Peanut Butter Chicken

Prepare yourself for a flavor-packed dish that brings together the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter with tender, juicy chicken—Peanut Butter Chicken is a unique twist on your usual chicken dinner that’s going to blow your mind! Imagine savory chicken coated in a slightly sweet, spicy, and oh-so-creamy peanut sauce that you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s comfort food at its finest, and I’m telling you, this dish will have you craving more with every bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at dinner or craving something indulgent on a busy weeknight, Peanut Butter Chicken is your new go-to recipe. Trust me—you’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love Peanut Butter Chicken

If you’re a fan of creamy, savory dishes with a bit of sweetness, Peanut Butter Chicken is going to be your new favorite. Here’s why:

Creamy Peanut Sauce

The sauce is everything. It’s silky, slightly sweet, with a touch of heat from chili flakes or sriracha. The peanut butter adds a wonderful richness that perfectly complements the chicken.

Simple and Quick

This dish is a breeze to make. You’ll be done in under 30 minutes, and the majority of the time is spent letting the chicken cook. It’s the perfect dish for when you want something indulgent but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Savory and Sweet Balance

Peanut butter might sound like a strange sauce for chicken, but trust me—it’s a match made in heaven. The savory soy sauce, the sweetness of honey, and the richness of peanut butter all come together to create a perfectly balanced dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This dish keeps well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping. Plus, the flavors only get better the next day!

Customizable

Love spice? Add more chili flakes or a splash of sriracha. Want it more savory? A little extra soy sauce works wonders. It’s easy to make this dish your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Peanut Butter Chicken:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
• Olive oil (for searing the chicken)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• Peanut butter (creamy or chunky—your choice)
• Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• Honey (for a touch of sweetness)
• Rice vinegar (for a bit of tang)
• Garlic (minced)
• Fresh ginger (grated or ground)
• Sriracha or chili flakes (for heat—optional)
• Water (to thin out the sauce as needed)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Making Peanut Butter Chicken is so simple! Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In the same skillet, add your peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If you like it spicy, toss in some sriracha or chili flakes to give it an extra kick.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Once your sauce is ready, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, and add it back to the skillet. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Peanut Butter Chicken over a bed of rice or with steamed vegetables, and garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, or green onions. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 420
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 720mg
Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 11g
Protein: 35g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken

Here are a few ways to serve Peanut Butter Chicken for a delicious and well-rounded meal:

With Rice

Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice. The rice will soak up all that amazing peanut sauce and create the perfect bite.

With Vegetables

Pair it with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables for a well-balanced meal. The fresh veggies complement the richness of the chicken and peanut sauce.

In Wraps

For something a little different, wrap the chicken in a tortilla with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of extra peanut sauce. It’s a delicious way to enjoy this dish on the go!

Additional Tips

Make it Spicy

Add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the peanut sauce for a spicy kick! You can also top it with a bit of hot sauce when serving.

Substitute the Protein

If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even pork instead. The peanut sauce will work beautifully with almost any protein.

Peanut-Free Option

If you need to avoid peanuts, you can make a sunflower seed butter version of this dish. It’s just as creamy and delicious, and you won’t miss the peanuts at all.

Meal Prep

This dish keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a great meal prep option. Just reheat the chicken and sauce gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Add Crunch

For some added texture, sprinkle chopped peanuts or cashews on top when serving. It adds a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness. Just make sure to cook them through until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together.

Q3: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A3: If you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free.

Q4: How spicy is this dish?

A4: It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more sriracha for heat or leave it out for a milder version.

Q5: Can I use natural peanut butter for this recipe?

A5: Yes! Natural peanut butter works just fine, but make sure to stir it well before using, as it can separate. You may need to add a little extra water to thin the sauce.

Q6: How can I make this dish healthier?

A6: You can reduce the amount of honey and use a lighter peanut butter to cut back on calories. Pairing it with a larger portion of vegetables or cauliflower rice will also make it healthier.

Q7: Can I make this without rice vinegar?

A7: Yes! If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a similar tangy flavor.

Q8: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Chicken?

A8: Yes! You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A9: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the sauce while cooking for added flavor and texture.

Q10: What sides go well with Peanut Butter Chicken?

A10: Peanut Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple side salad. You could also serve it with noodles for a delicious twist!

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chicken is a creamy, savory, and slightly sweet dish that will elevate your weeknight meals to a whole new level. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for busy days when you want something indulgent yet simple to prepare. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, Peanut Butter Chicken is sure to impress and satisfy. Try it today, and you’ll see why it’s a dish that will become a regular in your rotation!

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