Easy and Delicious Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Peanut Butter Chicken is a comforting, flavorful, and slightly exotic dish that’s popular in various forms around the world—from African-inspired peanut stews to Southeast Asian peanut sauces served with satay. This recipe brings together tender chicken, creamy peanut butter, a touch of spice, and savory aromatics to create a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make.

🥘 What Is Peanut Butter Chicken?

Peanut Butter Chicken typically features pieces of chicken cooked in a creamy sauce made from peanut butter, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other seasonings. The flavor profile is deeply savory, slightly sweet, sometimes spicy, and incredibly satisfying. It pairs perfectly with steamed rice, flatbread, or stir-fried vegetables.

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

2. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

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3. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil.

4. Sear the chicken until golden brown and nearly cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.

5. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

1. In the same pan, lower heat to medium.

2. Add a bit more oil if needed and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar (or lime juice), brown sugar or honey, and chili paste (if using).

4. Slowly pour in coconut milk, whisking constantly to combine.

5. Add a bit of water to adjust consistency if it’s too thick.

6. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Simmer

1. Return the cooked chicken to the pan.

2. Toss to coat in the sauce.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for another 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Serve

1. Serve hot over a bed of rice or noodles.

2. Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

3. Add steamed or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

🧂 Flavor Variations

1. Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken

• Add 1 tablespoon red curry paste.

• Use fish sauce instead of soy sauce.

• Add kaffir lime leaves and fresh Thai basil for authenticity.

2. African Groundnut Stew Style

• Use chunky peanut butter.

• Add chopped tomatoes or tomato paste.

• Include sweet potatoes, spinach, or okra.

• Serve with fufu or couscous instead of rice.

3. Spicy Sichuan-Style

• Use chili oil instead of regular oil.

• Add Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing heat.

• Add julienned carrots and bell peppers.

4. Slow Cooker Version

• Combine raw chicken and sauce ingredients in a slow cooker.

• Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours.

• Stir in coconut milk at the end to finish the sauce.

5. Vegan Peanut Butter Tofu

• Replace chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh.

• Use vegetable broth instead of coconut milk.

• Add vegetables like bok choy or mushrooms.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Peanut Butter Chicken is rich and flavorful, so simple sides work best.

Best Pairings:

• Steamed rice (jasmine, basmati, or brown)

• Coconut rice for a tropical twist

• Rice noodles or soba noodles

• Flatbread, like naan or roti

• Cucumber salad for a refreshing crunch

• Grilled or roasted vegetables

Drinks:

• Iced tea with lime

• Coconut water

• Chilled white wine (e.g., Riesling)

• Thai iced tea or lemongrass lemonade

🔁 Storage and Meal Prep

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.

Freezer:

• Freeze in single portions for up to 3 months.

• Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Meal Prep Tips:

• Make the peanut sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

• Cook a double batch and freeze half.

• Use pre-cut chicken and frozen veggies for speed.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes! It adds extra texture and nutty flavor. Just make sure it melts into the sauce evenly.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. It’s mild unless you add chili paste or hot sauce. You can easily adjust the heat level to taste.

Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stove?

Yes! After making the sauce, you can pour it over browned chicken in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Can I make it low-carb?

Yes! Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles and skip the sugar/honey.

🧑‍🍳 Cooking Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture and best flavor.

• Simmer gently—don’t boil the sauce or it might separate.

• Whisk sauce thoroughly to ensure the peanut butter blends smoothly.

• Balance the sauce: If it tastes too rich, add a bit more lime or vinegar. Too salty? Add a splash of water or coconut milk.

🥄 Why This Recipe Works

• Balanced flavor: Sweet, salty, nutty, and a little tangy.

• Simple ingredients: Most are pantry staples.

• Flexible: Works with different proteins and veggies.

• Quick cooking: Ready in about 30 minutes.

• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.

🌍 Global Inspirations

Peanut sauces are used in many parts of the world:

• West Africa: Peanut stews are thick, hearty, and often include sweet potatoes and tomatoes.

• Thailand: Satay sauces feature peanuts with coconut milk, lime, and curry paste.

• Indonesia: Gado-gado peanut sauce includes palm sugar and tamarind.

• China: Some regional dishes use spicy peanut sauces with noodles or chicken.

This recipe borrows from all of these to create an easy fusion that’s flavorful yet familiar.

📝 Conclusion

This easy and delicious Peanut Butter Chicken recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced with savory, sweet, and optional spicy notes, it’s a comforting dish that works for both weeknight dinners and weekend indulgences.