Peanut Butter Chicken

Make a quick and easy peanut butter chicken dish that packs big flavour! This delicious recipe is a simple twist on classic Asian flavours.

Are you looking for an easy, flavourful dinner that the whole family will love? This simple and delicious Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is sure to become a top favourite in your household!

With minimal prep time and only a few ingredients needed, this dish has all of the flavour without all the work. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even special occasions when you want to impress everyone with your culinary skills.

Not sure if peanut butter on chicken can really be good? Read on and get ready to be surprised by just how amazing this unique combination really is!

Why You Will LOVE This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

• Tender, juicy chicken.
• Creamy, nutty, sweet and savoury flavours with a touch of heat.
• Comforting weekday meal that is perfect for dinner parties.
• Utilizes simple pantry staples with few ingredients for an easy meal.
• Takes less than 30 minutes to make from start to finish!
• Leftovers make great lunches for the next day.
• Delicious and satisfying meal that can easily be made vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free.
• Perfectly pairs with a variety of side dishes like rice, noodles, vegetables and salads.
• Can also be served as an appetizer with toothpicks!
• A family-friendly dish that kids and adults alike will love.

Peanut Butter Chicken Variations

• The leftovers can be used in a wrap with lettuce and cucumbers for lunch the next day! Just heat up the peanut butter chicken in a skillet until it’s warm.
• For a vegan version, use firm tofu cubes in place of chicken.
• For a gluten free version, use tamari in place of soya sauce.
• To make a creamier peanut butter chicken, add 1/2 cup of full cream coconut milk to the sauce.
• For a nice kick, add 1 tablespoon of sambal oelek, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash or two of Sriracha chili sauce.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Chicken

• White rice or brown rice and a side of seasonal veggies
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chili pepper, green onions, or sesame seeds for garnish
• Fresh squeezed lime for additional flavour, if desired
• Peanut pieces for crunch and added texture
• Homemade eggrolls or spring rolls filled with shredded cabbage and diced carrots
• Thai inspired noodles such as rice noodles, chow mein noodles, or ramen noodles.
• Baked sweet potato wedges or slices of jicama sprinkled with cumin, chili powder and sea salt
• Freshly steamed broccoli, bok choy, or green beans flavoured with garlic.
• A light green salad with crunchy vegetables like bell pepper, cucumber and shredded carrots.
• A sweet dessert such as banana cake, mango pudding or coconut ice cream.
• Jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk for an added sweetness and nutty flavour profile
• Naan to scoop up the delicious sauce
• Fresh squeezed juices like pineapple, mango or guava will complement the flavours of this dish.

Tips for Making the BEST Peanut Butter Chicken

• The sauce will thicken as it cooks and will also thicken more as it sits. It’s best to get the right consistency for the sauce right from the start, as you are mixing it in the mixing bowl. If you try mixing additional water as the sauce is already over the chicken, then the chicken will start to break apart and shred as you mix. If you know you like a thicker sauce, start with just ⅓ cup of hot water mixed into it.
• Easily make extra peanut sauce for serving, if desired. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. I like to use a little less water when preparing it as a dipping sauce.
• You can also substitute other types of nut butter for the peanut butter, like almond butter or cashew butter. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
• You can also add vegetables like onion and bell pepper to bulk up the dish.

How to Store Leftover Peanut Butter Chicken

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure to allow it to cool completely before storing.

This peanut butter chicken will last in the freezer for 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight freeze safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat over the stove top until fully heated through.

About the Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken

Chicken – This recipe can also be made with chicken breast. For the tenderest meat, choose chicken thighs and do not overcook.

Seasoning – For seasoning the chicken we use a mixture of ground coriander, ground cumin, ground ginger, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. For the sauce we use fresh garlic and ginger only – do not use dry seasonings here!

Cornstarch – Cornstarch gives the chicken a nice crisp coating, do not use flour or any other type of coating for the best results.

Oil – Use any neutral flavoured oil with a high enough smoke point. Olive oil is a good choice, but canola works great too.

Peanut butter – Use your favourite creamy peanut butter. If you do use natural peanut butter instead of regular you will want to taste the sauce and adjust if needed.

Soya sauce – Coconut aminos or tamari can be used in place of soya sauce. You may also use a low sodium soya sauce if desired.

Honey – If you cannot have honey, you may substitute it with brown sugar. Add 1 tablespoon at a time and taste the sauce until you get the desired sweetness.

Rice vinegar – If you can’t get a hold of rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good substitute.

Looking for More Chicken Dinner Recipes?

Check out more of my favourite chicken recipes!

Tender and juicy, Greek yogurt marinated chicken infuses garlic, lemon and oregano together for a flavour loaded Greek chicken dinner.

This Cajun Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe is a spicy take on a creamy classic. The best of both worlds in one easy dish with Andouille sausage!

This Jamaican jerk chicken pasta will have your family licking their plates, this Rasta Pasta Recipe is a Jamaican-inspired meal you’ll love!

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken

Yields: 6 Servings | Prep time: 10 Minutes | Cook time: 20 Minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, bite sized pieces
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch or flour
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for frying, more as needed

For the peanut butter sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons soya sauce
• ½ cup hot water
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger

Directions:

Step 1. In a small bowl, combine the ground coriander, ground cumin, garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper together. Set aside. (Image 1)

Cut the chicken breast or thighs into bite sized cubes, pat to dry with a paper towel, and then place into a large mixing bowl. Season the chicken pieces evenly with the mixed seasonings. Mix to ensure all pieces are coated. (Image 2)

Next, sprinkle the cornstarch onto the chicken and mix it together. (Image 3)

Step 2. In a large cast iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping it only once, until it is golden brown and crisp around the edges. (Image 4) Make sure it is cooked through and no longer pink. Do not overcrowd the pan. You may have to work in batches and transfer the cooked chicken onto a plate. Add an additional tablespoon of oil for the next batch if needed.

Once the chicken has cooked, remove any excess grease/oil from the skillet. Then add the rest of the cooked chicken back in. (Image 5)

Step 3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, hot water, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk together until well combined. Taste and adjust to your liking as needed by adding more soy sauce to make it saltier, honey to make it sweeter, or more garlic or ginger. (Images 6 & 7)

Step 4. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and cook on LOW heat for 5-10 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken. The sauce continues to thicken the longer you cook it so if you prefer a thinner sauce, cook only for 5 minutes just for the sauce to heat through. For a thicker sauce, cook closer to 10 minutes.

When ready to serve, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve as is over rice or with a side of veggies. Enjoy! (Images 8 & 9)