If you love dishes that are both comforting and wildly flavorful, then let me introduce you to Peanut Butter Chicken! This vibrant, Asian-inspired recipe wraps juicy pieces of chicken in an ultra-creamy peanut sauce, infusing every bite with rich nuttiness, gentle sweetness, and a little zing. It’s weeknight-fast but totally special, and you’ll quickly find yourself craving it for both cozy nights in and fun family gatherings. Bonus: you’ll likely have most of the ingredients right in your pantry already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Chicken comes together with a handful of simple kitchen staples, each bringing its magic—dreamy, nutty creaminess, savory umami, and irresistible aroma. Don’t skip a thing—each ingredient sings in this dish!
- Chicken (1 pound, boneless skinless breasts or thighs, cut bite-sized): Tender, juicy chicken is the hearty base—use thighs for extra flavor or breasts for a leaner option.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Ensures the chicken gets golden around the edges and adds a subtle depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds signature boldness and aroma—fresh is best here.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Lively and fragrant, ginger wakes up the sauce with gentle heat and brightness.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The star of Peanut Butter Chicken—smooth, rich, and packed with nutty goodness.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds salty, savory backbone without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Rounds out the sauce, lending a balanced, tangy kick.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings a whisper of sweetness and helps the sauce silkily cling to the chicken.
- Water or chicken broth (½ cup): Lets you adjust your sauce’s consistency—broth adds extra flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Just a splash brings irresistible toasted aroma and a depth that screams “takeout favorite.”
- Crushed red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who like a little fire with their creamy—totally optional, but try it at least once!
- Green onions (2, sliced, for garnish): Fresh and vibrant, they finish the dish with a burst of color and mild bite.
- Chopped peanuts (1 tablespoon, optional): Sprinkle on top for delightful crunch and even more peanutty love.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sear Your Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in your chicken pieces and let them sizzle, turning every so often so they turn lovely and golden all over—about 6 to 8 minutes. You want them just cooked through and beautifully browned for the juiciest Peanut Butter Chicken base.
Step 2: Add Garlic & Ginger Aromatics
Dial the heat down to medium and add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir gently for one fragrant minute. This quick sauté releases their incredible aroma, layering the dish with warming, inviting notes that are hard to resist.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, water or broth, sesame oil, and (if you like a little heat) crushed red pepper flakes. This combo is what transforms ordinary chicken into Peanut Butter Chicken magic, creating a silky, flavor-packed sauce that hugs every bite.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Peanut Sauce
Pour your whisked peanut sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to make sure every piece gets thoroughly coated. Let everything bubble gently for 3 to 5 minutes. The sauce will thicken, the flavors will meld, and your kitchen will start smelling incredible. Once the chicken is glossy and coated, you’ve nailed the perfect texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take your skillet off the heat and shower the top with sliced green onions and a scattering of chopped peanuts, if you like a little crunch. Serve your piping hot Peanut Butter Chicken over a bed of rice or silky noodles and bask in the praise that’s sure to follow.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, don’t skip the sliced green onions and chopped peanuts. They’re more than just pretty—they add texture and a fresh, peppery pop that brings the whole dish to life. If you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped cilantro will also make the bowl pop with color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Peanut Butter Chicken shines brightest on a canvas of fluffy steamed rice or a tangle of warm noodles. But don’t stop there! For a truly satisfying spread, add quick-steamed veggies like broccoli, vibrant bell peppers, or tender snap peas on the side. Their crunch and freshness balance the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn weeknight dinner into a mini celebration! Top big, family-style bowls of Peanut Butter Chicken with all your favorite garnishes and let everyone help themselves. Or, portion into meal-prep containers for weekday lunches that will have you looking forward to lunchtime. If you’re feeling playful, try serving over roasted sweet potatoes or in lettuce cups for a lighter, hands-on twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Chicken keeps wonderfully if you want to meal prep or just save some for later. Once cooled completely, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen over time, so that second-day helping might be even more delicious.
Freezing
If you made a double batch (smart move!), you can also freeze Peanut Butter Chicken. Allow it to cool, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for up to two months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready for another round of creamy, savory goodness.
Reheating
Reheating is simple. Warm Peanut Butter Chicken gently in a skillet on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened in the fridge. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid any sauce separation—just take care not to overcook the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter works just as well and adds fun little bits of peanut texture throughout the dish. The final sauce will be extra hearty and satisfying.
Is there a nut-free substitute for peanut butter?
Yes! Sunflower seed butter or a creamy almond butter both make fantastic swaps. You’ll get a different (but still rich and tasty) flavor profile, making this recipe more allergy-friendly while still keeping that irresistible creaminess.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Swap in tofu or your favorite plant-based protein for the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The sauce naturally contains no dairy, so it becomes an easy, hearty meatless meal.
How spicy is this Peanut Butter Chicken?
The base recipe is mild, with just a gentle warmth from the ginger. Add more crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of sriracha if you want to dial up the heat—this dish is totally customizable to your spice-loving heart.
What are the best noodles or rice for serving?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even quinoa all soak up the peanut sauce beautifully. For noodles, rice noodles or even linguine work well, creating a comforting, tangle-perfect base for all that sauciness.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Peanut Butter Chicken is the kind of dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again: quick, utterly satisfying, and bursting with bold, crave-worthy flavors. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner fix or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion, it’s truly worth sharing (and savoring). Give it a try—you might just discover a new go-to favorite!
Print
Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this Asian-inspired dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken: Add chicken pieces to the skillet and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add garlic and ginger: Reduce heat to medium, then add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Prepare sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, water or broth, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook with sauce: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat and let simmer for 3 to 5 minutes until thickened.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, garnish with green onions and chopped peanuts, and serve warm over rice or noodles.
Notes
Notes:
- Add steamed broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a complete meal.
- You can substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
- Great for meal prep and reheats well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
