Name: Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 4 cups water; 2 cups uncooked white rice; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter; 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves – cut into thin strips; 3 tablespoons chopped garlic; 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh ginger root; 2 ½ cups broccoli florets; ¾ cup chopped green onions; ⅓ cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s creamy, savory, just a little bit spicy, and downright irresistible, Thai Peanut Chicken will absolutely hit the spot. This dish wraps tender chicken and vibrant veggies in a luscious peanut sauce, offering a playful balance of flavors and textures in every single bite. Whether you need a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a showstopping meal for friends, this one promises bold taste and comfort, all on one plate!

Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this Thai Peanut Chicken is how each ingredient shines. Every component, from the creamy peanut butter to the zippy ginger, builds layers of flavor, bringing out notes that are sweet, salty, nutty, and warmly spiced. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it’s worth using each and every one!

Water: The simple backbone for perfectly fluffy rice that soaks up every drop of flavor from the sauce.
Uncooked white rice: A neutral, comforting base for the chicken and sauce to really shine.
Soy sauce: Adds deep umami richness and a savory saltiness to the peanut sauce.
Creamy peanut butter: The signature ingredient that brings that unmistakable nutty, silky-smooth flavor.
White wine vinegar: Brightens and balances the richness, keeping the sauce lively on your palate.
Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch brings a bit of heat—add more if you like things spicier!
Olive oil: A healthy fat that helps brown the chicken beautifully and carries the flavors throughout the dish.
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves: Tender strips cook quickly and soak up the sauce perfectly; thighs also work well for juicier results.
Chopped garlic: Adds a savory depth and an irresistible aroma.
Fresh ginger root: Gives the dish zing and an authentic Thai dimension.
Broccoli florets: Bring vibrant color, satisfying crunch, and a healthy dose of veggies.
Chopped green onions: Fresh, crisp, and slightly sweet, they brighten each bite.
Unsalted dry-roasted peanuts: The perfect finishing crunch, echoing the peanut flavor in every bite.

How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Start by combining water and uncooked white rice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let it simmer until the rice is fluffy and the liquid is absorbed—about 20 minutes. This gives you time to prep everything else and ensures a warm, steamy base for your Thai Peanut Chicken.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Thai Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, creamy peanut butter, white wine vinegar, and cayenne pepper until silky smooth. If you like your sauce extra spicy, feel free to add a little more cayenne! Set the bowl aside—this magic mixture will tie the whole dish together later on.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken and Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the chicken strips, chopped garlic, and ginger all at once. Stir-fry enthusiastically for about five minutes, or until the chicken is lightly golden and fragrant. This process locks in flavor and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas!

Step 4: Add Veggies & Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Toss in the broccoli florets, green onions, and dry-roasted peanuts, then pour in the prepared peanut sauce. Stir frequently, encouraging the sauce to coat everything evenly, and cook for another five minutes—just until the broccoli is bright green and tender, and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Spoon your gorgeous chicken and broccoli mixture over steamy bowls of rice. Make sure every serving gets a generous spoonful of that glorious sauce! The vibrant colors and rich aroma will have everyone rushing to the table.

How to Serve Thai Peanut Chicken

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing Thai Peanut Chicken, a handful of extra chopped green onions and a sprinkle of roasted peanuts are absolute musts. Try adding fresh cilantro or even a few thinly sliced red chilies for color and extra zing! These little finishing touches add crunch, aroma, and brightness to each plate.

Side Dishes

This dish is already satisfyingly complete, but it pairs beautifully with crisp cucumber salad, lightly pickled carrots, or steamed snap peas. For a more indulgent meal, include a side of warm naan or roti to scoop up the creamy sauce, or go with a classic Thai iced tea to complement the gentle spice.

Creative Ways to Present

Dreaming up fun ways to present Thai Peanut Chicken? Try serving it in lettuce cups for a light, hands-on appetizer, or as the filling for colorful rice bowls with shredded carrots and radish slices on top. You can even pile it into a wrap for the perfect next-day lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Thai Peanut Chicken (lucky you!), transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for even more irresistible meals the next day.

Freezing

For those who like to meal prep, this dish freezes surprisingly well! Store cooled chicken, veggies, and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To bring your Thai Peanut Chicken back to life, gently reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual portions—just cover and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! If you need a peanut-free version, swap in almond or cashew butter. The flavor changes a bit, but you’ll still get that wonderful creamy texture and plenty of nutty depth.

Is Thai Peanut Chicken spicy?

The base recipe has just a touch of cayenne for gentle heat, but you can adjust to your taste. For spicier results, add more cayenne or toss in some fresh chili slices at the end.

Can this recipe be made vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the chicken with extra-firm tofu, tempeh, or even more veggies. Just sear your plant-based protein the way you would the chicken, and follow the rest of the steps as written.

What kind of rice should I use?

Classic white rice is perfect, but jasmine or basmati add their own subtle fragrance. You can also serve this over brown rice or a grain like quinoa for extra fiber and texture.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Try swapping in chicken thighs for extra-lean breast, using natural peanut butter, or adding more colorful veggies like bell pepper and snap peas. Reducing the amount of oil and serving with brown rice are easy ways to lighten things up too.

Final Thoughts

This Thai Peanut Chicken never fails to win over hearts and appetites—it’s that dinner you’ll crave again and again. Don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how easy and delicious homemade Thai comfort food can be!

Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 27 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A delicious and flavorful Thai Peanut Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken strips with crunchy broccoli, green onions, and peanuts in a savory peanut sauce. Served over steamed white rice, this dish is a perfect balance of nutty, spicy, and savory flavors.

Instructions

Rice: Combine water and rice in a saucepan over medium-high heat; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
Peanut Sauce: Stir together soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl; set aside.
Chicken Stir-Fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir chicken, garlic, and ginger until chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, add broccoli, green onions, peanuts, and soy sauce mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, until broccoli is tender and chicken is cooked through, about 5 minutes.
Serve: Serve the chicken-broccoli mixture over cooked rice.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Thai