I’ve been making this creamy peanut butter chicken for years, and it’s become our family’s go-to weeknight meal when we crave something quick but still impressive. The combination of savory chicken with the rich, nutty peanut sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that never fails to satisfy.
The Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken Story
Growing up in a household where experimenting with flavors was encouraged, I discovered the magic of peanut butter in savory dishes during my college years. Money was tight, and I was looking for ways to transform simple chicken dinners into something special. One evening, inspired by Thai cuisine, I whisked together peanut butter with soy sauce and a few pantry staples, poured it over some cooked chicken, and was amazed at the result!
That humble experiment has evolved over the years into this polished peanut butter chicken recipe that I’m sharing today. The creamy, slightly sweet sauce with hints of ginger and garlic creates a perfect balance that coats each piece of chicken beautifully. What I love most is how this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary in just 30 minutes.
My family requests this dish at least twice a month, and I’ve perfected it through countless iterations. Ready to try this delicious peanut butter chicken for yourself? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken
I’ve served this peanut butter chicken to countless dinner guests, and it never fails to surprise them when I reveal the secret ingredient. This Asian-inspired dish has become a staple in my weekly rotation because it consistently delivers on flavor while being incredibly simple to prepare.
Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick but satisfying meal.
Uses simple pantry ingredients that you likely already have on hand, eliminating the need for a special trip to the grocery store.
Versatile enough to serve with rice, noodles, or even alongside a simple vegetable like our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli for a lower-carb option.
Kid-friendly despite being sophisticated – my children always clean their plates when this is on the menu!
Easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein substitutions like our Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry while maintaining that delicious peanut sauce. while maintaining that delicious peanut sauce.
“This peanut butter chicken isn’t just another recipe in my collection—it’s the dish I turn to when I want to bring comfort and excitement to our dinner table without spending hours in the kitchen.”
Ingredient Note List
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I recommend using fresh, not frozen chicken for this recipe as it browns better and remains tender and juicy when cooked with the sauce.
Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates the rich, velvety texture of the sauce—I always use natural peanut butter without added sugar for the most authentic flavor.
Soy sauce: This provides the perfect salty, umami foundation that balances the richness of the peanut butter and brings depth to the sauce.
Chicken broth: I use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish while adding more chicken flavor to the sauce.
Honey: Just enough sweetness to balance the savory elements—I’ve found that honey works better than sugar as it blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps brown the chicken properly and adds a subtle fruity note to complement the peanut flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential for that aromatic base—I never substitute dried garlic as the flavor difference is too noticeable in this peanut butter chicken.
Ginger: Freshly grated ginger adds a warm, spicy note that cuts through the richness of the peanut butter and brightens the entire dish.
Green onions: I always garnish with plenty of sliced green onions for a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy sauce and to add a pop of color.
How to Cook Peanut Butter Chicken?
Step 1. I always start by whisking the sauce ingredients together until completely smooth. In my experience, taking time with this step ensures you don’t end up with lumps of peanut butter in your final sauce.
Step 2. My grandmother taught me to season chicken generously, so I make sure to sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the chicken breasts before cooking them.
Step 3. I’ve found that heating the oil until it’s shimmering but not smoking creates the perfect temperature for getting that golden-brown crust on the chicken.
Step 4. I usually cook the chicken for exactly 6 minutes on the first side before flipping—this timing consistently gives me that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 5. After flipping, I cook for another 6-7 minutes, and I always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Step 6. When adding the sauce to the skillet, I’ve learned to reduce the heat immediately to prevent the peanut butter from burning or separating.
Step 7. I gently simmer the chicken in the sauce, occasionally spooning the sauce over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated and absorbs all those delicious flavors.
Step 8. Before serving, I always let the chicken rest in the sauce for about 2 minutes off the heat, which helps the meat retain its juices when sliced.
How to Store & Reheat
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where this peanut butter chicken stays delicious for up to 3 days. The sauce actually develops even more flavor overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal option.
For freezing, I separate the chicken and sauce into portion-sized containers, as I’ve found this helps maintain better texture. In my experience, the dish freezes well for up to 2 months, though the sauce might need a quick stir after thawing to recombine.
When it comes to reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium-low heat rather than the microwave. I add a splash of chicken broth (about 1-2 tablespoons) to revive the sauce, then gently heat until the chicken reaches 165°F. This method preserves the creamy texture of the peanut sauce while ensuring the chicken doesn’t dry out.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Chicken
Steamed Jasmine Rice: The subtle floral aroma and light texture of jasmine rice make it my family’s favorite base for soaking up every last drop of the creamy peanut sauce.
Coconut Rice: For special occasions, I love serving this peanut butter chicken with coconut rice—the subtle sweetness complements the savory peanut sauce beautifully.
Crispy Asian Slaw: I often make a quick slaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to add a refreshing crunch that balances the rich peanut sauce.
Steamed Broccoli: The mild flavor and crisp-tender texture of steamed broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce—my husband actually prefers the sauce drizzled over his broccoli or even alongside our Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli.
Cucumber Salad: When I want something cool and refreshing, I serve this dish with a simple cucumber salad or our Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad dressed with rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and sesame seeds.
Garlic Noodles: For a heartier meal, I sometimes substitute rice with simple garlic noodles or our Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice, which soak up the peanut sauce wonderfully and add another dimension of texture.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! I sometimes use crunchy peanut butter when I want to add more texture to the dish—it creates little peanut bits throughout the sauce that add a pleasant crunch.
Is this peanut butter chicken spicy?
This recipe isn’t spicy as written, but I often add a tablespoon of sriracha or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the sauce when making it for adults who enjoy heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! In fact, I sometimes prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay even juicier and more flavorful in the peanut sauce.
How can I make this peanut butter chicken healthier?
I often lighten up this dish by using powdered peanut butter (PB2) mixed with a little water, which reduces the fat content while maintaining that delicious peanut flavor.
Can I add vegetables directly to this dish?
Definitely! I frequently add bell peppers, snow peas, or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking to create a complete one-pan meal with my peanut butter chicken.
Chicken with Peanut Butter
A creamy and flavorful dish that combines savory and creamy flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
4piecesBoneless, skinless chicken breastsThe main protein for the dish.
1/2cupCreamy peanut butterAdds creaminess and flavor.
1/4cupSoy sauceProvides umami flavor.
1/4cupChicken brothEnhances the sauce's flavor.
2tablespoonsHoneyAdds sweetness to balance the flavors.
2tablespoonsOlive oilFor cooking the chicken.
3clovesGarlic, mincedAdds aromatic flavor.
1teaspoonGinger, gratedAdds a warm, spicy note.
to tasteSalt and pepperFor seasoning the chicken.
to tasteChopped green onionsFor garnish.
as neededCooked rice or noodlesFor serving.
Instructions
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Pour the peanut butter sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish the chicken with chopped green onions. Serve the chicken with the peanut sauce over cooked rice or noodles.
Notes
Enjoy your Chicken with Peanut Butter, a delightful dish that combines savory and creamy flavors!
