Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe

I absolutely love making this Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe whenever I want something that’s bursting with vibrant flavors yet surprisingly easy to prepare. The creamy peanut sauce paired with the tangy, spicy mango topping creates a perfect harmony that keeps me coming back for more. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe

What truly gets me about this recipe is the unique balance it strikes between creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet. The Thai red curry paste combined with peanut butter creates this luscious sauce that’s rich yet light enough to keep the dish feeling fresh. Then, the spicy lime mango topping cuts through the richness with a zingy brightness that lifts every bite. I find it hard to describe just how satisfying this flavor layering is until you try it yourself.

Aside from tasting incredible, I appreciate how straightforward this recipe is. Whether I’m using the stovetop, Instant Pot, or slow cooker method, it’s incredibly forgiving and doesn’t require hours of babysitting. That ease makes it my go-to when I want something impressive but not complicated. Plus, it’s versatile enough for a cozy weeknight meal, a casual dinner party, or even a special family gathering where I want to wow everyone without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe comes down to a handful of essential ingredients that each bring something special to the plate. From the creamy coconut milk to the fresh herbs, every component plays a key role in creating vibrant color, texture, and unforgettable flavor.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs add juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well too for a leaner option.
• Thai red curry paste: This paste delivers the spicy, aromatic backbone critical to the dish’s Thai character.
• Ground ginger: Adds warm, zesty notes that brighten the sauce.
• Sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil: For a nutty or mild fruity base to sear the chicken.
• Fresh Thai basil and cilantro: Their herbal freshness complements the richness perfectly.
• Full fat coconut milk: Creates an indulgent creaminess that makes the sauce dreamy.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Adds salty umami without overpowering the delicate balance.
• Fish sauce (optional but recommended): Enhances depth and authentic Thai flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that turns the sauce irresistibly smooth and nutty.
• Lime juice: Cuts through richness with bright acidity.
• Mango, jalapeño, lime juice and zest: These combine for the spicy lime mango topping that brings a fresh punch.
• Steamed rice, roasted peanuts, Persian cucumbers: Classic accompaniments that balance texture and flavors.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by tossing the chicken with 2 tablespoons of Thai red curry paste, the ground ginger, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Let this marinate for about 5 minutes to soak up the flavors before cooking.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Then add the remaining curry paste, the chopped basil, and cilantro to build more flavor right in the pot.

Step 3: Lower your heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in the coconut milk, soy sauce, fish sauce if you’re using it, and 1/4 cup of water. Partially cover the pot and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

Step 4: Stir in the creamy peanut butter and fresh lime juice, then simmer for another 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Keep in mind the sauce will be quite generous and silky.

Step 5: While the chicken simmers, combine the diced mango, chopped jalapeño, lime juice, and zest in a bowl to make your spicy lime mango topping. Let those flavors meld as the chicken finishes.

Step 6: Serve the chicken and its rich sauce over freshly steamed rice. Top with crunchy roasted peanuts, slices of Persian cucumber for a refreshing crunch, and generous spoonfuls of the spicy lime mango for that final burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

This Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe serves about 6 hungry people generously. Prep time is impressively short at around 15 minutes, and the cook time is roughly the same, adding up to a 30-minute total. No resting or cooling time is needed, making it perfect for when you want a quick yet flavorful meal without fussing.

How to Serve This Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe

I love serving this vibrant dish with fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce beautifully. On the side, simple roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas give a fresh and crisp counterpoint to the creamy chicken. For a lighter crunch, I also add Persian cucumbers and some roasted peanuts sprinkled on top—they add both texture and a delightful nutty flavor.

For garnishing, I often scatter a handful of fresh cilantro leaves on the chicken just before serving, and sometimes a few lime wedges so guests can add extra zing if they like. Presentation-wise, I like using wide shallow bowls to show off all the colorful components, and portion the chicken so everyone gets plenty of sauce and mango topping to mix in. It’s beautiful and inviting!

When it comes to drinks, I personally find a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc works wonderfully, or a light lager beer to complement the spice and creaminess. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lime soda or a cold Thai iced tea is delicious and refreshing alongside this meal. The dish is best enjoyed warm but not piping hot, so the fresh herbal notes and mango topping really shine through.

Variations

I often experiment with this Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe by swapping chicken thighs for breasts when I want a leaner dish, though thighs bring more juiciness personally. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, I substitute the chicken with firm tofu or even sweet potatoes, and swap fish sauce for tamari or extra soy sauce to keep that umami vibe.

If you love heat, I sometimes add extra chopped chilies or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce to kick up spice. Alternatively, scaling back the red curry paste and jalapeño options makes it milder for more sensitive palates. For a creamier finish, swirling in a bit of coconut cream atop the finished dish adds extra richness. I also find cooking the chicken in an Instant Pot speeds up the process beautifully, while slow cooker method infuses deep flavors if you have more time.

Finally, for a fresher twist, swapping cilantro with fresh mint or Thai basil can bring a new herbal dimension to the recipe. No matter how I tweak it, the balance between the peanut sauce richness and spicy lime mango keeps this dish exciting and satisfying each time.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango in airtight containers in the refrigerator and it keeps well for up to 3 days. I recommend separating the mango topping from the chicken unless you plan to eat it all within the same day, as the fresh mango and lime mixture is best served fresh and can lose its texture if stored too long.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well, especially the chicken and sauce without the mango topping. To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well frozen for up to 3 months. When freezing, I avoid adding fresh herbs or crunchy toppings as they don’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the chicken gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to bring back that lovely creamy sauce without splitting. Microwave reheating can work in a pinch but risks uneven heating or drying out the chicken. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce seems too thick when reheating to restore creaminess. Always add the spicy lime mango fresh after reheating for the best contrast in texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well and make the dish leaner, but because they’re lower in fat, they can dry out more easily. I recommend monitoring the cooking time closely and not overcooking if you choose breasts. The sauce helps keep everything moist regardless.

Is fish sauce necessary, or can I leave it out?

Fish sauce adds authentic depth and a savory umami boost, but if you’re vegetarian, vegan, or don’t like fish sauce, you can omit it or substitute with extra low sodium soy sauce or tamari. Your dish will still be delicious, just slightly different in flavor.

What can I serve instead of rice with this dish?

While steamed jasmine or coconut rice is classic, you could also serve Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango over quinoa, cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or even noodle varieties like rice noodles for a twist. I sometimes pile it on top of sautéed greens for a lighter meal.

How spicy is the spicy lime mango topping? Can I adjust it?

The topping gets its heat mostly from the jalapeño, which you can easily adjust by using less or skipping the seeds. For a milder version, I reduce the jalapeño and add a bit more lime juice to keep brightness without sharp spice. It’s flexible to your taste!

Can this recipe be made ahead of time for parties?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day ahead; it tastes even better as flavors deepen. Just keep the spicy lime mango separate and add it fresh when serving. This makes it a fantastic make-ahead dish for entertaining, so you spend more time with your guests and less in the kitchen.

Conclusion

Trying this Thai Peanut Chicken with Spicy Lime Mango Recipe has been one of my favorite culinary adventures. It blends bold, exciting flavors and luscious textures in a way that feels both special and approachable. I can’t wait for you to make it and share it with the people you love—trust me, it’s a dish that will bring smiles and season your kitchen with warmth and joy.

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