If you crave the kind of meal that instantly transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Bangkok, you’re about to meet your new obsession: Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken. This dish is a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, tangy, and nutty—all wrapped up in tender bites of chicken. Whether you’re looking for an impressive dinner party centerpiece or simply want to spice up your weeknight rotation, you’ll love just how bold and comforting this dish is.

Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s a beautiful simplicity in making Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken—the ingredients list may be short, but each item plays a starring role in building unforgettable flavor and crave-worthy texture. Here’s everything you’ll need for magic in every bite:

Chicken breasts or thighs: Opt for thighs if you want extra juiciness, but breasts work perfectly for leaner bites.
Peanut butter: Creamy peanut butter brings signature Thai richness and velvety texture; natural or regular both work.
Soy sauce: Delivers that all-important salty, umami punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a bright, tangy lift that balances the richness of the peanut butter.
Garlic: Crushed or finely minced for that aromatic depth every great Thai dish needs.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger wakes up the sauce with subtle heat and zing.
Sriracha or Thai chili paste: Adjust the amount to dial up (or down) the heat to your liking.
Brown sugar: Just a touch to round out the spicy and savory elements with a gentle caramel sweetness.
Coconut milk: This makes the sauce silky and pulls all the flavors together with a hint of coconut fragrance.
Vegetable oil: For sautéing the chicken to golden, savory perfection.
Chopped roasted peanuts: Essential for crunch and extra peanutty personality.
Fresh cilantro and green onions: For those classic, zingy finishing pops of green.

How to Make Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized strips or cubes. This helps the chicken cook quickly and soak up more of that glorious peanut sauce. If you like, give it a light seasoning with salt and pepper—simple, but it sets a tasty foundation.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, crushed garlic, grated ginger, sriracha (or Thai chili paste), brown sugar, and coconut milk. Whisk everything together until smooth and velvety—give it a quick taste and adjust the spice or sweetness if needed. This sauce is the soul of Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken, so don’t be shy about making it your own!

Step 3: Sauté the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté, stirring often, until they’re just cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. You want juicy, caramelized bites that will hold up under the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Peanut Sauce

Pour your peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan, tossing everything together so each piece is generously coated. Let it simmer gently for another 2 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to the chicken. Be sure to scrape up any golden bits from the bottom—they’re flavor gold!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and pile your Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken onto a serving platter or individual plates. Shower it with chopped roasted peanuts, sprinkle over fresh cilantro and sliced green onions, and let the colors pop. Your kitchen will smell incredible and your plate will look like pure edible joy.

How to Serve Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken

Garnishes

For maximum flavor and eye appeal, always top your Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken with plenty of chopped roasted peanuts, a lush handful of fresh cilantro, and a scattering of thinly sliced green onions. A few extra slices of red chili are fantastic for color and a kick, while a lime wedge lets guests dial up the zing even more.

Side Dishes

This dish shines brightest alongside simple, classic sides that let the rich sauce stand out. Steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice is a must to catch every drop of sauce. You could also serve it with coconut rice for a subtle Thai twist, or offer quick stir-fried vegetables, like bok choy or snap peas, for a pop of garden freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, transform Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken into lettuce wraps—pile the saucy chicken into butter lettuce leaves for a crisp, hand-held appetizer. Or serve the chicken over noodles for a Thai-inspired peanut noodle bowl. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of peanuts and herbs for drama and crunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days—the flavors deepen, making Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken even more irresistible the next day. Just be sure to store the garnishes separately to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken! Portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Always add fresh garnishes just before serving to preserve their crunch and brightness.

FAQs

How spicy is Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken?

The beauty of this dish is its flexibility—the heat level is totally up to you! By adjusting the amount of sriracha or Thai chili paste, you can control the spice, from gentle warmth to fiery hot.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter?

Absolutely! While peanut butter is classic, almond or sunflower seed butter can lend their own unique flavors for a fun spin. Just make sure they’re creamy and unsweetened for best results.

Is Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken good for meal prep?

Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken is a dream for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, stays moist, and the flavors continue to develop over a couple of days. Simply keep the garnishes separate until serving.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Sauté the tofu or tempeh just as you would the chicken, then finish the recipe as usual for a protein-packed vegetarian delight.

What’s the best way to thin the sauce if it’s too thick?

If your sauce is too thick for your liking, simply stir in a splash more coconut milk or even water until you reach your desired consistency. Add slowly and taste as you go!

Final Thoughts

With its bold, peanutty flavor, creaminess, and the perfect pop of heat, Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken is a dish you’ll return to again and again. I hope you’ll give it a try at home—your kitchen will smell amazing, and I guarantee you’ll be looking for excuses to make it on repeat!

Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe