30-Minute Thai Peanut Chicken Saute
A vibrant Thai-inspired chicken dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a rich coconut curry sauce with creamy peanut butter, aromatic red curry paste, and fresh vegetables. The sauce balances sweet palm sugar, tangy lime juice, and savory fish sauce for authentic Thai flavors. Quick-cooking peas and fresh cilantro add color and freshness to this satisfying one-pan meal that's perfect for weeknight dinners when you crave bold, exotic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 4 chicken breasts, 6 ounce, skinless and boneless, pounded thin
- 1 red pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste
- 1 can coconut milk, 14 ounce
- ¼ cup peanut butteralmond butter1:1nut-free if tree nut allergypeanuts-freeadds dairy
Different flavor profile
Full guide → - 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons palm sugar, or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce such as sriracha, or to taste
- 1 cup peas
- 2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and season chicken with salt and pepper
- 2
Cook chicken until lightly golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side, then set aside
- 3
Add red pepper to the pan and saute for 2 minutes
- 4
Add red curry paste and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute
- 5
Add coconut milk, peanut butter, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and chili sauce, stirring until peanut butter melts
- 6
Return chicken to pan with peas and cilantro, then remove from heat
Tips
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and tender results
Let red curry paste cook until fragrant to release its full flavor before adding liquids
Adjust chili sauce to taste - start with less and add more for desired heat level
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in airtight container
Sauce can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently
Serve immediately over rice or noodles for complete meal
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook chicken to avoid dryness - cook just until done
Stir sauce constantly when melting peanut butter to prevent sticking
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
Different flavor profile
Full guide →General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter works fine and adds nice texture to the sauce, though it may not melt as smoothly.
What if I don't have red curry paste?
You can substitute with 1-2 teaspoons curry powder mixed with a pinch of red pepper flakes, though flavor will be different.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.