Mouthwatering Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Want to Make Tonight!

Are you craving something different for dinner tonight? Something that combines creamy, savory, and slightly spicy flavors into one amazing dish? Well, I’ve got just the thing for you – peanut butter chicken! This delicious meal combines tender chicken with a rich peanut sauce that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.

I first discovered peanut butter chicken when I was looking for quick weeknight meals and it’s been a family favorite ever since. The best part? It comes together in about 15-25 minutes making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes Peanut Butter Chicken So Good?

Before we dive into the recipe let me tell you why this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation

• Quick preparation: Ready in just 15-25 minutes
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Versatile: Works with different proteins and can be adjusted to your taste
• Healthy option: High in protein and can be made low-carb
• Takeout vibes: Tastes like restaurant food but better!

My family absolutely loves this dish, and I’m betting yours will too. The combination of creamy peanut butter with savory soy sauce, a hint of spice, and tender chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather everything we need for this amazing peanut butter chicken. I’ll share the basic ingredients, plus some variations you might want to try

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch or almond flour (for low-carb option)
• 2 tablespoons oil for frying (canola, peanut, or safflower work well)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened, no added salt preferred)
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce (or keto teriyaki sauce for low-carb option)
• 4 teaspoons reduced-sodium soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons minced fresh gingerroot
• ½ cup water
• Dash of crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)

Optional Add-ins:

• White wine vinegar (4 teaspoons) for extra tanginess
• 1 teaspoon honey for sweetness
• Coconut milk for creamier sauce
• Thai red curry paste for extra flavor dimension

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! I’m gonna walk you through making this amazing peanut butter chicken step by step:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch or almond flour.
3. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated. This helps lock in juices and creates a slightly crispy exterior.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, ginger, and water.
2. Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat.
3. Mix until smooth and well combined. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more water.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
2. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink and starts to brown.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

1. Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet.
2. Stir to coat all the chicken pieces evenly.
3. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 5 minutes.
4. The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Remove from heat when chicken juices run clear and sauce has thickened to your liking.
2. Serve over hot cooked rice or with your favorite sides.
3. Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped peanuts or cashews, and fresh cilantro if desired.

Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken

I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and I’ve picked up some helpful tips along the way:

1. Pat chicken dry before coating with cornstarch to ensure it gets crispy.

2. Don’t overcook the chicken – it can become tough. Just cook until no longer pink.

3. Use a high-quality peanut butter – natural varieties with no added sugar work best.

4. Adjust thickness – if sauce gets too thick, add a splash more water; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.

5. Don’t stir-fry everything together in sesame oil – it will overpower the peanut butter flavor. Instead, use it in the sauce as directed.

6. Consider using a wok or cast-iron skillet for best results when cooking the chicken.

7. Chicken thighs work too! If substituting thighs for breasts, cook for an extra 2 minutes.

Variations to Try

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some delicious variations:

Spice it Up

Add sweet chili sauce or more red pepper flakes if you like it hot! My husband loves the extra kick.

Make it Vegetarian

Swap the chicken for crispy tofu or beans for a vegetarian option. I tried this for my vegetarian friend last week and she loved it!

Add Veggies

Sautéed broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms make great additions. Just add them when cooking the chicken.

Coconut Twist

Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for an extra creamy, slightly sweet variation.

Extra Sauce

Double the sauce ingredients and save the leftovers for drizzling over roasted veggies, fish, or pasta later in the week.

Serving Suggestions

What should you serve with this amazing peanut butter chicken? Here are some of my favorite options:

• Rice: White jasmine rice or brown rice work perfectly to soak up that delicious sauce
• Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb option
• Noodles: Rice noodles or soba noodles make a great alternative to rice
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, kale, or green beans complement the dish nicely
• Naan bread: For scooping up that extra sauce!

Storage and Meal Prep

This peanut butter chicken is fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: Microwave for 30-40 seconds until warm, or reheat in a non-stick pan until the sauce sizzles. Add a splash of chicken broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does peanut butter chicken taste like?

If you’re wary of the name, don’t worry! It tastes like tender chicken covered in a sweet, spicy, and umami sauce. The peanut flavor is present but not overwhelming.

Is peanut butter sauce the same as satay sauce?

Not exactly. Satay sauce typically includes coconut milk and has fewer spices. Peanut sauce for stir-fries like this one is designed to coat the chicken rather than serve as a dipping sauce.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Absolutely! Use almond flour instead of cornstarch and substitute the hoisin sauce with a keto-friendly option like sugar-free teriyaki sauce.

What if I have a peanut allergy?

You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini for a different but still delicious flavor profile.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and tend to be even juicier. Just cook them for about 2 minutes longer.

Why This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Works

I’ve tried many peanut chicken recipes over the years, but this one stands out for several reasons:

1. The cornstarch coating keeps the chicken juicy inside while giving it a slight crispness outside.

2. Cooking the chicken first before adding the sauce ensures it stays tender rather than getting boiled.

3. The balance of flavors in the sauce hits all the right notes – savory, slightly sweet, with a hint of spice.

4. It’s truly quick – even on my busiest nights, I can have this on the table in under 30 minutes.

5. Versatility – it works with different dietary needs and can be customized in countless ways.

My family asks for this dish at least twice a month, and I’m always happy to make it because it’s so easy and delicious. The combination of protein-packed chicken with the flavorful peanut sauce makes for a satisfying meal that everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

Peanut butter chicken might sound unusual if you’ve never tried it, but trust me – it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. It brings together simple ingredients to create a complex flavor profile that tastes like it took hours to make, when really it’s one of the quickest meals in my arsenal.

Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this peanut butter chicken recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken and rich, creamy peanut sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and give this recipe a try! I’m confident it’ll become a regular in your meal planning, just like it has in mine.

Happy cooking!