If you’re searching for a simple dinner that’s packed with bold flavor, this easy peanut butter chicken is about to become a family favorite! Tender chicken is coated in a sweet & savory peanut butter sauce with hints of garlic, soy sauce, and ginger, creating a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
If you’ve followed my site for long, you know that I’m obsessed with peanut butter. I love it in both sweet treats and savory foods.
This recipe came about when I had some dressing leftover from my Thai peanut chicken salad. I poured it over some grilled chicken and fell in love with the taste.
So I tweaked it a bit and made it with diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts so that every bite is coated with the creamy peanut butter sauce.
Fellow peanut butter lovers, this recipe is for you!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes and cooks all in one pan
- Made with simple ingredients
- Sweet, savory, and nutty flavor
- Cheaper than takeout
- Easy to customize with vegetables or spices
What Is Peanut Butter Chicken?
Peanut butter chicken is inspired by Asian peanut sauce commonly served over grilled chicken or noodles. The creamy peanut butter blends with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness to create an incredibly rich and flavorful sauce that coats every bite.
While it may not be an authentic Thai or Chinese recipe, it’s a delicious fusion meal that’s quick enough for any night of the week.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken
- PREP – Cut the chicken into one-inch pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- SAUTE – Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high or medium heat. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and internal temperature is 165°. (I recommend cooking it in two batches.)
- SAUCE – While the oil heats and the chicken cooks, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl.
- COMBINE – Add the sauce; cook and stir until heated through. If needed, add additional water.
- SERVE – Serve chicken alone, or over rice.
Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chicken
- Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest sauce.
- Add extra water or chicken broth if the sauce becomes too thick as it cooks.
- Fresh ginger gives the best flavor, but ground ginger will work in a pinch.
- For juicy chicken, cook it just until the internal temperature is 165 degrees. Overcooking leads to tough chicken.
Easy Variations:
- Add Vegetables – Sauté broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots with the chicken; or add snap peas or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Make It Spicy- Add sriracha, cayenne pepper, diced jalapenos, or additional red pepper flakes.
- Use Juicy Chicken Thighs – Thighs stay extra moist and work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Make It Low Carb -Use a sugar substitute and natural peanut butter, and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
What to Serve with Peanut Butter Chicken
- Steamed jasmine rice, white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice
- Rice noodles, Lo mein noodles, or cooked pasta
- Stir-fried vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli
- Sautéed Sugar Snap Peas (our favorite!)
- Asian Slaw
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Yes. Crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture, although creamy peanut butter creates a smoother sauce. If you do use crunchy peanut butter, you will need to add an additional two tablespoons, or you won’t have enough sauce.
Is peanut butter chicken spicy?
This version is mildly spicy and family-friendly, but you can omit the red pepper flakes, or add more according to your family’s taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can make the sauce a couple days ahead of time. You can also prep the chicken the day before.
Peanut butter chicken also reheats well, making it perfect for quick lunches and dinners.
What kind of peanut butter works best?
Regular creamy peanut butter provides the richest flavor and smoothest consistency. Natural peanut butter can be used but may require additional liquid.
More favorite chicken recipes:
- Spicy Chicken Nuggets
- Curry Chicken and Potatoes
- Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
- Chicken Pineapple Fried Rice
- Mini Chicken Pot Pies
- Catalina Chicken Recipe
- Chicken and Rice Casserole with Soup
Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Creamy Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ Tbsp soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup water (more if needed)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (or coconut oil)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Sauce:
- Whisk together all of the ingredients in a small bowl for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Add extra water if needed to make a thin, pourable sauce. Set aside.
Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into bite sized pieces. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Heat a tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook half of the chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. (Internal temp of 165°.) Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest of the chicken.
- Return the first batch of cooked chicken to the skillet and turn the heat down to medium low. Add the sauce and stir until the chicken is evenly coated and the sauce is heated through. If it gets too thick, add more water.
- You can serve the chicken as is, or over a bed of white rice. If desired, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- To save time, I like to prepare the sauce while the chicken cooks.
- Leftover peanut butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Nutrition
This easy peanut butter chicken recipe is the perfect combination of convenience and incredible flavor. With tender chicken coated in the best peanut butter sauce, it’s a satisfying dinner the whole family will agree on!
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