This peanut butter chicken combines sweet and savory flavors for one delicious dish! This 25-minute takeout inspired dinner is great for the whole family. The chicken is tender and hearty, while the sauce is creamy and flavorful. It is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It is also a fun and different way to make chicken!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This peanut butter chicken is quick and easy to make.
- The whole recipe can be made in one pan.
- It only takes about 25 minutes.
- It is affordable. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive.
- This is a great way to add more veggies to your diet.
- This recipe is inspired by Chinese peanut butter chicken!
- Just like takeout, but much healthier and more affordable.
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. In addition, it is naturally sweetened with honey.
- Check out this Chicken Fried Rice and these Peanut Noodles for another delicious dinner recipe!
Ingredients & Substitutes
Scroll down to the recipe card for the full peanut butter chicken recipe.
Use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Cut into 1-inch cubes. If desired, use chicken thighs.
Use all-natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt. We much prefer this to the brands with added oils and sugar.
Coconut aminos tastes like soy sauce, but it is soy-free and gluten-free.
Honey adds a touch of sweetness. Use maple syrup if desired.
Lime juice adds a delicious tangy flavor.
Garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes add loads of flavor. Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Olive oil helps cook the chicken and veggies. Feel free to use avocado oil or coconut oil instead.
Onion, bell pepper, and snap peas add freshness and color.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with peanuts and chopped cilantro if desired.
Lastly, serve with cooked brown rice or rice noodles.
Taste & Texture
Peanut butter chicken has a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.
The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy. The peanut butter sauce is rich and creamy.
How to Make
Step 1
First, in a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut aminos, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
Step 2
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 4
In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
Step 5
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
Step 6
Pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
Step 7
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 8
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 9
Serve the peanut butter chicken over cooked brown rice or brown rice noodles.
Step 10
Garnish with chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Expert Tips for Success
Follow these tips for making the best peanut butter chicken.
Use good quality peanut butter. The peanut butter you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
We recommend using natural peanut butter that is made with only peanuts and salt.
Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will become dry and tough.
If needed, use a meat thermometer for the chicken. It is done cooking at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Here are some delicious ways to switch up the flavors of this peanut butter chicken.
Add chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions.
Add a splash of hot sauce or chili powder for a bit of heat.
Use different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy or smooth.
Top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.
How to Serve & Store
Peanut butter chicken is best served fresh and hot.
Serve with brown rice, brown rice noodles, or even spaghetti squash.
Garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or green onions.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Try this Chicken and Broccoli as well!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later. Simply follow the recipe instructions and then cool the dish completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.
Yes, you can make this dish without peanut butter. Simply substitute another nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter. You can also use tahini or a combination of tahini and yogurt.
Yes, you can make this dish vegan by omitting the chicken and using tofu or tempeh instead.
It is made of chicken with a creamy peanut butter sauce. The sauce is usually made with peanut butter, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), spices, and honey.
Chicken and beef go well with peanut butter.
Chinese peanut butter sauce is usually made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sometimes rice vinegar, honey, and lime juice.
In general, peanut butter sauce is more likely to be used as a dipping sauce, while satay sauce is more likely to be used as a sauce for main dishes. However, both types of sauce can be used interchangeably.
Equipment Needed
Large Nonstick Skillet: This large pan is great for cooking fried rice!
You May Also Enjoy
- Quick Chicken Piccata
- Homemade Chicken Nuggets
- Oven Fried Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken Stock
- Chicken Pesto Pizza
If you enjoyed this easy chicken peanut butter recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.
Peanut Butter Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
- ¼ cup creamy all natural peanut butter
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 cup snap peas
- salt (to taste)
- black pepper (to taste)
- peanuts (optional garnish)
- chopped cilantro (to garnish)
- cooked brown rice or brown rice noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- First, in a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut aminos, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Serve the peanut butter chicken over cooked brown rice or brown rice noodles.
- Garnish with chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro, if desired.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes.
- Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt.
- Omit the red pepper flakes for a more mild flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
