Peanut Butter Chicken

Peanut butter chicken is nutritious, tasty and easy to make. It checks all the boxes when it comes to a great weeknight dinner. This dish is full of bold flavors thanks to ingredients like soy sauce, white wine vinegar, ginger root and lots of garlic. And the star of the show—creamy peanut butter—is the perfect complement to chicken, especially when served over a bed of buttery and fluffy rice. Keep reading for a truly delectable peanut butter chicken recipe.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken

• Water: Ramp up the flavor even more by using chicken or veggie bouillon.
• Creamy peanut butter: Use a classic brand like Jif for the creamiest results.
• White wine vinegar: White wine vinegar adds a necessary acidity to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Soy sauce is a stand-in for salt in this recipe.
• Crushed red pepper: Add the crushed red pepper at the beginning of cooking to give the entire dish some heat.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: You could also opt to use thighs if you’d prefer. Grilled chicken tastes delicious with this recipe.
• Garlic: Take the time to properly mince the garlic so the flavor gets evenly distributed.
• Ginger root: Ginger root adds a lovely warmth and spice to the sauce without being too overpowering.
• Canola oil: Canola oil has a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making it great for sauteing chicken.
• Cooked rice: Brown or white rice are both fine options. You can also swap  the rice for noodles or another grain if you’d like.
• Green onion (optional): While optional, green onion or scallion add a fresh and herby flavor and slightly crunchy texture to this dish.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the first five ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the first five ingredients and set aside.

Step 2: Saute the chicken

Saute the chicken, garlic and ginger in oil for five minutes in a large skillet.

Step 3: Add the peanut butter mixture

Add the peanut butter mixture and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for five minutes or until the chicken juices run clear, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Serve

Serve with rice and sprinkle with thinly sliced green onion if desired.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Variations

• Spice it up: We love adding sweet chili sauce to this dish.
• Increase the veggies: Sauteed broccoli, mushrooms or bell pepper go great with peanut butter chicken.
• Add coconut milk: A bit of coconut milk gives the sauce an even creamier consistency.

How to Store Peanut Butter Chicken

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. To reheat, either microwave for one minute or saute in a pan with a bit more canola oil until the chicken is warmed through. A splash of chicken or veggie broth can help loosen up the sauce if needed.

How long does peanut butter chicken last?

This chicken will last for at least three to four days when stored properly.

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe Tips

What pairs well with peanut butter chicken?

Aside from rice, we like serving peanut butter chicken with a side of steamed kale. You can also opt to serve it with noodles or quinoa, if you’d prefer.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this peanut butter chicken recipe vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for crispy tofu or beans.

Can I make extra sauce?

Definitely. In fact, this is a great idea. Double the sauce ingredients and save the leftovers for drizzling over roasted vegetables, fish and pasta.