If you are searching for a dish that marries creamy richness with a delightful kick, this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, tossed in a luscious sauce made with peanut butter, soy, honey, and garlic, this meal is a beautiful symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The vibrant medley of broccoli, carrots, and red bell peppers adds freshness and crunch, making every bite exciting and comforting at the same time. It’s a perfect blend of texture and taste that’s sure to warm your soul and impress anyone lucky enough to join your dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the magic of this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe, you’ll only need simple, everyday ingredients that pack a big punch. Each one plays an essential role, whether it’s building the sauce’s creamy texture or adding vibrant color and freshness to the dish.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce, providing that rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture.
- ¾ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and helps balance the thickness of the peanut butter.
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and a savory note without overwhelming saltiness.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Brings natural sweetness to balance the spicy and salty elements.
- 3 cloves garlic: Adds aromatic sharpness essential for depth.
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce: Gives just the right amount of heat to keep your taste buds excited.
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or olive oil): Perfect for sautéing vegetables, adding a subtle richness.
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and a healthy touch.
- ¾ cup baby carrots (julienned): Sweet and tender, contributing vibrant orange hues.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): For sweetness and a pop of red color.
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless chicken breast or thighs: The protein powerhouse, tender and juicy.
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper: Offers mild heat and subtle earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds warming color and subtle smokiness.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Creates the irresistible crispy coating on the chicken.
- â…“ cup peanut oil (or olive oil): Used for frying chicken to golden perfection.
- 3 cups cooked rice: The classic base to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Green onions (to garnish): For a fresh, bright finish.
- Chopped peanuts (to garnish): Adds crunch and a double dose of peanut flavor.
How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Begin by whisking together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and hot sauce in a medium bowl. Getting this sauce ready first is key because it allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you prepare the other components.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and carrots, stirring frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes so they stay crisp yet tender. Toss in the red bell pepper and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. Then, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside. This step brightens the dish with fresh, vibrant veggies that balance the richness of the sauce and chicken.
Step 3: Prep and Coat the Chicken
Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and pat them dry to ensure the coating sticks well. Season evenly with salt, white pepper, and paprika. Then sprinkle cornstarch over the chicken and toss with tongs until each piece is fully coated. This cornstarch crust is crucial because it crisps perfectly when fried, locking in juicy tenderness.
Step 4: Heat Oil for Frying
In a large skillet, heat â…“ cup peanut oil over medium-high heat to prepare for frying the chicken pieces. Make sure the oil is hot enough so the chicken crisps quickly without soaking up excess oil.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Work in batches and fry the chicken, giving each piece enough space so they crisp properly. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and perfectly crisp. Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning. This step transforms the chicken into irresistible morsels that are a joy to bite into.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Sauce
After frying, wipe away any excess oil from the skillet, then return the chicken pieces to the pan. Whisk the prepared peanut sauce once more and pour it over the chicken. Toss everything gently, allowing the sauce to coat each piece in creamy, flavorful goodness.
Step 7: Thicken the Sauce
Turn the heat to medium and let the dish simmer until the sauce thickens to your liking. The cornstarch-coated chicken will help thicken it naturally. If it becomes too thick, simply add a little water to loosen the sauce for that perfect consistency.
Step 8: Finish with Vegetables and Garnishes
Finally, add the sautéed vegetables back into the skillet, stirring to combine, or serve them on the side if you prefer. Garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for that extra texture and pop of flavor. Serve over warm white or vegetable fried rice or even noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sliced green onions and chopped peanuts on top offers a wonderful contrast of freshness and crunch. The green onions brighten the dish, while the peanuts reinforce the nutty profile, making every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, vegetable fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. These sides absorb the luscious sauce perfectly, rounding out the meal with comforting carbohydrates.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your peanut butter chicken in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held delight or atop a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter option. You can even drizzle extra peanut sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken in the fridge, but a quick reheat with a splash of water will bring it back to life.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately from the rice and vegetables. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2 months for the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat to prevent the sauce from scorching. Add a little water or broth as needed to restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving for prolonged times as it can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Natural peanut butter works well, but you may need to whisk it longer since it tends to separate. It also offers a more intense peanut flavor.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari sauce and ensure your hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I substitute chicken with another protein?
Definitely! Shrimp, tofu, or even pork shoulder slices can be great alternatives, just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
How spicy is this dish and can I adjust it?
The recipe has a gentle spicy kick from the hot sauce. Feel free to add more or less to suit your heat preference or omit it entirely for a milder version.
What type of rice goes best with Peanut Butter Chicken?
Jasmine rice is a classic choice due to its fragrant aroma and fluffiness, but basmati or brown rice also make great companions depending on your nutritional preference.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe, it’s going to be one of those dishes you’ll want to keep coming back to. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, savory, sweet, and spicy with textures that make every bite memorable. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to pull together on a busy weeknight or to impress guests at your next dinner party. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy cooking this deliciously comforting meal that feels like a big warm hug in every mouthful.
Print
Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American-Asian Fusion
Description
Peanut Butter Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish combining tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy cornstarch crust, simmered in a rich, savory peanut butter sauce with a hint of heat. Stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers add vibrant color and crunch, making this a well-rounded, satisfying meal served over steamed rice. This recipe balances sweet, salty, and spicy flavors for a deliciously comforting experience.
Ingredients
Peanut Sauce
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive oil)
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup baby carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup cornstarch
- â…“ cup peanut oil (can substitute olive oil) for frying
To Serve
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and hot sauce until smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add broccoli florets and julienned baby carrots, cooking for 3-4 minutes while stirring frequently. Add sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove vegetables from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Sprinkle with white pepper, salt, and paprika. Use kitchen tongs to toss and coat evenly. Then sprinkle with cornstarch and toss again until all pieces are well coated.
- Heat oil for frying: In the same or a clean large skillet, heat â…“ cup of peanut oil over medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot enough for frying but not smoking.
- Fry the chicken: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, place chicken pieces in the skillet, leaving space around each piece for proper crisping. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Adjust heat as necessary to prevent burning while ensuring thorough cooking.
- Remove excess oil and add sauce: After frying all chicken, wipe away excess oil from the skillet with a paper towel. Return all chicken pieces to the skillet. Whisk the peanut sauce mixture again and pour it over the chicken. Toss gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Reduce heat to medium and allow the sauce to heat through and thicken. The cornstarch coating on the chicken will help thicken the sauce naturally. Stir occasionally and cook until the sauce reaches desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few splashes of water to adjust.
- Add vegetables and garnish: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet, either mixing them with the saucy chicken or serving on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions and roughly chopped peanuts. Serve hot over cooked white rice, vegetable fried rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For perfectly cooked white rice, rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear, then cook with 1 ½ cups water in a covered pot on low heat for 15 minutes. Let it rest covered off heat for 10 minutes before fluffing.
- You can substitute peanut oil with olive oil for a milder flavor and healthier fat profile.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the hot sauce from the peanut sauce mixture.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier texture.
- Adding vegetables last keeps them crisp and colorful; avoid overcooking.
