Name: Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1½ lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 3 Tbsp cornstarch (or almond flour); 2 Tbsp cooking oil (for frying); ¼ cup peanut butter; ¼ cup hoisin sauce (or teriyaki sauce); 3 Tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp garlic, minced; ⅔ cup water; ½ Tbsp sesame seeds; 1 Tbsp green onions, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 81 reviews

If you are ready to discover a savory dish that bursts with rich, nutty flavors and satisfying tenderness, this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen rotation. It combines the creamy indulgence of peanut butter with tender chicken breast pieces, all brought together by a silky, flavorful sauce that’s surprisingly simple to make. This recipe blends the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami tastes, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a dark brown liquid with small shiny oil bubbles floating on the surface, and a large dollop of smooth, light brown paste sits in the middle, slightly blending into the liquid. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, with a black whisk resting behind it, partially visible near the top edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe lies in its uncomplicated but essential ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. These pantry-friendly items come together seamlessly to create a dish that is nothing short of comforting and impressive.

1½ lb chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and a perfect texture.
3 Tbsp cornstarch: Coats the chicken for a crispy, golden exterior that locks in juices.
¼ cup peanut butter: The star ingredient providing creamy richness and depth.
¼ cup hoisin sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and complexity; teriyaki sauce works great too for a slight variation.
3 Tbsp soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with saltiness and gives the dish a satisfying umami punch.
1 tsp sesame oil: Infuses the dish with a nutty aroma that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
1 tsp garlic: Minced for sharp, aromatic intensity that brightens the sauce.
⅔ cup water: Helps thin the sauce for perfect consistency without overpowering the flavors.
2 Tbsp cooking oil: For frying the chicken to a delicious golden brown exterior.
½ Tbsp sesame seeds (optional): Adds subtle crunch and a toasty finish as a garnish.
1 Tbsp green onions (optional): Brings fresh color and a gentle bite to finish the dish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by taking the bite-sized chicken pieces and tossing them with the cornstarch in a mixing bowl. This coating is crucial because it creates a delicate crispy layer when fried, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut sauce later on.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken rests, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water in a separate bowl. This sauce mixture combines sweet, salty, and nutty notes that define the Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe’s unique and irresistible flavor profile.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat your skillet over medium heat, then add the cooking oil. When it shimmers, place the coated chicken pieces in the pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 4: Combine and Thicken

Pour the peanut butter sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well, making sure every piece is swimming in that luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken beautifully, bringing the dish to its full, rich glory.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from heat. Your Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is now ready to shine, perfectly coated in a silky sauce that’s begging to be savored.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

A dish with two layers is shown on a white plate with black and gold patterns along the rim. The bottom layer is plain white rice, evenly spread across the plate. The top layer is small pieces of chicken, coated in thick, shiny brown sauce, placed in the center on top of the rice. Bright green chopped scallions are sprinkled over the chicken pieces. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the right side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth near the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your Peanut Butter Chicken with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for texture and nutty flavor, and don’t forget the fresh chopped green onions—they add a lovely pop of color and a mild, peppery note that lifts the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs brilliantly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up every bit of that mouthwatering peanut sauce. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw are excellent companions that balance the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, serve the peanut butter chicken over a bed of spiralized zucchini or rice noodles. You can also plate it family-style in a large dish surrounded by lime wedges, adding a fresh citrus contrast that brightens every bite and invites sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The chicken will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover Peanut Butter Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure it is fully cooled before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor when reheated.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until warm and saucy. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve the crisp coating on the chicken pieces and the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of peanut butter?

Absolutely! Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth sauce, but natural peanut butter can also be used. Just give it a good stir beforehand to reincorporate the oils for even mixing.

Is this recipe spicy?

This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is mild by default, but if you love a little kick, feel free to add some red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the peanut sauce.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, swap the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative, and use almond flour instead of cornstarch for coating the chicken to keep it fully gluten-free.

What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

Teriyaki sauce is a great stand-in that maintains the savory-sweet balance, or you can mix a bit of honey and soy sauce with a touch of garlic to mimic the flavor.

Is peanut butter chicken healthy?

While indulgent and rich, this recipe uses lean chicken breast and can be balanced with plenty of vegetables and whole grains. Using natural peanut butter and reducing added sugars also boost the nutritional profile.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is a total game changer for easy weeknight dinners. It’s flavorful, comforting, and surprisingly quick to make. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, whether for a family meal or to impress guests with something fundamentally delicious yet simple. Give it a go and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes!