Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken
Cooking has a special way of bringing back memories, doesn’t it? For me, one of those cherished moments always involves my family gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and laughter. One of our favorite dishes that never fails to bring smiles is Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken. The rich, nutty flavors married with the sweetness of orange and a hint of spice creates a heavenly dish that warms the heart. Just recently, I prepared this delight during a busy weeknight, and it was like a comforting embrace after a long day.
As the aroma filled my kitchen, I could see my kids’ faces light up with anticipation. They adore this dish, and I can’t blame them! It’s the perfect mix of sweet and savory, with the tender chicken soaking up that luscious peanut sauce. The best part? It’s quick to whip up, making it ideal for those evenings when you want something delicious yet hassle-free. Trust me, once you get a taste of this Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken, it’ll likely become a family favorite!
Recipe Snapshot
23 mins
5 mins
18 mins
Medium
450 kcal
35 g
Whole30, Gluten-Free
25 g
Skillet, Frying Pan, Whisk, Oven, Saucepan, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl, Baking Sheet
Why You Need This Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken
Elevates Dinner Time
There’s something incredibly satisfying about serving a dish that not only tastes fantastic but also looks appealing. The vibrant colors of the sauce combined with the garnished peanuts and green onions make Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken a visual delight. It’s a conversation starter at the dinner table and adds a festive touch to any meal.
Quick and Easy
In our fast-paced lives, finding a recipe that’s both simple and quick is a treasure. This dish takes only about thirty minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to whip up something delicious without extensive prep.
Family-Friendly Flavors
Kids can sometimes be picky eaters, but this dish has a universal appeal. With its sweet peanut taste balanced by a zesty hint of orange, even the fussiest eaters in your family will be asking for seconds. It’s a great way to introduce new flavors without overwhelming their taste buds.
Versatile Ingredients
The beauty of the ingredients in Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken lies in their versatility. You can easily customize the recipe by adding more vegetables or adjusting the spice level to cater to your family’s preferences. It’s a flexible dish that can adapt to what you have in your pantry.
Perfect for Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, consider yourself lucky! The flavors of this dish deepen and improve when stored for the next day. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, serving the leftovers is just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead meal option.
FAQ
Conclusion
Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken stands out with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors and the ease of preparation. It’s not only a delicious addition to your dinner rotation but also a dish that brings people together. I invite you to try making it tonight; I promise, it will be a hit! With its rich flavors and quick cooking time, this chicken dish is sure to become a go-to in your home.

Sticky Thai Peanut Orange Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
- Frying Pan
- Whisk
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 6 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Tender and juicy, perfect for absorbing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil Used for cooking the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Adds warmth and a slight zest.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses a savory depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika Gives color and a mild sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin Provides an earthy aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon Pepper Adds a subtle kick.
- 1/3 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce The base of the sauce brings umami.
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice Sweet and tangy, brightens the dish.
- 1/2 cup Orange Marmalade Enhances sweetness and adds texture.
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1/3 cup Crunchy Peanut Butter Gives richness and nuttiness.
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar Provides acidity to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce A touch of umami and complexity.
- 3-4 tablespoons Brown Sugar Adjust based on desired sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha For a little heat, adjust to taste.
- 1.5 tablespoons Cornstarch Used for thickening the sauce.
- to taste Chopped Roasted Peanuts For garnish and added crunch.
- to taste Green Onions Garnish for freshness.
- to taste Orange Zest Adds a fragrant citrus note.
Instructions
- Start by whisking together the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Set it aside while you prepare the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400F degrees to ensure it's hot when you're ready to bake.
- In a small bowl, mix the rub ingredients, which include ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, and salt. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs. This step is essential to infuse flavors right into the meat.
- Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat and melt olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. This creates a beautiful crust that locks in the juices.
- After browning, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. You'll return it to the skillet later.
- Next, pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, scraping the sides to deglaze any brown bits. Let it simmer for about 1 minute to meld the flavors together.
- Now, bring the chicken back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over it. This will help keep the chicken moist as it bakes.
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165F degrees.
- Once baked, garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, green onions, and a sprinkle of orange zest for that extra burst of flavor. Serve it over rice for a complete meal!
Notes
- Tip 1: Prefer chicken thighs for their tenderness, but feel free to use chicken breasts pounded thin. Adjust baking time accordingly.
- Tip 2: Use about 3 tablespoons of brown sugar, then sprinkle a bit more on top after baking for an irresistible sweet finish!


