Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Peanut Butter Chicken is a one-of-a-kind recipe that offers a creamy, nutty sauce with a rich depth of flavor. The peanut butter adds a satisfying texture to the sauce while balancing the spices, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s an ideal dish for those who love the taste of Thai or Asian-inspired cuisine. The chicken becomes juicy and flavorful as it cooks in the sauce, making it a comforting meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it’s a versatile dish—you can adjust the flavor to your liking, adding more heat or sweetness to the sauce as desired.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
1/4 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
1 tsp lime juice
1/2 tsp chili flakes or 1 small chili (optional for heat)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Make the peanut butter sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for about 2-3 minutes until it softens. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the peanut butter sauce ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium and add the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, and lime juice to the pan. Stir well to combine the ingredients and create a smooth, creamy sauce. If you like a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a chopped chili at this point.
Return the chicken to the pan: Place the cooked chicken back into the pan with the peanut butter sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve: Once the chicken is coated in the creamy peanut sauce, remove from the heat. Serve the chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken: Add more chili flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce for an extra kick of heat. You can also use a spicier peanut butter with added chili flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version. Make sure to press and cube the tofu before adding it to the pan.
Nut-Free Version: If you have a peanut allergy, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter for a similar texture and flavor.
Add Vegetables: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to the pan for a more balanced meal. Just sauté them with the onions and garlic for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stove over low heat.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chicken is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a weeknight meal. The peanut butter sauce gives the chicken a rich, nutty coating that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. It’s versatile, simple, and packed with flavor—perfect for those who enjoy a bit of Asian-inspired comfort food with a twist!