The Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe for Savory Dinners

Creamy, nutty peanut butter chicken brings a delightful twist to your weeknight dinner routine.

This recipe combines savory and rich flavors that dance on your palate.

Tender chicken pieces get coated in a luscious, smooth sauce that packs a punch of umami goodness.

Spices and aromatics complement the peanut butter’s deep, nutty undertones.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of protein and zesty seasonings.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal meal for busy cooks seeking something extraordinary.

Steps for Tasty Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken Cubes

Drizzle olive oil into a skillet and warm it over medium heat.

Toss in chicken cubes and cook them, turning frequently until each side develops a golden-brown color and looks crispy.

This process typically takes about 5-7 minutes.

Make sure the chicken is cooked through with no pink remaining.

Step 2: Create Creamy Peanut Sauce

• Smooth peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Ground ginger
• Chicken broth

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-blended, creating a rich and fragrant sauce.

Step 3: Simmer and Merge Flavors

Pour the prepared peanut butter sauce directly over the seared chicken in the pan.

Let the mixture simmer gently, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the sauce gradually thickens and coats the chicken pieces beautifully.

Continue cooking for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 4: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste.

Add a generous garnish of freshly chopped green onions on top.

Serve the chicken piping hot, allowing the aromatic sauce to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.

Tips for Creamy, Savory Chicken

• Add extra protein by including chopped peanuts or edamame on top for crunch and nutritional value.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
• Incorporate red pepper flakes or sriracha for those who enjoy a spicier kick to the dish.
• Replace regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Pat chicken pieces dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior and prevent steaming instead of browning.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Variations

• Almond Butter Chicken: Replace peanut butter with creamy almond butter for a lighter, nutty flavor profile that's great for those with peanut allergies.
• Low-Sodium Delight: Swap regular soy sauce with low-sodium tamari or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining savory depth.
• Spicy Thai-Inspired Version: Add red chili flakes or sriracha sauce to the peanut butter mixture for a zesty, heat-packed chicken dish that tingles taste buds.
• Coconut Curry Adaptation: Mix in a tablespoon of red curry paste with the peanut butter sauce to create a rich, aromatic Southeast Asian-style chicken meal.

Serving Peanut Butter Chicken with Sides

• Nutty Noodle Companion: Serve this peanut butter chicken over a bed of steamed rice noodles or jasmine rice to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Veggie Power Plate: Pair with roasted broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or a crisp Asian-inspired coleslaw to add fresh crunch and balance the dish's savory flavors.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce on top for those who love an extra kick of heat and want to elevate the flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Scatter additional chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds just before serving to add brightness and textural contrast.

Storing Peanut Butter Chicken Safely

• Store leftover peanut butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra broth or water to maintain sauce consistency and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.

FAQs

• Is peanut butter chicken spicy?

The sauce is mild and slightly sweet with no heat. You can add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick if desired.

• Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and nutty flavor to the dish without changing the cooking process.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs offer more moisture and flavor.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and create a more balanced meal.

Peanut Butter Chicken: A Flavor Surprise

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a deliciously creamy, protein-packed meal that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile ingredients allow you to adjust spice levels, swap proteins, or add vegetables to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: The perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors creates a mouthwatering dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Minimal Cleanup Hero: Using just one pan and a mixing bowl means less kitchen mess and more time enjoying your delicious meal with loved ones.

What You’ll Need for Peanut Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender cubes of meat that form the base of this flavorful dish.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the overall dish.
• Honey: Introduces a touch of sweetness that balances the savory elements.

• Garlic Powder, Ground Ginger: Provide warm, spicy undertones that enhance the chicken's flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth, liquid consistency for the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and prevent sticking to the pan.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that adjust the final taste.
• Green Onions: Fresh garnish that adds a crisp, sharp flavor and visual appeal.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy peanut butter chicken delivers an irresistible fusion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across palates with rich, tangy excitement. Hungry diners will discover a simple yet extraordinary meal bringing restaurant-quality comfort directly to home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) chicken breast or chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup coconut milk

Protein and Sauce Enhancers:

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken cubes in hot olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Create a smooth, fragrant sauce by thoroughly blending peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, ground ginger, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl.
3. Gently cascade the prepared sauce over the seared chicken, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 10 minutes while stirring periodically until the mixture reaches a rich, glossy consistency.
4. Calibrate the flavor profile with precise salt and pepper seasoning, ensuring a balanced taste.
5. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and freshness by sprinkling finely chopped green onions across the surface just before serving, presenting the meal piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for natural, unsweetened peanut butter to control sodium and sugar levels while enhancing authentic flavor.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender, quick-cooking protein that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
• Toast ground ginger or use fresh grated ginger for a more vibrant, aromatic flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Adjust sauce consistency by adding more chicken broth if too thick, or simmering longer to reduce for a richer, more concentrated sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 700 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 36 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg