Peanut Butter Chicken: A Rich, Creamy, and Boldly Flavored Classic

Few dishes surprise and delight the palate quite like Peanut Butter Chicken. Rich, creamy, savory, and just a touch sweet, this dish is a celebration of depth and contrast—a perfect example of how unexpected ingredients can come together in harmony. If you’ve never tried the combination of tender chicken simmered in a peanut-based sauce, you’re in for a culinary revelation.

Originating in various forms across multiple cultures—from West African groundnut stews to Thai-inspired satay curries—peanut butter chicken isn’t a single, rigid recipe, but rather a global concept interpreted through regional flavors. The version we’re focusing on here is a warm, comforting dish that blends bold spices, aromatic aromatics, and a luscious peanut butter sauce, simmered until the chicken is meltingly tender and coated in richness. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you—both literally and figuratively.

At its core, this recipe is about balance. The nutty, slightly sweet flavor of peanut butter brings body and creaminess to the dish. Onions, garlic, and ginger create a savory backbone, while spices like cumin, paprika, or chili flakes can add warmth or heat. A splash of coconut milk or broth loosens the sauce to a pourable consistency, and acidic elements like lime juice or tomatoes brighten the whole thing. Paired with fluffy rice, warm flatbreads, or even crunchy vegetables, peanut butter chicken transforms into a satisfying, deeply flavorful meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters.

What makes this dish even more appealing is its flexibility. It can be customized to fit a variety of diets and preferences. Want to go low-carb? Serve it over cauliflower rice. Prefer it spicy? Add a hit of chili paste. Looking for a dairy-free, gluten-free, or budget-friendly meal? This dish ticks all the boxes. It also holds up well for meal prep and tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for busy schedules.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make peanut butter chicken from scratch with detailed step-by-step instructions, from marinating the chicken to building a deeply layered sauce. We’ll also explore variations from around the world, ingredient swaps, tips for thickening or thinning the sauce, ideal pairings, and storage options. Whether you’re a novice home cook or a seasoned chef looking to expand your repertoire, this is your all-in-one manual for mastering a dish that’s as comforting as it is exotic.

So grab a jar of your favorite peanut butter, and let’s dive into a dish that’s creamy, crave-worthy, and packed with character: Peanut Butter Chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Gather and Prepare Ingredients

Key Ingredients:

• Chicken:

  • 2 to 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • Chicken thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well too.

• Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated

• Spices:

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander

  • ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

• Sauce Base:

  • ½ to ¾ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or smooth, no added sugar preferred)

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk or 1½ cups chicken broth (for sauce consistency)

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for depth and saltiness)

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste or crushed tomatoes (adds acidity and richness)

  • 1 tablespoon lime juice or lemon juice (brightens the sauce)

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (balances acidity)

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or neutral oil (for sautéing)

• Optional:

  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

  • Chopped peanuts for crunch

  • Sliced green onions

  • Red chili flakes for extra heat

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Trim and Cut:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Cut into bite-sized pieces (roughly 1-2 inch chunks). Uniform size ensures even cooking.

2. Season:
   Lightly season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the cumin and smoked paprika. This initial seasoning helps build flavor from the start.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Brown the Chicken

1. Heat Oil:
   In a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat.

2. Cook Onions:
   Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent.

3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
   Stir in the minced garlic and ginger; cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Brown the Chicken:
   Increase heat to medium-high and add the chicken pieces in a single layer (do in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding). Brown on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to cook through at this stage, just develop color.

5. Remove Chicken:
   Transfer browned chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Peanut Butter Sauce

1. Add Spices:
   In the same pot, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, chili powder, and stir to toast for 30 seconds. This wakes up the spices’ flavors.

2. Add Tomato Paste:
   Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

3. Add Liquids and Peanut Butter:
   Slowly whisk in coconut milk (or chicken broth) and peanut butter until smooth and creamy. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more broth or water to loosen.

4. Add Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, and Sweetener:
   Stir in soy sauce, lime juice, and brown sugar or honey. Taste and adjust seasoning—add salt, more acid, or sweetness as desired.

Step 5: Simmer Chicken in Sauce

1. Return Chicken to Sauce:
   Add the browned chicken pieces back to the pot, stirring to coat with the peanut sauce.

2. Simmer:
   Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Adjust Consistency:
   If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to thicken. If too thick, add a splash more broth or water.

Step 6: Final Touches and Garnish

1. Taste and Adjust:
   Check final seasoning—add more salt, lime juice, or chili flakes for heat.

2. Garnish:
   Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and chopped peanuts over the top for texture and color contrast.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your peanut butter chicken hot with:

• Steamed jasmine rice, basmati rice, or brown rice

• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option

• Warm flatbreads or naan

• Steamed or roasted vegetables on the side