Name: Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490268H23M25S
Total time: PT-490268H23M25S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 can (7 ounces) coconut milk; 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; Cilantro, for garnish; Crushed peanuts, for topping

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If you are craving a dish that combines comfort with exotic flair, this Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is a must-try. Tender boneless, skinless chicken thighs bathed in a creamy, aromatic peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and tangy lime juice come together perfectly in the oven. This recipe delivers bold Thai flavors with an easy, fuss-free method that you can pull off any weeknight. The sauce is rich yet balanced, and topping the final bake with crushed peanuts adds a delightful crunch making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white round dish filled with a brown thick sauce covering small pieces of raw pale pink meat arranged in a circle. The sauce has a slightly grainy texture with some crumbly bits scattered on top and around the meat pieces. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is key here, as each one plays a crucial role in building the vibrant taste, texture, and color of this Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe.

6 chicken thighs, boneless skinless: These provide juicy, tender meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1/2 can coconut milk (7 ounces): Adds creaminess and a subtle tropical sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter: The heart of the sauce; it offers richness and authentic peanut flavor.
2 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium: Brings savory umami depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
2 tablespoons honey: Introduces a gentle sweetness that rounds out the tangy and salty notes.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a mild acidity that brightens the sauce.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Injects fresh citrus zing, essential for that classic Thai taste.
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a subtle nutty aroma, elevating the overall flavor profile.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides pungent earthiness and a fragrant kick.
1 tablespoon ginger, minced: Adds warmth and a slight peppery bite to the sauce.
Cilantro, for garnish: Finishes the dish with a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color.

How to Make Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the perfect temperature to cook the chicken evenly and meld the flavors nicely.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce and Chicken

In a large bowl, combine the coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, velvety sauce. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss them gently, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly with the luscious peanut mixture.

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Place the chicken thighs smooth side down in a baking dish. This helps the sauce cling to the meat and ensures even cooking. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken for maximum flavor infusion. Transfer to the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the sauce has thickened slightly around the edges.

Step 4: Add Crunch and Serve

Once baked, you can sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for added texture or simply garnish with fresh cilantro. This step elevates the dish from a simple baked entree to a show-stopping meal bursting with flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

A white round bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several thick pieces of light brown cooked chicken covered in a creamy orange sauce with visible chunks of red tomatoes and green herbs scattered on top. The sauce looks smooth and rich, coating the chicken evenly and sprinkled with small chopped peanuts. A silver fork is lifting one piece of chicken, showing its moist texture, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The fresh herbal brightness of chopped cilantro pairs beautifully with the rich peanut sauce. Crushed peanuts not only enhance texture but also reinforce the peanut flavor theme. A few thinly sliced green onions or a wedge of lime can also add a lovely finishing touch and extra burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when served alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice, which soaks up every drop of that wonderful peanut sauce. For a lighter option, serve with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed green beans tossed in a bit of garlic and sesame oil to complement the chicken’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe over a bed of spiralized veggies or rice noodles for a low-carb bowl. You can also turn leftovers into a vibrant Thai chicken wrap with fresh veggies and a drizzle of extra peanut sauce or even toss it with some crunchy slaw for a fusion salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making the leftovers even tastier the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of coconut milk when reheating can help refresh the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly. Thighs are preferred for their juiciness and ability to hold the sauce well.

Is the peanut sauce spicy?

This particular Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is mild and balanced, but you can easily add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce if you love heat.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken thighs with firm tofu or roasted vegetables like cauliflower or eggplant for a delicious vegetarian version.

What can I use instead of coconut milk?

You can substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or a blend of milk and a bit of peanut butter, but coconut milk adds that characteristic creaminess and subtle sweetness that complements the peanut sauce perfectly.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The chicken should also be opaque and juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Baked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe enough if you want a flavorful, effortless meal that tastes like a restaurant specialty but is made in your very own kitchen. It’s one of those dishes that feels cozy and familiar yet excitingly full of fresh, vibrant flavors. Give it a try—you might just find your new weeknight favorite!