Savory, delicious skinless chicken thighs baked in a quick homemade Thai peanut sauce that’s ready in just 35 minutes then topped with crushed peanuts.
Thai dishes like Baked Thai Peanut Chicken is savory and delicious, especially if you want to make something fast and easy. I’ve made some really popular Thai recipes before that you all loved, including Chicken Pad Thai, CPK Thai Peanut Chicken Pasta (this recipe has a cult following on the site!) and Pad See Ew (Thai Stir Fried Noodles) so I’m adding another Thai dish to the list, especially one with such a nice cooking time.
BAKED THAI PEANUT CHICKEN
If you are craving something delicious but don’t want to spend the money to go out to dinner, try making Baked Thai Peanut Chicken. It’s quick, it’s delicious, and it’s so easy. Peanut sauce is thick and savory, and it brings out the natural flavor of the chicken perfectly.
Plus the recipe only takes a quick second to prepare so you can go on with your weeknight routine without having to worry about dinner. If this is your first time making Thai peanut sauce, you’ll be able to trick everyone into thinking you’re a pro.
If you liked this recipe and want some more like it, try our Thai Green Curry or Thai Peanut Chicken Wraps. For those times when you want to whip out the crockpot, check out our Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.
HOW TO MAKE PEANUT CHICKEN
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Mince both the garlic and fresh ginger.
- Mix your chicken, coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic and ginger in a large bowl.
- Make sure that the chicken gets thoroughly soaked.
- Put the chicken a baking dish with the smooth side down
- Pour the rest of the sauce over it.
- Put it in the oven for 35 minutes.
- Check the thickest part with a probe thermometer to make sure it’s cooked through.
- Serve it up alone or on top of steamed rice.
- Chop up some fresh cilantro as garnish.
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VARIATIONS AND TOPPINGS
- Cilantro: Some chopped cilantro can add some great color and flavor to the dish.
- Veggies: You can try a variety of chopped vegetables in this recipe, such as bell peppers, green onions and snow peas, just to name a couple.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Dust the top of the chicken with red pepper flakes for a crunch that also has some spice to it.
- Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is an umami lover’s dream, since it is packed with flavor and can cover a lot of ground. Add a teaspoon or two to your sauce and stir just before serving for a more umami flavor.
- Sriracha: They say that sriracha goes with anything (there’s even sriracha ice cream for the brave.) A few drops on Thai chicken is perfect for anyone who likes their food to bite back a little.
- Rice Noodles: Instead of serving Baked Thai Peanut Chicken over rice, try rice noodles instead. They have a great texture and absorb sauce well so that each bite is full of flavor.
SIDE DISHES
Now that you have a main course, here are some ideas for sides.
- Spring Rolls: Even though these aren’t the Thai variety of Spring Roll, these are a delicious appetizer that the whole family will love. Or make Egg Rolls that aren’t vegetarian and serve with Sweet and Sour dipping sauce.
- Chinese Steamed Rice: The perfect side dish for your peanut chicken!
PEANUT SAUCE
Peanut sauce is popular in a ton of Asian dishes, and is the most well known in Thai food. But where does it come from? South America is probably not the answer you were thinking, was it?
Peanuts are native to South America, and when merchants and missionaries from Portugal and Spain began to travel to Asia, specifically Indonesia, they brought peanuts with them. The legumes thrived in the Indonesian climate and were quickly developed into a tasty sauce called bumbu kacang.
Peanut sauce picked up steam in South Asia, mostly China, Vietnam and Singapore, and is now used in too many recipes to name, from stir-fry to French fries. Peanut sauce is also an international favorite that you can find at your grocery store, but it’s much more fun and tasty to make your own.
In a lot dishes, including our Baked Thai Peanut Chicken (and Thai Peanut Shrimp), peanut butter is used as a base for the sauce instead of chopped peanuts.
HOW LONG DOES THAI PEANUT CHICKEN KEEP?
- Serve: Don’t leave cooked chicken out for longer than 2 hours, or it will start to grow things.
- Store: Your leftovers will be good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: In an airtight container, Baked Thai Peanut Chicken is good for up to 4 months.
WHEN IS IT SAFE TO EAT?
According to the USDA’s website, chicken is fully cooked at 165 degrees F (73.8 degrees C). Since we are cooking this chicken in the oven for so long you’ll likely have no issues with temperature but when it comes to salmonella better safe than sorry!
Ingredients
- 5 chicken thighs , boneless skinless
- 1/2 can coconut milk , 7 ounces
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce , low-sodium
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger , minced
- cilantro , for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large bowl mix the chicken, coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, garlic and ginger.
- Place the chicken, smooth side down into your baking dish.
- Pour the sauce over it.
- Cook for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (to 165 degrees F).
Nutrition
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I thought I’d really enjoy this, but the sauce was runny, and it was too sweet for my taste. Perhaps if I’d used a whole chicken instead of parts it would have been better. In general, chicken bought in pieces has an “off” taste.
Hm, Sorry you were disappointed. Hope you’ll try the recipe again.
Delish! I used breasts instead of thighs. We enjoyed the marvelous flavor, although I will probably spice them up a little next time.
Everyone loves a different level of “heat” for sure and thanks for trying the recipe and the five star review Carolyn!
This recipe is very good! I had bone in thighs, and used those with no problem. I used the extra sauce over some rice which was really enjoyed. Loved the sprinkle of peanuts!
Lynette, that sounds so good! Thanks for your feedback and the five star review.
When I see a recipe by Sabrina Snyder l know it is probably great. This dish did not disappoint. Personally I will add sriracha to give it some kick . Husband lobed it.
Aw, thanks Donna. Really appreciate your kind words and thanks for the five star review!
Easy and delicious! ?
Yummy! Tender chicken, and easy to make! This will be a “go to”!