Chicken with Peanut Sauce is a flavorful, easy-to-make low-carb dish inspired by Thai flavors. This recipe features tender chicken breast strips sautéed and coated in a rich, creamy peanut and red Thai curry sauce made with ginger, garlic, coconut milk, and a touch of sweetness. The sauce is freshened with cilantro, offering a vibrant, aromatic complement to the savory chicken. Perfect for those who enjoy bold Asian-inspired meals that are quick and satisfying.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut in half lengthwise

• 2 tablespoons minced ginger

• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

• ½ cup smooth natural peanut butter (room temperature)

• ¼ cup rice vinegar (unseasoned)

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons Monkfruit sweetener (or other sweetener of choice)

• 2 teaspoons red Thai curry paste

• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

• About 2 tablespoons peanut oil (for cooking)

• 1 can (13.5 oz) unsweetened coconut milk

• 4 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish (or substitute with thinly sliced green onions)

Directions

1. Trim chicken breasts, cutting off any visible fat or ragged pieces. Cut each breast in half lengthwise into roughly equal pieces.

2. Heat peanut oil in a large heavy frying pan over medium heat. Season chicken pieces with black pepper. Cook chicken until browned, about 5 minutes on the first side and 4-5 minutes on the second side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove chicken from the pan and keep warm.

3. While chicken cooks, blend ginger, garlic, peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sweetener, and red Thai curry paste in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust curry paste if needed.

4. Reduce heat to low and add coconut milk to the pan, scraping browned bits off the bottom. Stir in the peanut-curry paste mixture and simmer for 2-3 minutes until hot.

5. Stir in any accumulated juices from the chicken plate into the sauce and simmer for another minute. Turn off heat and stir in most of the chopped cilantro (or green onions), reserving some for garnish.

6. Serve the chicken hot with sauce spooned over the top, garnished with remaining cilantro.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 488 kcal

• Total Fat: 29 g

• Saturated Fat: 6.1 g

• Unsaturated Fat: 20.5 g

• Cholesterol: 102 mg

• Sodium: 697 mg

• Carbohydrates: 10 g

• Fiber: 3.1 g

• Sugar: 2 g

• Protein: 47 g

The Flavor Profile and Cultural Inspiration

The dish draws inspiration from traditional Thai cooking, known for its harmonious use of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements. Thai cuisine often incorporates peanut sauces, especially in dishes like satay, which highlight the earthy richness of peanuts combined with coconut and spices. In this recipe, the addition of red Thai curry paste introduces layers of heat and spice, balanced by the creamy coconut milk and sweetener.

The interplay of flavors here is what sets this dish apart. The peanut butter provides a grounding richness, while the curry paste and ginger introduce aromatic warmth. Garlic adds depth, and the rice vinegar offers a mild tang that brightens the sauce. The sweetness, often a subtle but essential aspect in Thai cooking, comes from a low-carb sweetener, making this dish suitable for health-conscious eaters without sacrificing flavor.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Chicken with Peanut Sauce is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, crucial for muscle maintenance and repair, as well as overall health. With 47 grams of protein per serving, this dish supports satiety and can be especially beneficial for those seeking to maintain or build lean muscle mass.

Peanut butter, while high in fat, offers predominantly healthy unsaturated fats that support heart health and provide sustained energy. The recipe’s inclusion of coconut milk adds a creamy texture and supplies medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which some studies suggest may aid in metabolism and weight management.

The use of Monkfruit sweetener keeps the carbohydrate content low, making this dish friendly for low-carb and ketogenic diets. Additionally, the fresh ginger and garlic bring their own health perks, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Cooking Techniques and Tips

One of the reasons this recipe is so accessible is its straightforward cooking method. Sautéing the chicken in peanut oil allows the meat to brown nicely, developing a flavorful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The temperature control during cooking is key—using a meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) without overcooking.

The sauce preparation is equally simple but crucial to the dish’s success. Blending the sauce ingredients until smooth ensures an even, luscious texture that coats the chicken beautifully. Simmering the sauce with the browned bits left in the pan enhances depth and complexity by incorporating those caramelized flavors.

Incorporating the fresh cilantro at the end preserves its bright, herbaceous notes, which cut through the richness of the sauce. For variation, green onions can be used to add a mild oniony crunch, allowing customization based on preference.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Chicken with Peanut Sauce shines best when served hot, with the sauce generously spooned over the chicken pieces. It pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides that complement but don’t overpower its rich flavors. Steamed or sautéed low-carb vegetables like broccoli, bok choy, or green beans are excellent choices to keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

For those not limiting carbs, jasmine rice or cauliflower rice makes a perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce. The dish also works well alongside a crisp cucumber salad, which adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy notes.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes this Chicken with Peanut Sauce recipe particularly special is its fusion of ease, healthfulness, and flavor complexity. Many peanut chicken dishes tend to be heavy or overly sweet, but this version balances all aspects beautifully. The use of red Thai curry paste introduces authentic Thai spice, setting it apart from typical Westernized peanut sauces.

Moreover, this dish is adaptable. You can adjust the spice level by varying the curry paste amount, and substitute sweeteners to suit dietary needs. It’s also a recipe that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners when time is limited but flavor is a priority.

Conclusion

Chicken with Peanut Sauce is a fantastic addition to any meal repertoire, especially for those who love bold, comforting flavors with a touch of exotic flair. This dish combines the best of Thai-inspired ingredients with practical cooking techniques to deliver a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal that fits well into low-carb and health-conscious lifestyles.

Its rich peanut-curry sauce, enhanced by fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro, creates a dish that is as vibrant in flavor as it is nourishing. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers a quick, delicious solution that feels both special and wholesome.

Adding Chicken with Peanut Sauce to your website will provide readers with a culinary experience that not only delights the taste buds but also supports their health goals. Its straightforward preparation and adaptable nature ensure it can become a beloved staple in kitchens looking for a quick, flavorful escape to the flavors of Thailand.