Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Chicken with Peanut Butter recipe is a must-try. Combining tender chicken with a savory, slightly sweet peanut butter sauce, this dish is a delightful fusion of comfort and exotic flavors. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal that will impress your family and friends.
Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe
This recipe is a flavor explosion in every bite. The creamy peanut butter sauce, infused with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice, coats the tender chicken beautifully. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and exciting, with a balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
It’s also incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to your liking, add veggies for extra nutrition, or even swap the chicken for tofu or shrimp. Plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
How to Make It
This Chicken with Peanut Butter recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Start by cooking bite-sized pieces of chicken in a skillet until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
Set the chicken aside while you prepare the peanut butter sauce.
In a bowl, whisk together natural peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and water until smooth.
This sauce is the star of the dish, combining sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors in one creamy mixture.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until everything is well coated and heated through.
Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for extra crunch and freshness, and serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles. It’s a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Make Ahead Method
This Chicken with Peanut Butter recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights. You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Cook the chicken as directed and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Make the peanut butter sauce separately and keep it in a jar or container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet, add the sauce, and simmer until heated through.
The sauce can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop before tossing it with freshly cooked chicken.
If you’d like to prep even further, you can marinate the chicken in soy sauce and lime juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This adds extra flavor and tenderizes the meat.
Pro Tips
- Use natural peanut butter: It has a smoother texture and a more authentic flavor compared to processed varieties. Avoid peanut butter with added sugar or oils for the best results.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook it just until golden brown and cooked through to keep it tender and juicy. Overcooking can make it dry.
- Adjust the spice level: Add more or less chili flakes, sriracha, or even a diced jalapeño depending on your preference.
- Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
- Toast the peanuts: Lightly toast the chopped peanuts before garnishing for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use coconut milk: For a creamier sauce, replace some or all of the water with coconut milk. It adds a rich, tropical twist.
- Marinate the chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in soy sauce and lime juice for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Double the sauce: If you love extra sauce for drizzling over rice or noodles, double the sauce ingredients.
- Garnish generously: Fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges add brightness and texture to the dish.
Storage Options
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Tools For This Recipe
- Large skillet: For cooking the chicken and sauce.
- Whisk: For mixing the peanut butter sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
- Cutting board and sharp knife: For chopping the chicken and garnishes.
FAQs!
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes, but the sauce will have a chunkier texture. If you prefer it smooth, use creamy peanut butter.
What can I use instead of chicken?
Tofu, shrimp, or even beef work well as substitutes.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
How do I make it spicier?
Add more chili flakes, sriracha, or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
- Add veggies: Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Make it creamy: Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce.
- Switch up the protein: Use tofu, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken.
- Add herbs: Stir in fresh cilantro or Thai basil for a burst of freshness.
- Make it nut-free: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
Conclusion
This Chicken with Peanut Butter recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s rich, flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite.
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Did you try any variations? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me if you share your creation on social media. Happy cooking!
Chicken with Peanut Butter
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or to taste
- 1/2 cup water or coconut milk for creaminess
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped peanuts cilantro, lime wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Start by cutting 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter, 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes (or to taste), and 1/2 cup of water (or coconut milk for creaminess). Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Pour the peanut butter sauce into the skillet and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until everything is well coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce is glossy.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the dish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for extra crunch and freshness. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles, with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
