Description
Thai Peanut Curry Chicken is a flavorful, creamy dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a rich, aromatic peanut curry sauce. With the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal that brings bold Thai-inspired flavors to your table.
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
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1 onion, chopped
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
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1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
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1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
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2 tablespoons red curry paste
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
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1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
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Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute, stirring frequently. -
Prepare the Sauce:
Add the red curry paste to the pan and stir to coat the onion, garlic, and ginger with the paste. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes to enhance the flavor. Stir in the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce becomes creamy and well combined. -
Finish the Dish:
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it with the peanut curry sauce. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. -
Serve:
Serve the Thai Peanut Curry Chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
Vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, or spinach for extra color and nutrients. Sauté them with the onion or stir them into the sauce as it simmers.Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef. Adjust the cooking time as necessary for different proteins.Spicy: For a spicier dish, increase the red curry paste or add extra crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chilies.Nutty Flavor: Top the curry with chopped peanuts for extra crunch and a more intense peanut flavor.Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
