Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry: Creamy, Bold, and Ready in 30 Mins

Jump to Recipe

If dinner time often feels like a game of “What can I throw together before someone raids the snack drawer?”—girl, I see you. That’s exactly why this Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry needs a starring role in your weekly meal rotation.

It’s quick. It’s easy. And it delivers that takeout-style flavor with a creamy, peanutty twist that makes you feel like a total kitchen rockstar—even on your busiest Tuesdays. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just trying to spice up your usual chicken routine, this dish brings the perfect balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and creamy that everyone at the table will love (yes, even your sriracha-averse hubby—just dial it down).

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

Let’s be honest—sometimes chicken dinners can feel a little…blah. But not this one. This Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry is:

Bursting with bold, mouthwatering flavor
Ready in just 30 minutes (yes, really)
Made with pantry staples you probably already have
Easily customizable—make it mild, make it spicy, swap out rice for noodles, you name it

And the best part? That creamy peanut sauce. It hugs every bite of chicken like it means it.

Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Before you start chopping, here’s your quick grocery check:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
½ cup coconut milk (or regular milk if that’s what you’ve got)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Steamed rice or noodles, for serving

Ingredient Highlights (Because They Deserve the Spotlight):

Peanut Butter – The heart of the sauce. Nutty, creamy, and comforting.
Soy Sauce – Brings that savory depth that makes this dish feel so satisfying.
Sriracha – Your heat hero. Start small, build up if you’re feeling bold.
Coconut Milk – Makes everything velvety and adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Lime Juice – Gives a little zing that wakes up the whole dish.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then cook it for 6–7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.

Remove from the skillet and let it rest while you make the sauce. Then slice it into strips or cubes—your call.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In that same skillet (flavor party’s already started!), toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until your kitchen smells like pure magic.

3. Build the Sauce

Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sriracha, and coconut milk to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until smooth.

Now, stir in the lime juice and sesame oil. Taste it! Want more heat? Add sriracha. Too spicy? A little honey will mellow things out.

4. Bring It All Together

Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss it in that gorgeous sauce until coated completely.

5. Serve and Garnish

Spoon your Thai Peanut Chicken over warm rice or noodles. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. Done and delicious.

Tips for the Perfect Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

Go thigh or go home: Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving than breasts, especially if you’re prone to multitasking and ahem, overcooking.
Spice it your way: This dish plays nice with heat. Start with less sriracha and let each eater add more at the table.
Make it a meal: Throw in some steamed broccoli, red peppers, or snap peas to sneak in those veggies.
Leftovers? Yes, please: This stir-fry reheats like a dream for next-day lunch. Just add a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce.

A Little Backstory…

This dish became a weeknight hero in my house during one chaotic week of soccer practice, late work calls, and zero energy for anything more ambitious than cereal. But this peanut sauce? It turned our night around.

I first whipped it up on a whim with what I had in the pantry. The result? My kids asked for seconds, my husband asked for the recipe (bless his heart), and I didn’t have to deal with any leftovers. Now it’s a go-to comfort dish we all look forward to.

Bowl of Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry served over steamed white rice with chopped peanuts, bell peppers, and fresh cilantro. — Flavor-packed Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

FAQs About Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Totally! It’ll give the sauce a little texture. Just make sure it’s not too sweet.

Can I substitute the coconut milk?

Yes—regular milk or even a splash of chicken broth will work in a pinch. Coconut milk just adds that luscious, silky vibe.

How should I store leftovers?

Pop any extras into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely. Swap chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. The sauce does the heavy lifting here.

Conclusion

This Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry is the dinner solution you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, creamy, satisfying, and customizable to just about every taste. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry spouses, or just your fabulous self—this one’s got your back.

Go on, give it a try. Your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you

More Flavor-Packed Chicken Ideas to Try Next

If you loved the bold, creamy magic of this Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry, you’ll definitely want to explore a few more easy, flavor-forward meals that bring excitement to your dinner table. Here are some crave-worthy options that offer global inspiration, hearty textures, and just the right amount of heat or tang. Perfect for busy nights or when you’re simply craving something different but doable.

Craving something smoky and satisfying? Try these Grilled California Avocado Chicken breasts—juicy, marinated chicken topped with creamy avocado for that perfect summer bite.
If you loved the coconut and peanut fusion, the Spiced Coconut Basil Chicken is a tropical-inspired twist you’ll adore—fragrant, rich, and surprisingly simple.
Want a crunchy, refreshing salad with that same Thai-inspired flair? This Crunchy Thai Chicken Salad brings the satisfying combo of crisp veggies and bold peanut dressing.
For a protein-packed bowl you can prep ahead, check out this Thai Peanut Chicken Bowl—an ideal lunch option that mirrors the flavors you just fell in love with.

From skillet dinners to crunchy salads and global bowls, there’s always a new way to keep chicken exciting. Go ahead—bookmark your favorites and keep the magic cooking!