This Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious dish that combines tender chicken with the creamy richness of peanut butter. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. The savory, nutty sauce pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Ingredients:
- 500g boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or olive oil)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth (to thin the sauce)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary, then sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger until they are soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Lower the heat to medium and add the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Gradually add water or chicken broth, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce. You can adjust the thickness by adding more or less liquid, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring it into the peanut butter sauce until fully coated.
- Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds (if using).
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or with a side of vegetables.
Video of Making Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Tips:
- Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter for a healthier option, or crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Add Vegetables: You can stir in vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots during the final step for a more balanced meal.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the chili flakes or add fresh chili peppers for a spicier version.
This Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a creamy, nutty, and savory dish that’s simple yet packed with flavor. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
FAQs About Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Here are some frequently asked questions about Peanut Butter Chicken:
1. What is Peanut Butter Chicken?
Peanut Butter Chicken is a delicious dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy peanut butter sauce. It typically has savory, slightly sweet, and nutty flavors, and is often served with rice or noodles.
2. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in the sauce. It adds a nice crunch to the creamy base and works just as well as creamy peanut butter.
3. Is Peanut Butter Chicken spicy?
Peanut Butter Chicken is typically mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or fresh chili peppers. If you prefer a non-spicy version, simply omit the chili.
4. Can I make Peanut Butter Chicken dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free because it uses peanut butter, soy sauce, and water or broth to create the sauce. No dairy is required in the recipe.
5. Can I use other nut butters besides peanut butter?
Yes, you can substitute peanut butter with other nut butters like almond butter or cashew butter if you have a peanut allergy or just prefer a different flavor. The taste will vary slightly, but the dish will still be creamy and delicious.
6. How long does Peanut Butter Chicken last in the fridge?
Store leftover Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to thin out the sauce if necessary.
7. Can I freeze Peanut Butter Chicken?
Yes, Peanut Butter Chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove.
8. Can I add vegetables to Peanut Butter Chicken?
Yes, adding vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas makes the dish more balanced and nutritious. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking so they stay crisp-tender.
9. What can I serve with Peanut Butter Chicken?
Peanut Butter Chicken is best served with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. You can also serve it with roti or a side of sautéed vegetables to make it a complete meal.
10. Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this dish vegan, substitute the chicken with tofu, tempeh, or seitan and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The peanut butter sauce itself is already vegan-friendly.
11. What type of chicken should I use?
You can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, but chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
