Irresistibly Delicious Chicken with Peanut Butter

I’ll admit it—when I first heard about chicken with peanut butter, I was skeptical. Peanut butter in a savory dish? It just didn’t sound right. But then, one evening, my husband and I were craving something new, something packed with bold flavors yet comforting at the same time. That’s when I decided to experiment with a peanut-based sauce for chicken.

The result? A creamy, nutty, and absolutely mouthwatering dish that quickly became a family favorite! If you’ve never tried it before, get ready to be pleasantly surprised. This recipe brings together savory chicken, rich peanut butter, and aromatic spices for a dish that’s satisfying and deeply flavorful.

Before we dive in, let’s talk about why peanut butter is such a brilliant ingredient in savory dishes. It has a long history in global cuisine, from West African peanut stews to Thai peanut satay sauce. If you’re curious about how peanut butter became such a staple in cooking, check out this history of peanut butter in cooking.

What you will find in this article:

What is Chicken with Peanut Butter?

If you’ve never tried Chicken with Peanut Butter before, you’re in for a treat! This dish is inspired by different global cuisines that use peanuts in savory dishes, including:

West African cuisine – Groundnut stews with peanut-based sauces.
Thai cuisine – Spicy peanut butter satay sauces.
Indonesian cuisine – Rich peanut sauce in dishes like Gado-Gado.

What makes this dish so incredible is how peanut butter transforms into a rich, savory sauce when combined with soy sauce, garlic, and spices. The result? A creamy, slightly sweet, slightly spicy dish that pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or veggies.

Golden-brown chicken simmering in a rich, velvety peanut butter sauce with hints of garlic and ginger, bubbling away in a skillet, ready to be served.

The Secret to a Perfect Peanut Butter Sauce

The key to making a restaurant-quality peanut sauce at home is balancing the flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Sauce:

Natural peanut butter – Always use unsweetened, creamy peanut butter for the best results.
Coconut milk or chicken broth – Helps create a silky, smooth texture.
Garlic & ginger – Adds depth and aroma.
Soy sauce – Enhances the umami flavor.
Honey or brown sugar – Balances out the saltiness.
Red pepper flakes or sriracha – Adds a little kick.

Pro Tips for a Smooth Sauce:

✅ Always stir your peanut butter at room temperature before using.
✅ Whisk the sauce constantly while heating to prevent clumps.
✅ Taste and adjust—add more soy sauce for saltiness or honey for sweetness.

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

The type of chicken you use can make or break the dish. Here’s how to pick the right cut:

Best Chicken Cuts for Peanut Butter Sauce:

✅ Chicken thighs – Juicier and more flavorful.
✅ Chicken breasts – Leaner but can dry out faster.
✅ Bone-in chicken – Adds depth of flavor but takes longer to cook.

If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using tofu or tempeh instead!

How to Make Chicken with Peanut Butter (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now, let’s get into the fun part—cooking! This Chicken with Peanut Butter is quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Toss with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (overnight is even better!).

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan.
Cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce

In the same pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
Add peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and honey.
Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Return the chicken to the pan.
Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes until thick and glossy.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts.
Serve over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe 3 — A delicious bowl of peanut butter chicken with colorful stir-fried vegetables and a side of fluffy rice, drizzled with extra sauce for an irresistible meal.

Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Chicken

Wondering what to serve with your peanut butter chicken? Here are some delicious side dish ideas:

Steamed Jasmine Rice – A fluffy base to soak up the sauce.
Elote Pasta Salad – A creamy, corn-based dish that complements the peanut sauce.
Stir-Fried Vegetables – Crunchy bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots.

Creative Twists

Want to get creative with Chicken with Peanut Butter? Try these fun variations:

🔥 Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken – Add Thai chili paste & coconut milk.
🥜 West African Peanut Stew – Add sweet potatoes & peanuts.
🍗 Peanut Butter Chicken Wings – Use the sauce as a glaze for crispy wings.
🌯 Peanut Chicken Wraps – Serve in tortillas with crunchy slaw.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

🚫 Using chunky peanut butter – Makes the sauce grainy.
🚫 Skipping the marination – Reduces flavor depth.
🚫 Overcooking the chicken – Leads to dry, chewy meat.
🚫 Adding peanut butter too early – Causes the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I make chicken with peanut butter without coconut milk?

👉 Yes! Use chicken broth or heavy cream instead.

What vegetables go well with peanut butter chicken?

👉 Try broccoli, bell peppers, or carrots.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

👉 It’s best to use smooth peanut butter for a creamy sauce.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

👉 Keep in an airtight container for 3–4 days; reheat gently with broth.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this peanut butter chicken recipe has saved me on busy weeknights. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit at my dinner table. Every time I cook it, I remember that first bite—the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, savory chicken, and aromatic spices.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab a jar of peanut butter, fire up your stove, and make this dish tonight! Trust me, you won’t regret it. 🌟