Super Simple Thai Peanut Chicken

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thai peanut chicken recipe

Hey there, Hungry People!

Today, I have an exciting recipe to share with you that I recently discovered while trying to satisfy my boyfriend’s craving for peanut sauce. Now, I must admit, I’m not the biggest fan of anything peanut-flavored, except when it comes to classics like peanut butter cookies or a good ol’ PB&J sandwich.

But guess what? I’ve stumbled upon a peanut-themed dish that even I, the self-proclaimed non-peanut lover, thoroughly enjoyed cooking and eating. This Thai peanut chicken recipe is a game-changer, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it!

One of the things that struck me about this recipe was its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, such as peanut butter, soy sauce, and garlic, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will leave you wanting more.

Here’s What You’ll Need

To elevate the flavors, I decided to add a touch of sriracha and lime juice for a hint of heat and acidity. Initially, I was a bit hesitant about mixing these ingredients with peanut butter, but the result was beyond my expectations—absolutely incredible.

ingredients for thai peanut sauce
  • Chicken breasts: The main protein source for the dish, providing a juicy and tender texture.
  • Creamy peanut butter: Adds rich and nutty flavor to the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
  • Honey: Adds sweetness to balance the savory and spicy flavors in the dish.
  • Soy sauce: Provides a salty umami taste and adds depth to the marinade and sauce.
  • Sriracha: Adds a spicy kick and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
  • Lime juice: Adds a tangy and citrusy element, brightening up the flavors.
  • Minced garlic: Adds a savory and aromatic taste, complementing the other ingredients.
  • Minced ginger: Adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • Cilantro: Adds a fresh and herbaceous element, providing a vibrant and aromatic touch to the dish.

Let’s Get Started

To make the delicious peanut sauce, all you need to do is whisk together the peanut butter, sriracha, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and honey until a thick sauce forms. However, keep in mind that the consistency of the sauce is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a runnier sauce, feel free to add a tablespoon or two of olive oil and mix it in. Don’t be afraid to customize it to suit your taste buds!

thai peanut sauce recipe

For an extra punch of flavor, I marinated my chicken breasts in half of the peanut sauce for about 2 hours before cooking them. This allowed the chicken to soak up all the incredible flavors, resulting in a tantalizing taste experience. Of course, if you’re short on time (or simply too hungry to wait), you can opt for a quick-cooking method like I did.

seared chicken

To save time and satisfy my growling stomach, I decided to use a quick-cooking method for the chicken. First, I seared the chicken breasts on both sides until they developed a beautiful golden crust. Then, I transferred them to the oven and let them bake for about 15 minutes until they were cooked through.

thai peanut chicken with noodles

Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time for the grand finale—spreading the remaining peanut sauce onto the tops of each breast. This step adds an extra layer of flavor that will have you licking your lips in anticipation. Trust me, it’s worth every dollop!

Helpful Hints and Tips to Making Homemade Thai Peanut Chicken

  • Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, try to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. However, if you’re short on time, even a shorter marinating time will still infuse some flavor into the chicken.
  • Chicken Thickness: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken breasts. Thicker cuts may require a slightly longer cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.
  • Ovenproof Pan: If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer the seared chicken to a baking sheet before placing it in the oven.
  • Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked chicken.
  • Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your spice tolerance. Add more for extra heat or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Creaminess of the Sauce: If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth to the peanut sauce until you achieve your desired consistency.
  • Garnish Options: Feel free to garnish your Thai Peanut Chicken with additional chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or crushed peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
  • Side Dish Ideas: Besides orange noodles, you can serve the chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of crunchy Asian slaw for a well-rounded meal.
homemade thai chicken recipe

To complete the dish, I served the Thai Peanut Chicken alongside some vibrant orange noodles. The combination of the zesty, spicy chicken with the noodles created a harmonious symphony of flavors that I couldn’t resist. It was the ideal spicy companion to the succulent chicken, and I highly recommend trying this pairing.

There you have it, Hungry People! My journey from a skeptic of peanut-flavored dishes to a convert, all thanks to this Thai peanut chicken recipe.

Don’t let the simplicity fool you—it’s a flavor-packed dish that will leave you craving more. Give it a try and let me know what you think. Until next time, happy cooking and keep those taste buds curious!

peanut chicken noodles

Simple Thai Peanut Chicken

The Starving Chef
Tender chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful peanut sauce with a hint of spice, baked to perfection, and served alongside orange noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, International
Cuisine Asian, Dinner, Stiry Fry
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine all the ingredients (peanut butter, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped cilantro) except for the chicken to create a peanut sauce marinade. Set aside half of the marinade and use the rest to pour over the chicken. Allow the chicken to rest in the marinade for about 2 hours before cooking.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a pan over medium-high heat and sear the marinated chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, sear for a bit longer on each side.
  • Once seared, transfer the chicken breasts (still in the pan, if ovenproof; otherwise, transfer to a baking sheet) and place them in the preheated oven. Cook for approximately 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the chicken from the oven. Spread the remaining peanut sauce on the top of each chicken breast.
  • Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken immediately alongside some orange noodles for a delicious and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
Keyword chicken, noodles, peanut butter, spicy, Thai
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!