This Thai peanut chicken with coconut milk is quick, easy and delicious. A perfect weeknight meal. Serve with rice noodles, pasta or rice. Great in a rice bowl, too.
5-6boneless, skinless chicken thighs, or 2 large boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1-2teaspoonscooking oil
1/2mediumonion, diced
1/2teaspoonground coriander
1/2teaspoonground cumin
1/4teaspoonsalt, a touch less if using regular soy sauce
1tspteaspoonginger paste, or 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger or 1/4 tsp dried ginger powder
1teaspoonAsian Chili garlic sauce, plus more, to taste or Sambal Oelek or Sriracha
1Tablespoonsoy sauce, low-sodium recommended
1/2teaspoonbrown sugar
1Tablespoonpeanut butter, smooth or crunchy, plus a bit more stirred in at the end, if you like
5.5ozcoconut milk, small/mini can or measure out about 2/3 cup of stirred coconut milk from a larger can
To finish:
1/2teaspoonlime zest, optional, but recommended
Juice of 1/2 lime, optional, but recommended
For serving:
Chopped cilantro, optional
Chopped peanuts, optional
Lime wedges, for drizzling
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Instructions
Heat a large skillet or pot over medium heat on the stove-top. Add the cooking oil and chicken pieces and cook, stirring regularly, until the chicken is no longer pink. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until the onion is softened. Add the remaining ingredients, through to the coconut milk and stir to combine well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer 10-15 minutes to thoroughly cook the chicken and blend the sauce flavours.
Add the lime zest and lime juice, if using and stir in. Add some of the chopped cilantro and stir in. Taste the sauce and add additional salt, as needed (I find it usually needs a bit of salt to round out all the flavours). If you want a touch more peanut flavour, you can stir in another Tablespoon of peanut butter, as well.
Serve garnished with additional chopped cilantro, chopped peanuts and lime wedges. Can be served over rice or tossed with rice noodles, if desired, or enjoy on its own with vegetables.
Notes
Be sure to read the notes above this Recipe Card, for more tips for making this recipe. You'll also find Step-by-Step photos there, that you might find helpful.