This Thai Peanut Skillet Chicken is a vibrant and inviting dish, combining tender chicken and crisp vegetables with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes. The colorful bell peppers, snap peas, and shredded carrots add freshness and crunch, while the chopped peanuts and cilantro garnish add texture and bright herbal flavor.
Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen with minimal effort. Its beautiful plating over jasmine rice or noodles makes it a feast for both the eyes and the palate—comforting, wholesome, and utterly delicious.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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2 tablespoons vegetable oil
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1 cup snap peas, trimmed
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3 green onions, sliced
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1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
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1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/4 cup warm water
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Fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for garnish
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Cooked jasmine rice or noodles, for serving
Directions:
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add bell pepper, carrots, snap peas, and green onions. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
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In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and warm water until smooth.
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Return chicken to the skillet and pour the peanut sauce over everything. Stir well to coat chicken and vegetables evenly.
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Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
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Serve immediately over jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
The Inspiration Behind the Dish
This dish is inspired by traditional Thai flavors but simplified for the home cook. Thai cuisine is renowned for its skillful balance of taste profiles—spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and umami—all harmonizing beautifully. Peanut sauce is a beloved element in Thai cooking, often paired with grilled meats, noodles, and vegetables. By using a skillet method, the recipe brings quick cooking to the forefront, maintaining freshness and texture without the need for complex preparation or long marination times.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
One of the key reasons this dish is so popular is its simplicity combined with incredible flavor. The skillet method means minimal cleanup, less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying your meal. The chicken pieces cook evenly and quickly, while the vegetables retain their crispness, offering a great contrast in textures.
The peanut sauce is creamy yet light, made by blending peanut butter with soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, fresh ginger, and garlic. This combination creates a sweet and savory glaze that complements the natural flavor of the chicken and brightens the fresh vegetables. Additionally, the subtle heat from red pepper flakes adds a gentle kick without overwhelming the palate.
Nutritional Benefits
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken breast provides a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and maintenance. The vegetables—bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, and green onions—contribute vital vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting immune health and digestion.
Peanut butter, while rich in healthy fats and protein, also adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and important minerals like magnesium and potassium. The use of fresh ingredients and a moderate amount of oil keeps the calorie count balanced, making this dish suitable for a range of dietary goals, including weight management and clean eating.
Customization and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to make it spicier, simply add more red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha. For those preferring a milder taste, reduce the chili or omit it entirely. The vegetables can also be swapped based on what’s seasonal or available—broccoli, zucchini, or baby corn work wonderfully.
For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Vegan adaptations are also possible by substituting chicken with tofu, tempeh, or even cauliflower florets and using a plant-based peanut butter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
While the dish shines served over fragrant jasmine rice, you can also enjoy it with noodles such as rice noodles or soba for a different texture experience. Garnishing with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro adds an aromatic and crunchy finish that elevates the eating experience.
Pairing this dish with a simple side like a cucumber salad or steamed greens keeps the meal balanced and refreshing. Leftovers reheat well, making this a great option for meal prep lunches or dinners.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure juicy and tender chicken, cut the pieces evenly and avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can cause steaming instead of searing. Cook the chicken in batches if needed for the best caramelization.
When making the peanut sauce, whisk the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth consistency. Adding warm water gradually helps loosen the sauce and coat the chicken and veggies evenly without becoming too thick.
Be mindful of the vegetables’ cooking time; they should remain crisp-tender to retain their nutrients and vibrant color. Adding them in stages based on their cooking times will help with this.
The Cultural Context of Peanut Sauce in Thai Cuisine
Peanut sauce, or “satay sauce,” has roots in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Thailand and Indonesia. It’s commonly served with grilled skewers, spring rolls, and noodle dishes. The creamy, nutty flavor complements the bright and bold spices typical of the region.
Using peanut sauce in a skillet dish is a creative twist that blends traditional flavors with a modern, convenient cooking method, making Thai cuisine accessible to home cooks worldwide.
The Appeal of One-Pan Meals
One-pan or one-skillet meals like this are hugely popular because they reduce cooking and cleanup time, making them ideal for busy lifestyles. They also encourage balanced meals, as proteins, vegetables, and sauces come together in a single dish.
The Thai Peanut Skillet Chicken fits perfectly into this trend without sacrificing flavor or nutrition, which is why it’s quickly becoming a favorite for both families and solo cooks alike.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Recipe Today
If you’re searching for a dish that delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience, this Thai Peanut Skillet Chicken is a perfect choice. It offers a mouthwatering combination of creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and crisp vegetables that can be prepared in just 30 minutes.
This recipe is versatile enough to suit many dietary preferences and can be easily customized to fit your spice tolerance or ingredient availability. Whether you want a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy meal prep option, or a flavorful dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Give it a try and experience the delightful harmony of Thai-inspired flavors in the comfort of your own kitchen—simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious.