How to Make Easy Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe in 30 Minutes

Ever had a night when you crave something tasty but don’t want to cook for hours? This chicken with peanut butter recipe is your quick fix. It turns simple ingredients into a delicious meal that everyone will love. And it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

This easy peanut butter chicken recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks. It’s inspired by Balinese cuisine. It combines creamy peanut butter with tender chicken, creating a burst of flavor that’s both satisfying and quick to make.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare a gourmet meal in just 30 minutes
• Perfect for weeknight dinners and meal prep
• Packed with protein and incredible flavor
• Customizable to suit different dietary needs
• Requires minimal cooking skills

Why This Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite

Get ready for a meal that will change your dinner game! This peanut butter chicken recipe is a mix of great taste, health, and ease. It’s sure to be a hit in your kitchen.

Health Benefits of Combining Chicken and Peanut Butter

Peanut butter chicken is not just yummy; it’s also packed with nutrients. Each serving has 28g of protein and only 205 calories. It’s a great mix for muscle growth and health.

• High protein content supports muscle development
• Healthy fats from peanut butter promote heart health
• Low in carbohydrates (only 3g per serving)

Quick and Budget-Friendly Meal Solution

Busy cooks will love this recipe. It’s ready in just 25 minutes, quicker than takeout. The ingredients are cheap and easy to find, perfect for families.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Meal planning just got simpler! You can prep this chicken up to 5 days in advance. Freeze it for up to 6 months for future meals. Reheating is easy, just 30-40 seconds in the microwave or a quick pan sizzle.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken

To make the best peanut butter chicken, start with top-notch ingredients. These will turn your dish into something truly special. Choosing the right ingredients is key to getting great flavor and nutrition.

Here are the main ingredients for a fantastic peanut butter chicken:

• Chicken Breast: 1.5 pounds of fresh, boneless chicken breast
• Peanut Butter: 1/2 cup of creamy, natural peanut butter
• Low-sodium soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Chicken broth: 1/4 cup
• Honey or maple syrup: 2 tablespoons
• Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons (divided)
• Cornstarch: 3 tablespoons for thickening

The secret to amazing homemade peanut butter chicken is balancing flavors and textures. Use natural peanut butter without added sugars for the best taste. Choose fresh chicken breasts and make sure they’re the same size for even cooking.

This recipe is packed with protein, with about 45g per serving. It’s great for muscle recovery and overall health. The mix of peanut butter and chicken offers a tasty blend of protein, healthy fats, and complex flavors. It will make your home cooking even better.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment You’ll Need

To make a tasty simple peanut butter chicken, you need the right tools. Whether you’re experienced or new to cooking, the right equipment makes it easier and more fun.

Basic Utensils for Your Simple Peanut Butter Chicken

Before you start cooking your peanut butter chicken, make sure you have these basic tools:

• Sharp kitchen knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Skillet or frying pan

Optional Equipment for Enhanced Cooking Results

For even better results, consider these optional tools:

Having the right tools makes cooking your simple peanut butter chicken much easier. Invest in quality kitchen equipment to improve your cooking and make delicious meals with confidence.

Preparing Your Ingredients for Success

Creating a delicious flavorful peanut butter chicken starts with careful ingredient preparation. Your goal is to set up a smooth cooking process. This will bring out the best flavors and textures in your dish.

When preparing your flavorful peanut butter chicken, focus on three critical steps. These are selecting the right chicken, creating a perfect sauce, and organizing your prep work efficiently.

Choosing and Cutting the Chicken

For optimal results, select 1 ½ pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Season the chicken with:

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch for coating

Making the Perfect Peanut Butter Sauce

Your flavorful peanut butter chicken sauce requires precise ingredients. Gather these key components:

• ⅓ cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon minced ginger
• ¼ cup dried red chili pepper (optional for spice)

Prep Work Timeline

Efficient preparation is crucial for a successful meal. Your total prep time should be under 15 minutes. Here’s a quick breakdown:

1. Chicken cutting: 5 minutes
2. Sauce preparation: 3 minutes
3. Seasoning and coating: 2 minutes
4. Final setup: 5 minutes

Pro tip: Have all ingredients measured and ready before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Are you ready to make a tasty creamy peanut butter chicken dish? This recipe is easy to follow, with two cooking methods: Instant Pot and stovetop. Both ways will make your meal delicious in just 30 minutes.

Instant Pot Method

Cooking creamy peanut butter chicken in an Instant Pot is simple and fast. Just follow these steps:

1. Cut 1 lb of boneless chicken breast or thighs into 1-inch cubes
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper
3. Coat chicken pieces in 1/2 cup cornstarch
4. Set Instant Pot to sauté mode and add 2 tbsp canola oil
5. Brown chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes
6. Add chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, and other sauce ingredients
7. Pressure cook for 7 minutes for chicken breast, 10 minutes for thighs
8. Allow natural pressure release

Stovetop Method

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, the stovetop method is great for creamy peanut butter chicken:

1. Heat 2 tbsp canola oil in a large skillet
2. Dredge chicken pieces in cornstarch mixture
3. Cook chicken until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes
4. Combine sauce ingredients in a separate bowl
5. Pour sauce over chicken
6. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked
7. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

Pro tip: Add 2 teaspoons of extra cornstarch to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin. Your creamy peanut butter chicken is now ready to enjoy!

Creating the Perfect Peanut Butter Sauce Consistency

Making the perfect baked chicken with peanut butter recipe means getting the sauce just right. The sauce’s texture and taste are key. Knowing how to adjust and fix it is very important.

For your peanut butter sauce, aim for a smooth, velvety feel that sticks well to the chicken. It’s all about finding the right balance of thickness and flavor.

Adjusting Thickness and Flavor

To get the sauce just right for your baked chicken with peanut butter recipe, try these tips:

• Start with room temperature ingredients for smoother blending
• Use 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter as your base
• Add water little by little (1-3 tablespoons) to thin the sauce
• Include 2 tablespoons honey for sweetness and to keep it smooth

Troubleshooting Common Sauce Issues

Here are quick fixes for common sauce problems:

1. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered while stirring constantly
2. For more thickness, add a bit of cornstarch
3. Change the heat by adding 2 teaspoons of hot sauce
4. Balance the flavors with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil

The aim is a sauce that’s creamy, tasty, and goes well with your chicken. With practice, you’ll get better at making the perfect peanut butter sauce every time.

Easy Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe in 30 Minutes

Step up your dinner game with this chicken with peanut butter recipe! Creamy, nutty, and packed with flavor, it’s a dish that will surprise and satisfy.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine African, Asian, Fusion

Servings 4

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Large Skillet or Wok – For cooking the chicken and sauce.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring the sauce.
• Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For cutting the chicken and prepping ingredients.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate sauce proportions.
• Grater or Microplane – For grating fresh ginger.
• Serving Bowl or Plate – To present the dish beautifully.

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Peanut Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1 cup coconut milk (or chicken broth for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

For Garnish & Serving:

• 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles

Instructions

 

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

2. Make the Peanut Butter Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, sriracha (if using), and lime juice. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring continuously until smooth.

3. Combine & Simmer:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat with the peanut sauce.
• Simmer for 5 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

4. Garnish & Serve:

• Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
• Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.

Video

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Protein: ~40g
• Carbohydrates: ~20g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Sugar: ~6g
• Fat: ~35g
• Saturated Fat: ~12g (from coconut milk & peanut butter)
• Sodium: ~700mg (depends on soy sauce used)
• Iron: ~3mg
• Calcium: ~60mg

💡 For a lower-calorie version, use light coconut milk or chicken broth and reduce the peanut butter amount.

Keyword Creamy chicken recipe, Easy weeknight dinner, High-protein meal, Peanut butter chicken, Quick chicken dish, Savory peanut sauce

Delicious Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Your crispy peanut butter chicken needs the perfect side to make it even better. The right pairing can turn this dish into a memorable meal. It will make your taste buds happy.

Here are some great ways to serve your crispy peanut butter chicken:

• Jasmine Rice: A classic choice that soaks up the peanut butter sauce well
• Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, healthy touch to your meal
• Asian Cucumber Salad: Offers a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken
• Cauliflower Rice: A good option for those watching their carbs

Want to make your crispy peanut butter chicken even better? Try these garnishing ideas:

• Sprinkle Peanut Chili Crunch for extra texture
• Top with chopped cilantro or green onions
• Drizzle with fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor

Nutrition lovers will be happy to know this dish serves 4. Each serving has 47g of protein and just 21g of carbs. It’s a great choice for a balanced meal.

Pro tip: You can store leftover crispy peanut butter chicken in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for 3 months. For extra servings, make 1.5 to 2 times more sauce.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

You can change your chicken with peanut butter recipe to fit different diets and tastes. Want to add some spice, make it vegetarian, or cut down on carbs? These tweaks will let you make a meal that’s just right for you.

Spicy Version Adjustments

For those who enjoy a little heat, here are some spice tips:

• Add 1-2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes
• Incorporate sriracha sauce for intense heat
• Use fresh jalapeños or chili garlic sauce

Vegetarian Alternatives

Make your chicken with peanut butter recipe vegetarian with these protein swaps:

• Replace chicken with firm tofu
• Use tempeh for a hearty texture
• Substitute with seitan for a meat-like consistency

Low-Carb Modifications

Keep flavor high and carbs low with these tips:

• Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener
• Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice
• Opt for low-carb vegetable noodles

When picking ingredients, natural peanut butter is best. Look for varieties with few additives for real taste. If you’re allergic to peanuts, almond butter is a great alternative.

Conclusion

Your journey through this easy peanut butter chicken recipe has given you a tasty and simple meal. It turns everyday ingredients into a special dining experience. With just 30 minutes of cooking, you can make a dish full of protein and flavor.

This recipe is flexible, so you can make it your own. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep. It’s also good for your health, with 32g of protein and healthy fats from peanut butter.

Try adding your own spices, garnishes, or sides to the recipe. Share your creations with loved ones. Your kitchen is now a place for fun, healthy meals that everyone will enjoy.

Cooking is about joy, creativity, and feeding your body well. This easy peanut butter chicken recipe is just the start of your cooking journey!