight for those who enjoy a mix of sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. What’s even better? It’s super quick to whip up, making it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners when time is tight. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—your family and friends will rave about it, guaranteed! So gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

What is Thai Peanut Chicken

Thai Peanut Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that features succulent chunks of chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce. This iconic meal melds sweet, savory, and spicy profiles, creating a well-rounded flavor bomb that’s hard to resist. Originating from Thailand, it combines fresh ingredients and aromatic spices to bring a taste of Southeast Asia right to your dinner plate. Perfect for those cozy nights or lively gatherings, this dish embodies comfort and celebration in every bite.

Ingredients for Thai Peanut Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish:

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger root, minced
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce or ketchup
• 3 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (or homemade chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar (optional; paleo: omit)
• 14 ounce unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Chopped roasted peanuts for garnish

Cooking Instructions for Thai Peanut Chicken

Heat the Skillet

Begin by heating the cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and let it cook until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.

Add Aromatics

Next, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Allow these aromatic ingredients to cook together for another 2 minutes until they fill your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Cook the Chicken

Now, it’s time to add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Sauté the chicken for about 3-4 minutes. You want to allow it to brown nicely while ensuring it gets cooked through.

Combine Sauces and Spices

Once the chicken is cooked, it’s all about bringing in the flavors. Add the sweet chili sauce, tomato sauce or ketchup, chili powder, crunchy peanut butter, and dark brown sugar. As you do this, stir well to marry all these wonderful ingredients together.

Bring to a Boil

Pour in the unsweetened coconut milk and sprinkle in the salt, stirring to mix everything thoroughly. Bring this delicious concoction to a boil, watching closely as those aromas come alive.

Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep things from sticking. During this time, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Thicken the Sauce (if necessary)

After simmering, check the sauce. If it’s thinner than you prefer, don’t worry! Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, then stir this mixture into your sauce. Let it simmer for an additional minute to thicken nicely.

Serve and Garnish

Before serving, adjust the salt to your taste. Ladle the Thai Peanut Chicken over steamed rice, and don’t forget to top it off with freshly chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts for a nice crunch.

Serving Suggestions

For a balanced meal, pair your Thai Peanut Chicken with:
– Jasmine rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a fun, healthy twist.
– Sautéed vegetables to add vibrancy and color to your plate.

Tips for Success

To really make this dish shine, keep these tips in mind:
– Fresh ingredients matter! Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor.
– Adjust the chili powder based on your spice tolerance to ensure you enjoy every bite.

Variations

Feel free to mix it up according to your taste:
– Swap out the chicken for tofu or a variety of vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
– Add colorful bell peppers or snap peas for a delightful crunch.

Storage Tips

Have leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:
– Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
– When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a skillet or microwave for an easy meal.

Pairing Ideas

To complete your meal, consider these pairings:
– A refreshing cucumber salad or a light Thai-style coleslaw adds a nice crunch.
– Sip on a cold, fruity beverage like iced tea or coconut water for a perfect balance.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice and will add more flavor and juiciness to the dish.

2. Is it possible to make this dish spicy?
Yes, for more heat, just increase the chili powder or toss in some fresh chili peppers.

3. Can I prepare Thai Peanut Chicken in advance?
Definitely! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

4. Is Thai Peanut Chicken gluten-free?
It can be! Just be sure to check your sauces, as some may contain gluten. Using gluten-free versions will help you enjoy this dish without worry.

5. What can I substitute for coconut milk?
You can use heavy cream or almond milk, but keep in mind it may change the flavor and consistency of the sauce.

Cooking Thai Peanut Chicken is not just about satisfying your hunger; it’s about inviting home a piece of Thailand’s culinary delight. With its beautiful blend of flavors, this dish is sure to impress your dinner guests or family members. So, whether you whip it up for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal, it promises to be a memorable experience. Enjoy every savory bite!

More Easy Soups & Stews Recipes:

• Easy Moroccan Lamb Stew

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Thai Peanut Chicken

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Thai Peanut Chicken is a delectable dish featuring succulent chicken, enveloped in a creamy peanut sauce. It’s quick to prepare and guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger root, minced
• 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato sauce or ketchup
• 3 tablespoons crunchy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (or homemade chili powder)
• 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar (optional; paleo: omit)
• 14 ounce unsweetened coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
• Chopped roasted peanuts for garnish

Instructions

• Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 2 minutes.
• Add chicken pieces and sauté until cooked through (3-4 minutes).
• Stir in sweet chili sauce, tomato sauce, chili powder, peanut butter, and dark brown sugar.
• Pour in coconut milk and add salt; bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• If needed, thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture and simmer for 1 additional minute.
• Adjust salt to taste, serve over rice, and garnish with cilantro and peanuts.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and ginger for enhanced flavor.
Adjust chili powder based on spice preference for a comfortable heat.
This dish pairs well with Jasmine rice or sautéed vegetables.

• Author: Martha
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5
• Sodium: 600
• Fat: 27
• Saturated Fat: 10
• Unsaturated Fat: 15
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 22
• Fiber: 3
• Protein: 27
• Cholesterol: 70