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); 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; 2 Tbsp cooking oil (for frying); ½ Tbsp sesame seeds; 1 Tbsp green onions (chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you have a hankering for something that perfectly balances rich, nutty flavors with tender, juicy chicken, the Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is your next kitchen triumph. This dish brings together the creamy decadence of peanut butter with savory soy and hoisin sauces, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of perfectly cooked chicken. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick 15-minute prep, this recipe transforms weeknight dinners into a culinary celebration you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up of several small white bowls and clear glass measuring cups arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest glass bowl at the back is filled with pale pink pieces of raw chicken. In front, a white bowl on the right contains creamy light brown peanut butter with a spoon. Clear glass bowls hold dark thick sauce and dark soy sauce with shiny surfaces catching light. Small glass measuring cups contain light amber liquid and clear liquid. In the front left, a pale pink bowl is filled with white powder, and a small metal bowl on the right is filled with minced garlic. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe comes together with straightforward ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each component has a special role, from the chicken that’s the hearty base, to the peanut butter and sauces that build a complex, irresistible flavor.

Chicken breast (1½ lb): Cut into bite-sized pieces, it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Cornstarch (3 Tbsp): Coats the chicken to give it a slight crisp and helps thicken the sauce.
Peanut butter (¼ cup): The star ingredient, adding creamy richness and a subtle sweetness.
Hoisin sauce (¼ cup): Adds a sweet, tangy depth; teriyaki sauce can be used if preferred.
Soy sauce (3 Tbsp): Brings salty umami that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Sesame oil (1 tsp): A small amount adds a lovely toasted aroma that elevates the dish.
Garlic (1 tsp, minced): Fresh garlic gives a punch of savory flavor.
Water (⅔ cup): Used to loosen the sauce ensuring it coats the chicken evenly.
Cooking oil (2 Tbsp): For frying the chicken to golden perfection.
Sesame seeds (½ Tbsp, optional): Adds a slight crunch and visual appeal as a garnish.
Green onions (1 Tbsp, chopped, optional): Brings a fresh, crisp finish to the dish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch in a mixing bowl. This simple step is key for achieving that satisfyingly crisp texture on the outside that also helps thicken your sauce later on. Make sure every piece is well-coated but not clumpy.

Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Butter Sauce

While the chicken rests, mix the peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water in a separate bowl until smooth. This combination creates a silky sauce that is both sweet and savory, defining the heart of this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe. Trust me, this sauce is what makes the dish unforgettable.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the coated chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally so they cook evenly and develop a golden color. The chicken should be cooked through but still juicy — no one likes dry chicken in a dish this delicious.

Step 4: Thicken with the Sauce

Pour your prepared peanut butter sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously to coat each piece of chicken thoroughly. Cook for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken. Watching the sauce transform is truly satisfying and will have your kitchen smelling incredible.

Step 5: Serve It Up

Once the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the skillet from heat. This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and hot, garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that added crunch and burst of color.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

A white plate with a black decorative rim filled with a bed of white rice as the bottom layer, topped with bite-sized pieces of golden brown chicken coated in a shiny, thick brown sauce as the second layer, and garnished with bright green chopped scallions on top. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a pair of wooden chopsticks placed behind it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding sesame seeds and green onions isn’t just for looks; they bring delightful texture and a fresh flavor that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. Feel free to sprinkle them generously or add a few extra for that perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Peanut Butter Chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, serve with stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a nice crunch and color contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving this dish over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles or creamy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist. You can also spoon it into lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld meal that’s perfect for casual dinner parties or family nights.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic dish to prepare ahead since the flavors deepen after sitting, making your next meal even more delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, place your cooled leftover chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the best texture and taste.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in storage. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to keep the sauce silky and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Absolutely! While peanut butter is classic for this recipe, almond or cashew butter can add a lovely variation. Just be mindful that the flavor and texture might shift slightly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari sauce and use almond flour instead of cornstarch. This same adjustment keeps all the great taste but makes it safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will make the dish even juicier and add a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to reach the correct internal temperature.

Can this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe be made vegan?

For a vegan twist, replace the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and use vegetable-based sauces without fish or animal products. The peanut butter sauce is naturally plant-based and full of flavor.

How spicy is this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is mild and friendly for most palates as presented. If you like a little heat, consider adding chili flakes or a dash of sriracha when mixing the sauce to customize the spice level.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is a fantastic way to bring something new and comforting to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Its rich, creamy, and savory sauce paired with tender chicken is a true crowd-pleaser. I encourage you to try it out, experiment with your own garnishes, and watch it become a fast favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need