Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken with Coconut & Noodles

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to bring some bold, aromatic, soul-warming flavors into your kitchen today? This dish is a beautiful tribute to the comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful world of Thai-inspired cooking. Creamy Thai Peanut Chicken with Coconut & Noodles is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug after a long day—creamy, savory, lightly spicy, and wonderfully fragrant. 🍜🥥

In traditional Southeast Asian cooking, the harmony of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy is everything. This recipe leans into that philosophy with tender chicken simmered in velvety coconut milk, rich peanut butter, fragrant garlic and ginger, and a bright pop of lime. While not strictly traditional, it’s inspired by beloved Thai flavors that families have cooked with for generations—coconut, peanuts, chili, basil, and fresh aromatics. These ingredients bring warmth, depth, and balance to every bite.

Picture a bowl full of soft noodles wrapped in silky peanut-coconut sauce, with juicy chicken, crunchy peanuts, and fresh herbs scattered on top. This is the kind of comfort food that lifts your spirit and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, hosting friends, or prepping meals for the week, it’s satisfying, vibrant, and crave-worthy.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the heat, add more veggies, swap the protein, or make it vegetarian. And like many traditional Thai-inspired dishes, the flavors grow better as they rest—making it perfect for leftovers. Ready to stir up something unforgettable? Let’s bring this comforting bowl to life! ✨🍽️

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Sauce

• 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1–2 tbsp Thai red curry paste (adjust to preferred heat 🌶️)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
• Salt to taste

For the Noodles & Garnish

• 8 oz rice noodles or egg noodles
• Fresh cilantro or basil, chopped
• Crushed peanuts
• Lime wedges
• Optional: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the noodles.
   Prepare your rice or egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Toss lightly with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the chicken.
   Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until lightly golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics.
   In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant and softened—this step builds the foundation of flavor.
4. Add the bell pepper.
   Stir in the sliced red pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes to soften slightly.
5. Prepare the sauce.
   Pour in the coconut milk, then whisk in the peanut butter, soy sauce, curry paste, vinegar or lime juice, and brown sugar. Allow everything to melt together into a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Simmer and return the chicken.
   Add the chicken back to the pan and let everything simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to deepen.
7. Adjust and taste.
   Add salt, more lime, or a touch of sugar depending on your preferred balance. Thai-inspired cooking is all about personalization! 🌶️🍋
8. Combine with noodles.
   Toss the cooked noodles directly into the sauce—or serve the sauce spooned over the noodles for a prettier presentation.
9. Garnish and serve.
   Top with herbs, crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and any extras you love. Enjoy your creamy, aromatic bowl of comfort! 🥥🍜

Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 20 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 35 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~480
🍽️ Servings: 4

#thaiflavors #creamychicken #peanutnoodles #comfortfood #homemademeals

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️