Are you craving the rich, savory flavors of Thai cuisine but want to skip the takeout? Look no further! This Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce recipe is not only simple to prepare, but it also offers all the deliciousness of your favorite restaurant dish right in your own kitchen. With tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, nutty sauce, this meal is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Let’s dive into the magic of this dish that is truly better than takeout!
The Upside of Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce: Better Than Takeout

Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce is a delightful blend of flavors and textures. The juicy chicken is complemented by a smooth, savory peanut sauce that’s both satisfying and wholesome. One of the best parts? You can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this recipe allows you to get creative. Plus, it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something healthy and delicious.
Ingredient List
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium white onion, sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter powder or 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or sriracha sauce
Setup & Equipment
- Large skillet or wok – for cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – for stirring.
- Measuring spoons – for accurate ingredient quantities.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping the chicken and vegetables.
- Bowl – for mixing the peanut sauce ingredients.
How to Prepare Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce: Better Than Takeout

Step 1: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the next ingredients for optimal flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Ensure there’s no pink remaining in the center.
Step 4: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter (or peanut butter powder with water), brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic chili sauce (or sriracha). Mix until smooth. If you are using peanut butter powder, ensure there are no lumps.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, so the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce over a bed of jasmine rice or with steamed vegetables. Garnish with chopped peanuts or fresh cilantro if desired for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Quick Replacement Ideas

- If you don’t have peanut butter powder, you can use regular peanut butter for a richer sauce.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
- For a gluten-free version, opt for tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
When making Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough; ensure you cook it just until it’s done.
- If your sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- For more heat, adjust the amount of garlic chili sauce or sriracha to suit your preference.
- Be careful with the garlic; burnt garlic can impart a bitter flavor to your dish.
Cooling, Storing & Rewarming
This dish is perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through or use a microwave.
Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce: Better Than Takeout FAQs
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce?
This dish pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, but you can also serve it with quinoa, rice noodles, or a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. Use less garlic chili sauce or sriracha if you prefer a milder sauce.
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Time to Try It
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and create this scrumptious Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, this dish will surely impress your family and friends. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your meal, making it not only delicious but also a healthier option than takeout. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up that skillet, and enjoy a taste of Thailand right in your own home!

Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce: Better Than Takeout
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium white onion sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter powder or 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic chili sauce or sriracha sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the 2 tablespoons of cooking oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the next ingredients for optimal flavor.
- Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter (or peanut butter powder with water), brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic chili sauce (or sriracha). Mix until smooth.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Allow to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve your Thai Chicken with Peanut Sauce over a bed of jasmine rice or with steamed vegetables.
Equipment
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Bowl
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use regular peanut butter instead of peanut butter powder.
- Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a healthier alternative.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
