Who knew peanut butter’s magic wasn’t limited to sandwiches or desserts? Our chicken with peanut butter recipe brings this household staple to the spotlight in a savory, surprising way. Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with tender chicken, this dish is a flavor adventure that strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a delightful culinary experiment. Whether you’re looking to spice up your meal rotation or impress with something unique, this recipe is ready to bring smiles to the table. Gear up and let’s get cooking!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The chicken with peanut butter -recipe Recipe
Let’s talk about the ultimate kitchen surprise: chicken with peanut butter. It might sound a little out of the box at first, but trust me—this recipe is a game-changer! It takes two pantry staples you’re probably already familiar with (hello, chicken and peanut butter) and transforms them into a culinary masterpiece that you might just find yourself craving weekly.The origin of this recipe speaks to global cooking influences, particularly Southeast Asian cuisines where peanut-based sauces are loved for their layered flavor profiles. But don’t worry, we’re keeping this simple and accessible with ingredients you probably already have at home.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s that perfect balance of creamy and savory with a hint of nuttiness. Plus, you can easily tailor it to your taste—add some chili flakes to turn up the heat, or toss in some veggies to make it an all-in-one meal.
At BellRecipes, we love how versatile this dish is. Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice or alongside sautéed veggies, and you’ve got a meal that feels equal parts comfort food and gourmet! So grab that peanut butter jar (yes, the same one you use for PB&Js) and let’s dive into this deliciously unexpected dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients
- Kid-friendly and fun to make
- Rich, creamy, and full of flavor
- Versatile – pair it with rice, noodles, or veggies
- Unique combination of sweet and savory
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chicken (thighs or breasts work great!)
- Peanut Butter (creamy works best, but chunky adds texture)
- Garlic and Ginger (fresh is ideal, but powder works in a pinch)
- Soy Sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- Lime Juice (lemon can be a substitute)
- Honey (swap with maple syrup or brown sugar if preferred)
- Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor)
- Chili Flakes (optional, for spice lovers)
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper for that first layer of flavor.
- In a large skillet or pan, heat some oil and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides. Set it aside for now.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant—it’s the base flavor of your sauce!
- Add the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, honey, and chicken broth. Stir well until creamy.
- Bring the chicken back into the pan and let it simmer in the sauce, allowing it to soak up all those incredible flavors.
- If you’d like, sprinkle some chili flakes for an extra kick. Stir and let everything simmer for a few more minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve over rice, noodles, or steamed veggies. Enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
Use fresh peanut butter for the cleanest, most authentic flavor.
If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to thin it out.
Don’t skip the lime juice—it brightens up the whole dish.
Sear the chicken well at the start; it locks in the juices and adds flavor.
Taste-test your sauce before simmering for adjustments; everyone’s peanut butter is a bit different!
Variations and Customizations
If you’re looking to get creative, this recipe is a great canvas. For a bit of spice, toss in some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of sriracha. Want it creamier? Add a splash of coconut milk toward the end of cooking. Vegetarians can swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. And if you’re craving a crunch, top it off with some crushed peanuts or fried garlic.
Nutritional Information
This chicken with peanut butter dish is as balanced as it is tasty. You’re looking at around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the peanut butter, and a modest amount of carbs from ingredients like honey. Plus, you’ll net some vitamins and minerals from the ginger, garlic, and lime. Want to lighten it up? Use less peanut butter or swap honey for a natural, low-sugar alternative.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries, they store beautifully. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce as it warms. Microwave works too, but make sure to stir halfway for even heating. Whatever you do, avoid freezing—the creamy peanut butter sauce doesn’t hold up well to thawing and reheating.
Recipe Card of chicken with peanut butter -recipe
Ingredients list
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil can sub olive oil
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup baby carrots julienned
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 ½ lbs. boneless chicken breast or thighs
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1/3 cup peanut oil can sub olive oil
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Green onions to garnish
- Chopped peanuts to garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the delicious sauce ingredients and set aside for later use.
- Heat up 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet. Add the broccoli and carrots, cooking until slightly tender. Toss in those vibrant red peppers and give them a quick sauté.
- Dice chicken into 2-inch chunks and dry them off. Sprinkle with seasonings, mixing well with tongs to coat evenly. Dust with cornstarch and toss again.
- In a large skillet, bring 1/3 cup of peanut oil to heat. Fry the chicken in batches until edges are wonderfully crisp. Adjust heat as needed to avoid overcooking.
- After clearing excess oil, return chicken to skillet. Pour in the sauce, turning everything until beautifully coated.
- Turn stove to medium, allowing the mixture to heat and naturally thicken. If it gets too thick, a bit of water works wonders to loosen it up.
- Fold the fresh vegetables into the sauce or keep them on the side. Garnish with a scattering of green onions and peanuts. Serve over rice or noodles for a meal that satisfies.
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture, which some people love.
Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap soy sauce for tamari and double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, this recipe tastes just as delicious (if not better) the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What’s the best way to spice this up?
Add chili flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas make excellent additions.