Peanut Butter Chicken

There are some recipes that instantly stop you in your tracks the first time you taste them, and Peanut Butter Chicken is absolutely one of those dishes. Rich, creamy, slightly spicy, and deeply savory, this recipe delivers bold flavor with surprisingly little effort. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent and comforting while still being quick enough for a busy weeknight. With tender chicken pieces coated in a luscious peanut butter and coconut milk sauce infused with warm spices, this dish manages to be both familiar and exciting at the same time.

The inspiration behind Peanut Butter Chicken comes from the beautiful overlap between American comfort cooking and Asian-inspired flavor profiles. Peanut butter, often associated with sweet treats or sandwiches, transforms into something completely different when paired with soy sauce, coconut milk, vinegar, and aromatic spices. The result is a savory sauce that’s nutty, silky, and deeply satisfying, clinging perfectly to every bite of chicken. This recipe leans into that contrast, creating a dish that feels bold and addictive without being complicated.

This is a perfect recipe for those nights when you want something big on flavor but short on prep time. With just a few minutes of chopping and a single skillet, dinner comes together in about fifteen minutes. It’s ideal for weeknight meals, casual entertaining, or anytime you’re craving something comforting but a little out of the ordinary. What makes this Peanut Butter Chicken stand out is its balance: creamy but not heavy, spicy but not overwhelming, and rich without feeling greasy. It’s a dish that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, nutty, and savory flavor with a creamy sauce
• Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
• Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
• One-skillet recipe for easy cleanup
• Naturally dairy-free thanks to coconut milk
• Easy to adapt for gluten-free eaters

Ingredients Breakdown

This Peanut Butter Chicken relies on carefully balanced ingredients to create its signature sauce and tender texture. Each component plays a specific role in building layers of flavor.

Chicken and Cooking Fat

1 tbsp (15 ml) peanut oil (or coconut, sunflower, canola, vegetable oil, NO olive oil)
1 lb (453 g) chicken breast, cut into cubes
Salt

Peanut Butter Sauce

1 cup (230 ml) canned coconut milk
1/3 cup (80 g) creamy peanut butter
1 and 1/2 tbsp (25 ml) soy sauce (use gluten-free for GF eaters)
1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar (or white or apple cider vinegar)
1/2 tsp dried bay (or 2 bay leaves)
1/2 tsp cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
1/2 tsp garlic flakes (or powder, you may want to use more if using powder)
1 anise star (optional)
1 dried Sichuan pepper, chopped with seeds (optional)

Optional Garnish

Sesame seeds
Chopped spring onions

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people as a main course.

Tools & Equipment Needed

To prepare this recipe smoothly, gather the following kitchen tools before starting.

• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Kitchen thermometer (recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is intentionally simple, using a straightforward three-stage cooking process that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

1. Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 F. Using a kitchen thermometer is recommended for accuracy and food safety.
2. Add the canned coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, dried bay, cinnamon, garlic flakes, anise star if using, and chopped Sichuan pepper if using. Stir well to combine all ingredients, ensuring the peanut butter fully dissolves into the sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low if needed and allow the sauce to simmer for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken evenly. Remove from heat and serve immediately over rice. Top with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

This Peanut Butter Chicken is naturally flexible while still staying true to the original recipe. For gluten-free eaters, simply use gluten-free soy sauce as indicated in the ingredient list. The dish is already dairy-free thanks to coconut milk replacing any cream-based components.

To adjust spice levels, you can include or omit the optional Sichuan pepper and anise star. Leaving them out results in a milder, more straightforward peanut sauce, while including them adds subtle heat and aromatic complexity. The garlic flakes can also be adjusted slightly depending on how strong you prefer the garlic flavor, especially if using garlic powder instead of flakes.

Seasonal or pantry substitutions are straightforward as well. Any neutral cooking oil listed can be used in place of peanut oil, provided olive oil is avoided to maintain the intended flavor profile.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

Peanut Butter Chicken has a rich, creamy texture with a deeply nutty base from the peanut butter and coconut milk. The soy sauce adds umami depth, while vinegar provides brightness that keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy. Warm spices like cinnamon and bay leaf introduce subtle complexity rather than sweetness, and the optional anise and Sichuan pepper bring a gentle aromatic heat. The overall texture is silky and comforting, coating the chicken beautifully without being overly thick.

This dish works best served over plain rice, which allows the sauce to shine and soak into every grain. Simple vegetable sides such as steamed greens or sautéed vegetables pair well without overpowering the main dish.

Nutritional Overview

This Peanut Butter Chicken offers a satisfying balance of protein and fats, making it a filling and energizing meal. Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein from the chicken, while the peanut butter and coconut milk contribute healthy fats that enhance satiety. The recipe is naturally dairy-free and can easily be made gluten-free by using the appropriate soy sauce.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce is at its creamiest right after cooking. However, you can cube the chicken in advance and measure out the sauce ingredients ahead of time to streamline cooking. Leftovers can be stored briefly, making this recipe suitable for short-term meal prep.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce as noted in the ingredient list.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
The recipe is written specifically for chicken breast, and for accuracy, the ingredient should not be changed.

Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is moderate. Omitting the optional Sichuan pepper and anise star will result in a milder dish.

How thick should the sauce be?
The sauce should thicken slightly during simmering and coat the chicken without becoming overly thick.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, as long as ingredient ratios remain exactly the same, the recipe can be doubled using a larger skillet.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

| Stage | Time |
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peanut Butter Chicken hot, spooned generously over steamed rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions for added texture and visual appeal. Keeping the presentation simple allows the rich sauce to remain the focus of the dish.

Recipe Variations

Serve the chicken and sauce over rice noodles instead of rice using the same ingredients. Spoon leftovers into lettuce cups for a lighter presentation. Use the cooked chicken and sauce as a filling for a rice bowl topped with extra spring onions. Pair the dish with additional plain rice to soak up extra sauce.

Ingredient Spotlight

Peanut butter is the heart of this recipe, providing richness, body, and a deeply nutty flavor. Creamy peanut butter works best, as it blends smoothly into the coconut milk without creating texture issues. Choose a peanut butter with minimal additives for the cleanest flavor. Coconut milk adds silkiness and balances the peanut butter’s intensity while keeping the dish dairy-free. Using canned coconut milk ensures the sauce thickens properly during simmering.

Pro Cooking Tips

Cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even browning and prevent steaming. Stir the sauce thoroughly after adding the peanut butter to avoid lumps. Simmer gently rather than boiling to maintain a smooth, cohesive sauce. Always check the chicken temperature for doneness to ensure food safety.

Storage & Freezing Guide

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. This dish is best eaten fresh, as the sauce may lose some of its creamy texture when stored. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of canned coconut milk if needed to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the peanut butter and coconut milk sauce.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Calories: not specified
Protein: high due to chicken breast
Carbohydrates: moderate
Fats: moderate to high from peanut butter and coconut milk
Dietary Notes: dairy-free, gluten-free when using gluten-free soy sauce, nut-containing

Print

Expanded Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chicken is proof that big, bold flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its creamy, nutty sauce and tender chicken, this dish delivers comfort and excitement in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a recipe that feels special without being fussy. Try it once, and it’s likely to earn a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. Share it with fellow food lovers, make it your own with thoughtful garnishes, and come back to it whenever you’re craving something deeply satisfying and irresistibly flavorful.