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 (optional for topping); 1 Tbsp green onions, chopped (optional for topping)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I absolutely adore this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe because it brings together the creamy, nutty richness of peanut butter with juicy, tender chicken in such a satisfying way. Every time I make it, the balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors hits the spot perfectly. It’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and a little bit special, making it a total winner in my kitchen and definitely a crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

What truly makes this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe stand out for me is the unique fusion of flavors. You get that luscious, creamy peanut butter mingling beautifully with hoisin sauce and soy sauce, creating a sauce that clings to each bite of chicken with just the right amount of sweetness and umami. The garlic and sesame oil add depth, giving the dish a lovely aromatic warmth that invites you in with every mouthful.

Beyond the incredible taste, I love how easy and quick this recipe is to prepare. It comes together in about 15 minutes, yet it feels like something you’d order at a restaurant. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something special without a long cooking process. Plus, it’s great for casual dinners or even small gatherings because it looks so vibrant when garnished and can easily be paired with a variety of sides.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several clear and white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. At the back, a large clear bowl holds many pieces of raw light pink chicken. To the right is a small white bowl filled with a thick, tan-colored sauce, and behind that is a clear measuring cup with a small amount of clear liquid. In front are two medium clear bowls, one with dark brown thick sauce and the other with dark brown thin sauce. Near the front left is a small white bowl with white powder, and next to it on the right is a small metal bowl with minced light yellow garlic. There are also two small clear measuring cups containing small amounts of amber and clear liquids. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each component plays a crucial role. From the peanut butter that gives the dish its creamy texture to the cornstarch that helps crisp up the chicken, every ingredient is essential to building those layers of flavor and texture.

Tip!

You’ll find all ingredient quantities in the recipe card below.

Chicken breast: Using bite-sized pieces helps them cook quickly and evenly.
Cornstarch: This creates a light crust that makes the chicken extra crispy before the sauce goes on.
Peanut butter: Choose a creamy variety for a smooth, rich sauce.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy depth; you can substitute teriyaki if needed.
Soy sauce: Brings that essential salty umami flavor that balances the sweetness.
Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon delivers a subtle nuttiness that enhances the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
Water: Thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
Cooking oil: Necessary for frying, I usually use vegetable or canola oil for its high smoke point.
Sesame seeds and green onions: Optional toppings that add a little crunch and vibrant color.

Directions

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until every piece is lightly coated. This step is crucial for getting that nice crispy texture when you fry.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water until smooth. This is your flavorful sauce that brings everything together.

Step 3: Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil. Wait until it’s shimmering but not smoking, then add the coated chicken pieces. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Pour the peanut butter sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir well so every piece gets coated. Keep cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and develop that beautiful glossy finish.

Step 5: Turn off the heat and plate the chicken immediately. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if you like, to add texture and a fresh pop of color. Serve hot for the best experience!

Servings and Timing

This delicious Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe makes about 6 servings, which is perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch the next day. Preparation time is super quick at just 5 minutes, mostly for chopping and mixing. Cook time takes about 10 minutes total, combining frying and simmering the sauce. Altogether, this dish can be done and on your table in approximately 15 minutes, which I always appreciate on busy nights.

How to Serve This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

A collage of six images showing steps of cooking a chicken dish. The first image shows raw pieces of chicken in a clear glass bowl with a pile of white powder on top, placed on a white marbled surface. The second image shows a different white bowl with a mix of dark brown sauce and a dollop of yellow mustard-like paste, with a whisk on the side. The third image displays the sauce mixed and smooth in the same white bowl with the whisk resting inside. The fourth image shows small pieces of chicken cooking on a pan with light browning on some pieces. The fifth image shows the chicken pieces in the pan simmering with a thickening brown sauce. The sixth image displays the chicken fully cooked and covered in a thick, shiny brown sauce in the pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe, I love pairing it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or even fragrant coconut rice to soak up all the creamy, flavorful sauce. Sometimes, I serve it alongside stir-fried veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers for a vibrant and nutritious meal.

For presentation, sprinkling toasted sesame seeds on top and some fresh chopped green onions always makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. You could also add some crushed peanuts for extra crunch. I typically serve it hot right out of the pan but sometimes let it rest for a few minutes if I’m plating for a dinner party, to let the flavors settle nicely.

As for drinks, this dish pairs wonderfully with a cold, crisp white wine like a Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer cocktails, a light ginger ale with a squeeze of lime balances the savory richness beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, iced green tea or sparkling water with a hint of lemon hits just right. I find this recipe perfect for casual weeknight dinners but also special enough for entertaining guests.

Variations

One of the things I appreciate most about this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, you can substitute chicken breasts with thigh meat for a juicier, more flavorful result. For a gluten-free version, swapping out the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos works well without losing any of the savory notes.

For vegan or vegetarian options, I’ve had great success using firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken. Just make sure to press tofu properly before coating and frying. You can also experiment with adding some heat by mixing a little chili garlic sauce into the peanut butter mixture to give it a spicy kick.

Different cooking methods can work too! If you want to reduce oil, try baking the cornstarch-coated chicken pieces at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy, then toss in the peanut butter sauce at the end. It’s a bit lighter but still delicious.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I find glass containers work best because they don’t absorb odors or stains. Leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy them again.

Freezing

This recipe freezes reasonably well if you want to save portions for later. I recommend letting the chicken cool completely, then portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers. The sauce may thicken upon freezing, but it will loosen back up when reheated. Frozen portions generally keep for 1 to 2 months without significant loss of flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much to help loosen it and keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve texture and prevent the sauce from separating. Reheating slowly helps maintain that luscious, creamy coating that makes this dish so irresistible.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes! Peanut butter powder can be used but you’ll likely need to adjust the amount of water in the sauce to achieve the right consistency. The flavor might be a bit less rich, so I recommend mixing it with a small amount of oil for creaminess if you try this swap.

Is there a way to make this dish less oily?

Absolutely. You can reduce the cooking oil when frying the chicken or bake the chicken pieces instead. Additionally, using a non-stick skillet helps cut down on oil absorption. Just be sure to coat the chicken well with cornstarch to still get a nice texture.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken ahead of time, keeping them separately refrigerated for a few hours. However, I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture and flavor. If you must cook it ahead, reheat gently as described above.

What sides best complement this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe?

Simple steamed rice is a classic, but it’s great with quinoa, noodles, or even roasted vegetables. Adding crunchy fresh veggies, like cucumber slices or a simple salad, helps balance the richness of the peanut sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?

Definitely! This sauce works well with shrimp, beef strips, or even pork. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking more delicate proteins.

Conclusion

I hope you give this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe a try because it’s truly one of my favorite easy dishes that never fails to impress. It’s flavorful, quick to make, and comforting in all the best ways. Once you taste the creamy, nutty sauce coating tender chicken pieces, I have no doubt it will become a staple in your recipe rotation too!