Name: Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, cut into cubes; 1 carrot, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; ½ zucchini, diced; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; ¼ cup peanuts, chopped; 2 teaspoons avocado oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 13.5 oz coconut milk; 3 tablespoons peanut butter; 2 tablespoons red curry paste; 2 teaspoons soy sauce (alternatives: tamari or coconut aminos); 1 tablespoon honey

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 4 reviews

If you are craving a dish that is packed with bold flavors, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice, the Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This vibrant and comforting meal combines tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a luscious peanut coconut curry sauce that comes together in under 40 minutes. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also a perfect weeknight dinner that brings a touch of Thai-inspired magic to your table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A red pot filled with a thick orange curry containing chunks of light brown meat and small pieces of red pepper, sprinkled with green chopped herbs on top; beside the pot is a white bowl full of fluffy white rice, a small white bowl with light brown peanuts, and a wooden cutting board with finely chopped green herbs and a curved silver herb chopper. All items are placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth with blue stripes and a silver spoon nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this flavorful recipe. Each element in this dish plays a vital role: from the fresh veggies that add crunch and color to the rich coconut milk which creates a creamy base for our irresistible curry sauce.

Chicken breast (1 lb, cubed): Lean protein that soaks up all the delicious curry flavors beautifully.
Carrot (1, sliced): Adds a subtle sweetness and vibrant orange hue.
Red bell pepper (1, diced): Provides a fresh crunch and bright red color.
Zucchini (½, diced): A tender vegetable that balances the richness of the sauce.
Onion (1, diced): Builds depth through its natural sweetness and aroma.
Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the curry with signature pungency and warmth.
Ginger (1 tsp, minced): Adds a zingy freshness to the flavor profile.
Peanuts (¼ cup, chopped): Brings texture and enhances the peanut flavor in the sauce.
Avocado oil (2 tsp): A mild oil perfect for sautéing without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste.
Coconut milk (13.5 oz): Creates a creamy and rich curry base that melds everything together.
Peanut butter (3 tbsp): The heart of the peanut sauce, lending it its irresistible nutty flavor.
Red curry paste (2 tbsp): Adds heat and authentic Thai spice.
Soy sauce (2 tsp): For a savory umami kick—alternatives like tamari or coconut aminos work great too.
Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the spiciness with a touch of natural sweetness.

How to Make Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Heat the avocado oil in a pot over medium heat. While it warms, prepare all your ingredients by washing, peeling, and chopping. Start by adding the diced onions, minced garlic, minced ginger, and cubed chicken breast to the pot. Sauté just until the chicken develops a golden color but is not fully cooked through. This step ensures the chicken remains juicy and absorbs the curry flavors in the following steps.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Continue Cooking

Next, toss in the sliced carrot and sauté until it begins to soften slightly. Follow with the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, stirring everything together in the pot. This colorful medley not only creates texture but also enhances the visual appeal of the curry, making it as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Step 3: Incorporate the Peanut Curry Sauce

Now for the magic moment: add the coconut milk, peanut butter, red curry paste, soy sauce, and honey directly into the pot. Stir everything well to combine the ingredients into a luscious, creamy sauce. Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let the curry simmer gently for around 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to become tender and the chicken to finish cooking through while the flavors marry perfectly.

Step 4: Season and Finish

After simmering, season the curry with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to sprinkle the chopped peanuts over the top just before serving, adding that signature crunch and peanut punch that makes this dish so special.

How to Serve Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe

A white bowl with two main layers: on the left side, fluffy white rice with a soft texture; on the right side, a rich orange curry with pieces of light brown chicken, bright red pepper slices, thin carrot rounds, and green zucchini slices. The curry is topped with small chopped pieces of light beige nuts scattered over it. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a beautiful and flavorful presentation, garnish your curry with freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of toasted peanuts. These accents bring a fresh brightness and enticing aroma that will make every bite even more enjoyable.

Side Dishes

This curry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, try it alongside cauliflower rice or with a simple cucumber salad for crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the Thai Chicken Peanut Curry in small bowls with a side of crispy wonton chips for dipping. Alternatively, use it as a flavorful topping for baked sweet potatoes or scoop it over noodles for an extra comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Thai Chicken Peanut Curry keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as a quick lunch the next day without losing any of its rich flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze the curry in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing, and leave space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat the curry gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You might want to add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp, tofu, or even pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein is cooked perfectly without drying out.

Is the Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe very spicy?

The heat level largely depends on the red curry paste you use. If you prefer a milder curry, start with less curry paste and add more to taste. It’s a very flexible recipe that you can easily customize to suit your spice preference.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and make sure to use a vegetable-based curry paste and soy sauce. The peanut coconut sauce remains rich and delicious without any animal products.

What can I substitute for peanut butter if I have an allergy?

Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be good alternatives, though they will change the flavor slightly. Be sure to choose unsweetened varieties and adjust seasoning accordingly.

How thick should the curry sauce be?

The sauce should be creamy and smooth, thick enough to coat the chicken and vegetables without being overly runny. If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little more coconut milk or water while cooking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes for busy evenings that demand comfort and speed. The harmony of creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a bowl of pure joy that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Thai Chicken Peanut Curry Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Continue Cooking