Pan Cooked Chicken Thighs with Easy Peanut Sauce

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Easy pan-cooked chicken thighs with creamy peanut sauce—perfect for busy nights, meal prep, and full of bold Thai-inspired flavors!

skillet cooked chicken thighs with peanut sauce

When you’re craving the bold, savory flavors of Thai food but want something quick and doable at home, Pan Cooked Chicken Thighs with Easy Peanut Sauce is the perfect answer. This easy peanut butter chicken recipe combines juicy chicken, a rich, creamy peanut sauce, and a simple cooking method that’s achievable even on the busiest of busy weeknights. Best of all, it uses pantry staples you can find at any grocery store.

Whether you’re exploring new recipes or looking for your next delicious meal, this great recipe delivers. Featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs coated in a luscious, good peanut sauce, this dish is ideal for meal prep, easy dinners, or simply satisfying your craving for a homemade version of chicken satay. If you’ve ever loved the layers of complex flavors in a classic satay sauce, you’ll love how this one comes together quickly in just one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The best part about this recipe is how easy and versatile it is. Not only does it offer tender chicken and a creamy peanut butter sauce with a hint of garlic and sesame, but it’s also flexible. Serve it over jasmine rice, white rice, cauliflower rice, or even rice noodles for a low carb or hearty option. It’s also perfect for families—kids and adults alike will devour it thanks to the rich, comforting flavors.

This dish is also customizable. If you’re out of soy sauce, you can easily swap it with coconut aminos for a gluten-free twist. Prefer more heat? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a touch of chili garlic sauce for a spicier kick. No matter how you tweak it, this easy peanut butter chicken recipe is a surefire way to get a delicious meal on the table fast.

ingredients in chicken thighs with peanut sauce

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

Let’s take a closer look at the main ingredients that bring this dish to life:

Chicken Thighs: Boneless chicken thighs or boneless skinless chicken thighs work best for juicy, tender chicken.
Cornstarch: Gives the chicken a light, crispy coating and helps the sauce cling to each piece.
Sesame Oil: Infuses a rich, nutty flavor that’s essential to the dish.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic base.
Creamy Peanut Butter: Choose a natural peanut butter for a more authentic, nutty flavor. Crunchy peanut butter can add some extra texture if desired.
Soy Sauce: Brings umami depth. Substitute with coconut aminos if needed.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and richness.
Water: Thins out the sauce for perfect coating consistency.
Crushed Peanuts and Sesame Seeds: Add texture and visual appeal.

These sauce ingredients are pantry staples you can easily find at any grocery store, making this an ideal go-to for busy weeknights.

How to Make the Recipe

Follow these simple steps for best results:

Coat the Chicken: Toss raw chicken pieces in cornstarch until fully coated.

Cook the Chicken: Heat sesame oil over medium heat in a large saucepan or cast iron skillet. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook, tossing occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F—about 10 minutes of cooking time.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together the peanut butter, tbsp soy sauce, hoisin sauce, minced garlic, and water until smooth.

peanut sauce ingredients including peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, water

ingredients whisked together to make peanut sauce

Combine: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat evenly. Let the sauce thicken slightly.

peanut sauce poured over cooked chicken thighs

Finish: Top with crushed peanuts and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite side like naan bread, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles.

chicken thighs with peanut sauce ready for serving

For extra sauce, double the sauce recipe. You’ll want the remaining peanut sauce for drizzling over sides like steamed veggies or white rice!

How to Store the Recipe

If you have leftover peanut butter chicken, you’re in luck! This dish tastes just as good the next day. Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm.

You can also freeze this dish. Simply place cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed. The best texture is preserved when reheated gently to avoid drying out the juicy chicken.

More Peanut-y Recipes

no-bake peanut butter oatmeal bars — No-Bake Oatmeal Bars

crunchy and tangy purple cabbage slaw — No-Bake Oatmeal Bars

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use the Right Type of Peanut Butter: Natural peanut butter gives the sauce a rich flavor without added sugars and oils.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in a single layer to achieve a slight sear and best flavor.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Customize the Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a dab of chili garlic sauce for a spicier version.
Serve with Sides: For a complete meal, pair with jasmine rice, naan bread, or cauliflower rice for a low carb alternative.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a double batch and portion into containers with cauliflower rice or white rice for effortless meal prep.

Next time you’re craving the flavors of peanut chicken recipes, give this easy peanut butter chicken recipe a try! It’s a guaranteed hit for the whole family and will quickly become one of your go-to easy dinners. Save or print the recipe card so you can whip up this delicious meal anytime.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Swap in chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them to keep the chicken tender.

Can I make the sauce spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or even a splash of sriracha to the creamy peanut sauce for extra heat.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can substitute with more soy sauce plus a bit of honey for a similar sweet and salty balance.

Can I use a pressure cooker to make this?

While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you could adapt it to a pressure cooker by browning the chicken first, then using the “sauté” function to finish with the sauce.

How do I make the sauce extra creamy?

Use creamy peanut butter and stir well in a small bowl before adding it to the pan. For an even silkier texture, add a splash of coconut milk.