Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Indulge in this Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken recipe, a family-friendly, quick dinner idea featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, nutty sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Asian-inspired dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Customize with protein swaps or spice adjustments for a versatile meal your whole family will love. Learn tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make this recipe your own!

Ingredients

Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce

Veggies:

• 2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute with olive oil)
• 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
• ¾ cup baby carrots, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs. boneless chicken breasts or thighs
• ¼ teaspoon white pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup peanut oil (or substitute with olive oil)

For Serving:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• Green onions, for garnish
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and hot sauce until smooth. Set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and carrots, cooking for 3–4 minutes while stirring frequently. Add the bell peppers and cook for 1–2 more minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels. Place on a large plate, sprinkle with white pepper, salt, and paprika, and toss to coat. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss again to evenly coat the pieces.
4. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/3 cup of peanut oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, leaving space between pieces to ensure crisp edges. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once when the bottom is light brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as needed. Remove cooked chicken and set aside. Wipe away excess oil from the skillet.
5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet. Whisk the prepared peanut sauce and pour it over the chicken. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Set heat to medium and allow the sauce to heat through and thicken, stirring occasionally. Add splashes of water if the sauce becomes too thick.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the sautéed vegetables back to the skillet and toss to combine, or serve them on the side. Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts. Serve with rice or noodles.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistibly Creamy: The peanut butter sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, this dish offers a balanced mix of protein and veggies.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and ingredients to suit your preferences.

---

Tips

• Perfectly Cooked Rice: For fluffy rice, rinse it thoroughly before cooking and use a 1:2 ratio of rice to water.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add snow peas, snap peas, or mushrooms to the mix.
• Peanut Butter Substitute: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
• Crispy Chicken: Ensure the chicken is dry before coating to achieve a crisp texture.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or pork.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles instead of regular rice.
• Extra Spice: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Vegetarian: Use extra-firm tofu or tempeh in place of chicken.

---

FAQs

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! Store the sauce, chicken, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and combine before serving.
• What’s the best way to reheat? Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to the sauce to maintain the right consistency.
• Can I freeze this dish? The sauce freezes well, but it’s best to prepare the chicken and veggies fresh for optimal texture.

---

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fluffy white rice, brown rice, or noodles for a hearty meal.
• Pair with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for an Asian-inspired feast.
• Garnish with lime wedges for a fresh citrus kick.
• Complement with a crisp cucumber salad for a refreshing side.

This creamy peanut butter chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to become a favorite!