Zesty Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

I first whipped up this skillet meal on a busy Tuesday when my pantry looked bare and takeout felt too expensive. The rich aroma of garlic and ginger hitting the hot pan instantly convinced me that homemade was the right choice.

You might be surprised how a few simple staples can transform into a creamy, savory Peanut Butter Chicken dinner. It satisfies that craving for comfort food without requiring hours of prep or a sink full of dirty dishes.

What Makes This Peanut Butter Chicken So Special

The sauce strikes a perfect balance between salty and sweet thanks to the combination of soy sauce and honey. It clings to every piece of meat so you get maximum flavor in every single bite.

You can have this entire meal on the table in under thirty minutes, making it a lifesaver for hectic weeknights. Minimal chopping and a single skillet mean cleanup is practically nonexistent once you finish eating.

This recipe uses ingredients you likely already have sitting in your kitchen cabinet right now. Customizing the heat level is easy by adjusting the amount of sriracha to suit your family’s preference.

Craving more hearty comfort food? My Irresistible Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe brings that same satisfying warmth, and the Savory Butternut Squash Casserole Recipe has become a regular in my meal rotation.

Everything You Need for Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken

Here are the simple pantry staples required to bring this dish together:

• Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into even cubes for quick cooking.
• Cornstarch: Helps the chicken get a nice golden crust and thickens the sauce.
• Avocado Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point for searing the meat.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken before it hits the pan.
• Water: Thins the sauce to the perfect coating consistency.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy natural varieties work best for a smooth texture.
• Soy Sauce: Adds that deep, salty umami flavor to the base.
• Honey: Provides a touch of natural sweetness to balance the salt.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a bright tang that cuts through the richness of the nuts.
• Garlic: Freshly minced cloves give the sauce a punchy aromatic kick.
• Ginger: Grated fresh root adds warmth and a slight spicy bite.
• Sriracha: Just enough heat to wake up the palate without overwhelming the dish.
• Green Onions: Fresh slices for a crisp, colorful garnish.
• White Rice: The perfect fluffy vessel for soaking up the extra sauce.

My Method for Peanut Butter Chicken

Let’s get cooking with these simple steps:

1. Start by placing your cubed chicken, cornstarch, and salt into a medium mixing bowl. Toss everything together thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in a thin, white layer of starch, which helps create a great texture.
2. Heat the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet set over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t crowded, and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through, flipping once halfway.
3. While the chicken sears, grab a glass measuring cup or small bowl to prepare the sauce. Whisk together the water, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sriracha until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
4. Lower the heat to medium and pour your prepared peanut sauce directly into the skillet over the cooked chicken. Stir constantly for 2 to 3 minutes as the sauce bubbles and thickens, turning into a glossy glaze that coats every piece of meat perfectly.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat immediately once the sauce reaches your desired consistency so it doesn’t separate. Serve the Peanut Butter Chicken hot over a bed of steamed rice and sprinkle generously with sliced green onions for a fresh finish.

My Best Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into uniform one-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly and stay tender. Uneven chunks often lead to some bites being dry while others are still undercooked in the center.

Use creamy natural peanut butter for the smoothest sauce texture without adding unnecessary sugar or oils. If you only have crunchy butter, you can blitz the sauce in a blender before adding it to the Peanut Butter Chicken.

Prepare your sauce mixture while the meat is searing so you can pour it in immediately once the chicken is ready. This prevents the fond on the bottom of the pan from burning and keeps the workflow smooth.

How to Serve This Peanut Butter Chicken

I always serve this dish over a bed of fluffy white jasmine rice to soak up every drop of the savory sauce. Sliced green onions add a necessary pop of color and a fresh crunch that cuts through the richness.

Steamed broccoli or sautéed snap peas make excellent sides that pair beautifully with the nutty flavors of the Peanut Butter Chicken. You could also serve this over rice noodles for a texture change that feels like takeout.

Find more easy dinner inspiration by following me on Pinterest.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 24 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Dairy Free

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Description

Quick and easy peanut butter chicken featuring tender breast meat tossed in a savory, creamy homemade sauce with soy, ginger, and garlic.

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Ingredients

• 1/3 cup creamy natural peanut butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• Sliced green onions for garnish
• Cooked white rice for serving

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Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken breast, cornstarch, and salt. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the water, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha in a small bowl until smooth.
4. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
5. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Remove from heat.
6. Serve immediately over white rice, garnished with green onions.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Resting Time:
• Cook Time: 12 min
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 1190mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Peanut Butter Chicken, easy chicken dinner, peanut sauce recipe, skillet meal, weeknight dinner