Description
This Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken recipe features tender bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a rich, creamy spicy peanut sauce. Stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, shredded carrots, and aromatic garlic and ginger, it delivers a perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it’s perfect served over jasmine rice or noodles for a vibrant and flavorful Thai-inspired main course.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Spicy Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
- 1/4 cup warm water (to thin as needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, honey or brown sugar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Add warm water little by little to achieve a pourable consistency. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced red bell pepper, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger. Sauté the vegetables for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still vibrant.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared spicy peanut sauce over the mixture and toss to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to heat through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Serve the Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken hot over jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. Optionally, garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Add extra vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or baby corn for more variety and nutrition.
- This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
