If you’re on the lookout for a deliciously creamy and savory dinner idea that comes together in just 15 minutes, this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is here to delight your taste buds and simplify your weeknight meals. This dish strikes the perfect balance between rich peanut butter flavor and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that clings beautifully to tender chicken pieces. It’s a truly satisfying meal that feels a little indulgent but is super easy to prepare, making it a fantastic go-to recipe when you want something comforting, yet quick and fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in building the irresistible flavor and texture of this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe. From the velvety peanut butter to the touch of sesame oil, every ingredient enhances the dish in its own special way.
- Chicken breast (1 1/2 pounds, chopped into bite sized pieces): The lean protein base perfect for absorbing the rich sauce.
- Corn starch (3 tablespoons) or almond flour: Adds a crispy coating to the chicken for a tantalizing texture.
- Peanut butter (1/4 cup): The star ingredient that lends creamy richness and nutty depth.
- Hoisin sauce (1/4 cup) or keto teriyaki sauce: Brings a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Provides savory saltiness and umami punch.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a toasty, aromatic finish that brightens the flavor.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Fresh garlic imparts a fragrant and savory kick.
- Water (1/2 cup): Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Oil (2 tablespoons, for frying): Essential for cooking the chicken until tender and golden.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by adding your chopped chicken pieces into a small bowl, then sprinkle the cornstarch over them. Toss everything together until the chicken is coated evenly. This step is key to getting that slightly crispy texture on the outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside once it cooks.
Step 2: Whisk the Sauce
In a separate mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, silky sauce that’s ready to infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add your coated chicken and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep cooking until you no longer see any pink in the chicken pieces—this ensures they’re fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer
Pour the peanut butter sauce mixture over the cooked chicken in the pan. Stir well so every piece gets beautifully coated. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken, creating that luscious coating you’ll love.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, nutty finish. These little touches add color and texture that make the dish feel special and inviting.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
After cooking, a sprinkle of sesame seeds and sliced green onions takes this dish to the next level. The sesame seeds add a subtle crunch and nuttiness that complements the peanut butter sauce, while green onions bring a pop of color and a mild sharpness to brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Additionally, serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad adds balance and freshness to the meal, making every plate well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the chicken over a bed of noodles or spiralized zucchini for a fun twist. Another idea is to pile it into lettuce wraps with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint—offering a refreshing contrast and an interactive dining experience your guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from your Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly helps preserve the flavors and prevents the sauce from separating.
Freezing
If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is an option. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it slowly in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to warm the sauce evenly and prevent sticking. Avoid using high heat as it can cause the peanut butter sauce to break and become grainy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nut butter?
Absolutely! While peanut butter offers that classic flavor, almond or cashew butter can be delicious substitutes, providing a slightly different but equally creamy and rich twist to your Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, to keep it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and make sure your hoisin sauce is labeled gluten-free, or substitute it with a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. Cornstarch and peanut butter are naturally gluten-free as well.
How spicy is this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe?
This recipe is mild and well suited for all palates. If you like a little heat, you can easily add chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha to the sauce when whisking for a lovely spicy kick.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust cooking times since plant-based proteins need less time to cook, and you’ll still get a wonderfully satisfying meal.
What’s the best way to store the sauce separately?
If you want to prepare the sauce ahead, keep it in a sealed jar or container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, as the peanut butter might separate or thicken after sitting for a while.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe a try because it’s one of those meals that feels special without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and hits all the right notes for a quick dinner or even a casual gathering with friends. Once you make it, this recipe might just become one of your weeknight favorites too!
Print
Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Peanut Butter Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breast pieces coated in cornstarch and cooked in a flavorful peanut butter and hoisin sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners, featuring a rich, savory sauce with a hint of sweetness and garlic.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons corn starch (or almond flour)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for frying)
Sauce
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1/4 cup Hoisin sauce (or keto teriyaki sauce)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a small bowl, toss the chopped chicken breast with cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated. This helps to create a light crust when frying and thickens the sauce later.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water until smooth. This mixture will form the savory and creamy base of the dish.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared peanut butter sauce over the cooked chicken. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pan from heat. Optionally sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute almond flour for cornstarch to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Try using keto teriyaki sauce instead of hoisin sauce for a lower sugar option.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for a more balanced meal.
- Serve over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles depending on dietary preference.
- Adjust the soy sauce quantity to control saltiness based on your taste.
