Peanut Butter Chicken

by
Print Recipe

Introduction

Peanut Butter Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter. The sauce is both smooth and flavorful, offering a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes. Whether served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite for its satisfying taste and quick preparation. The addition of spices and a hint of heat makes it an unforgettable experience for peanut butter lovers and adventurous eaters alike.


I remember the first time I made this dish for a cozy dinner. The aroma of the peanut butter sauce wafting through the kitchen had everyone excited for the meal. What’s great about Peanut Butter Chicken is how versatile it is—you can adjust the level of heat to suit your taste, whether you like a mild kick or a spicier version. It’s also easy to customize with different vegetables or served over your favorite type of starch.


The best part? This dish is surprisingly quick and easy to prepare, with just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps. Whether you’re craving something hearty and flavorful or want to impress with a unique dish, Peanut Butter Chicken is sure to be a hit at the dinner table!vers and adventurous eaters alike.

Perfect for:

  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family lunch
  • Peanut butter lovers
  • Comfort food cravings
  • Asian-inspired meals

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Peanut Butter Chicken is bound to become your go-to dinner recipe:

  • Creamy Peanut Butter Sauce: The peanut butter sauce is the star of the dish, with its creamy texture and rich, nutty flavor.
  • Savory with a Touch of Sweetness: The sauce is perfectly balanced with soy sauce, garlic, and a little honey, giving it both savory depth and a hint of sweetness.
  • Quick and Easy: This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
  • Versatile: You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even as a topping for a salad or steamed vegetables.
  • Flavorful: The sauce brings out the chicken’s natural flavor, with just the right amount of spice and heat from chili flakes or sriracha.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 24g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Peanut Butter Chicken:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Peanut Butter Sauce:

  • ½ cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ cup coconut milk or chicken broth (for a thinner sauce)

For Garnish (optional):

  • Chopped peanuts
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions
  • Lime wedges

Ingredient Highlights

  • Peanut Butter: The creamy base of the sauce, offering a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Soy Sauce: Adds savory umami and depth to the dish.
  • Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances the peanut butter and soy sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
  • Coconut Milk or Chicken Broth: Helps to thin the sauce and gives it a smooth, velvety texture.
  • Ginger and Garlic: Add warmth and aromatic flavor to the sauce, enhancing the overall dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Peanut Butter Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

  1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper on both sides.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

Make the Peanut Butter Sauce:

  1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and coconut milk or chicken broth. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
  2. Heat the Sauce: Pour the sauce into the skillet over medium-low heat and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Combine Chicken and Sauce:

  1. Add the Chicken Back to the Skillet: Slice the cooked chicken into strips or cubes, then return it to the skillet with the peanut butter sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly in the sauce and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and infuse the chicken with flavor.

Serve:

  1. Serve with Rice or Noodles: Serve the peanut butter chicken over cooked rice, noodles, or with a side of steamed vegetables.
  2. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, or a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor and crunch.

How to Serve

  • With Steamed Rice: Serve with jasmine or basmati rice for a classic pairing.
  • Over Noodles: Toss with cooked noodles for a comforting peanut butter noodle dish.
  • With Vegetables: Serve with sautéed or steamed vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
  • As a Wrap: Wrap the chicken and sauce in lettuce leaves or tortillas for a fun twist.
  • With Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds brightness to the rich peanut butter sauce.

Additional Tips

  • Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, perfect for this dish.
  • Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of sriracha sauce.
  • For a Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of coconut milk or chicken broth or let the sauce simmer for a few extra minutes.
  • Make it Vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a plant-based version.

Recipe Variations

  1. Peanut Butter Chicken with Mango: Add diced mango for a sweet and savory twist.
  2. Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken: Increase the heat with more chili flakes or hot sauce.
  3. Peanut Butter Chicken with Cashews: Add roasted cashews for a crunchy texture.
  4. Keto Peanut Butter Chicken: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol and low-carb coconut milk for a keto-friendly version.
  5. Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry: Toss with stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots.
  6. Thai Peanut Butter Chicken: Add lime leaves, cilantro, and fish sauce for an authentic Thai flavor.
  7. Coconut Peanut Butter Chicken: Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for extra coconut flavor.
  8. Peanut Butter Chicken Curry: Add curry powder to the sauce for a twist on traditional curry.
  9. Peanut Butter Chicken with Sesame Seeds: Garnish with sesame seeds for added crunch.
  10. Sweet and Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken: Add a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess and more honey for sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Allow the chicken to cool, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat by gently warming in a skillet or microwave.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Special Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Whisk for mixing the sauce
  • Knife and cutting board for slicing the chicken

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use natural peanut butter? Yes, natural peanut butter will work, but the sauce might need more honey for sweetness.
  2. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter? Yes, almond butter can be a great substitute if you prefer a different flavor.
  3. Can I make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Add more chili flakes or sriracha to adjust the heat.
  4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful dish.
  5. Can I prepare this in advance? You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then combine and heat when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for those nights when you crave something quick yet satisfying. The rich, nutty peanut butter sauce brings a delicious depth of flavor to the tender chicken, making every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite sides like rice, noodles, or vegetables.

Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want to try something a little different, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. The creamy sauce and juicy chicken come together in a way that will have everyone coming back for more.

I’d love to see how your Peanut Butter Chicken turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Enjoy!

Leave a Comment