If you love rich, bold flavors with a touch of sweetness, you’ll adore this Thai peanut chicken creamy savory recipe. Tender pieces of chicken cooked in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes — it’s truly a dish that satisfies both the taste buds and the soul. This recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Thailand right to your table in an easy and approachable way.
In this blog, I’ll show you how to create your own Thai peanut chicken creamy savory recipe step by step. With simple ingredients and clear instructions, even beginner cooks can whip up this restaurant-worthy dish at home. Serve it with fluffy rice or noodles and garnish with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts for the ultimate experience. Let’s dive into this flavor-packed journey!
What is Thai Peanut Chicken?
Thai peanut chicken is a popular dish made with tender chicken simmered in a creamy peanut sauce. The sauce typically combines peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice to create a unique and irresistible flavor.
It’s inspired by Thai cuisine, which often features the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. This dish is known for its creamy texture and nutty aroma, making it a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
✅ Bursting with creamy, nutty, savory flavors
✅ Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests
✅ Customizable with your favorite vegetables and spice level
✅ Pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles
Ingredients You Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish:
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for authentic flavor)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1–2 teaspoons red chili flakes or sriracha (adjust to taste)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for garnish
Step-by-Step Thai Peanut Chicken Creamy Savory Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5–7 minutes, until fully cooked and lightly golden.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium.
- Add a little more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar (or lime juice).
- Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the sauce.
- If using vegetables, add them now and cook for another 3–5 minutes until tender.
- Adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, lime juice, or chili flakes if desired.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Transfer the Thai peanut chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, jasmine rice, or noodles.
Tips for the Best Thai Peanut Chicken
Use Creamy Peanut Butter
For the smoothest sauce, use creamy peanut butter instead of chunky.
Don’t Skip the Lime or Vinegar
That little bit of acidity brightens up the rich, creamy sauce.
Make it Vegetarian
Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh and use soy sauce instead of fish sauce for a vegetarian version.
Adjust the Spice
Add more chili flakes or sriracha if you like it spicier, or leave them out for a mild dish.
Fun Variations to Try
Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken
Add fresh chopped Thai chilies or more sriracha to bring the heat.
Thai Peanut Chicken with Noodles
Serve over rice noodles instead of rice for a hearty, slurp-worthy meal.
Veggie-Loaded Version
Add broccoli, snap peas, spinach, or any vegetables you like to make it more colorful and nutritious.
Thai Peanut Chicken Salad
Serve the chicken and sauce over a crisp green salad with shredded cabbage and carrots for a lighter meal.
What to Serve with Thai Peanut Chicken?
This creamy and savory dish pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Rice noodles or soba noodles
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or bok choy
- Fresh cucumber slices for a cool contrast
- Thai iced tea or a light sparkling drink
How to Store & Reheat
Storing:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the sauce will have a chunkier texture. For a smooth sauce, stick to creamy peanut butter.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! The flavors develop even more as it sits. Store it in the fridge and reheat just before serving.
Q3: Is Thai peanut chicken spicy?
It can be, but you can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the chili flakes or sriracha.
Q4: What if I don’t have coconut milk?
You can use regular cream or milk, but the flavor won’t be as rich and authentic. Coconut milk gives it that special Thai touch.
Q5: Can I freeze Thai peanut chicken?
Yes! Let it cool, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before
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Final Thought
This Thai peanut chicken creamy savory recipe is a wonderful way to bring the flavors of Thailand into your own kitchen. Creamy, nutty, savory, and slightly sweet, it’s a comforting dish that feels both exotic and familiar at the same time.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for entertaining. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad, your family and guests are sure to love it.
Give this recipe a try, and feel free to make it your own by adjusting the ingredients and spice to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Thai Peanut Chicken Creamy Savory Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon oil vegetable or sesame
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until browned and cooked through.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour sauce into skillet with chicken and simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and creamy.
- Stir occasionally to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish with green onions and chopped peanuts.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
- Great with steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side.