Peanut Butter Chicken

When I think of comfort food, Peanut Butter Chicken always comes to mind. I vividly remember the first time I tried this dish at a friend’s gathering. The aroma wafting through the air was simply intoxicating, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. As I took my first bite, the creamy richness of the peanut sauce enveloped the tender chicken, and I was hooked. This dish has the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a family favorite. It’s become a staple in my home, and I love how simple it is to make. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Peanut Butter Chicken never fails to impress.

Recipe Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken

Creating the perfect Peanut Butter Chicken starts with the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the flavors and textures we all crave. The key players include tender chicken thighs, rich coconut milk, and, of course, smooth or crunchy peanut butter. Together, they create a creamy, savory sauce that pairs beautifully with rice or fresh fruit.

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless thighs, chopped into 1 1/2-2” pieces – Using thigh meat ensures a juicy and flavorful dish.
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A must for that delicious savory flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon each ground coriander, turmeric powder, and pepper – These spices contribute to the depth of flavor.
• 14.5 oz. can coconut milk – Opt for full-fat for a creamier sauce.
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
• 1/4 cup reduced sodium soy sauce – Brings in the umami richness.
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons lime juice – Gives a fresh, tangy kick.
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce – Essential for that authentic Thai flavor.
• 2-3 teaspoons Asian chili sauce – Adjust to your spice preference.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a hint of herbal freshness.
• 1/3 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter – The star of the show!
• Crushed peanuts – For garnish, adding texture and crunch.
• Cilantro – Freshness to complement the dish.
• Chopped mango or pineapple – Optional, but a refreshing addition!

Step by Step Guide for Peanut Butter Chicken

Making Peanut Butter Chicken is a delightful experience that’ll fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas. Follow these steps for a simple yet rewarding cooking process. You’ll love the way the ingredients come together!

1. Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix the seasonings for the chicken, including ground ginger, garlic powder, ground coriander, turmeric powder, and pepper. This is where the flavor begins!
2. Add the chopped chicken thighs to the bowl and stir to ensure each piece is well coated with the seasoning blend. Let this mixture sit while you prepare the sauce.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili sauce. This sauce is the essence of your Peanut Butter Chicken.
4. Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot and rippling, add the seasoned chicken. Sauté until the chicken pieces turn opaque and are slightly browned on the edges, about 4 to 5 minutes. Remember, the chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage.
5. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Stir to combine everything, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the sauce. Let it simmer on medium heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Once the sauce reaches your desired consistency, stir in the peanut butter. Keep stirring until it melts and becomes creamy, enveloping the chicken.
7. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer more heat, add additional chili sauce or a squeeze of lime juice.
8. To serve, plate the Peanut Butter Chicken and garnish generously with crushed peanuts and cilantro. You can also add fresh mango or pineapple for a tropical touch.
9. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a light salad. Enjoy every rich, creamy bite!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

Flexibility is one of the best parts of cooking! Here are some ways to adapt Peanut Butter Chicken to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish for 2 to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
• Pairing: Serve Peanut Butter Chicken over rice, quinoa, or even noodles for a filling meal. Fresh fruit like mango or pineapple complements it wonderfully.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture for better texture.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different types of nut butter, such as almond or cashew, to create unique flavors.

What Goes Well With This Peanut Butter Chicken

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing; the rice soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Bright, colorful veggies add freshness and a crunch to your meal.
• Fresh Salad: A light cucumber and carrot salad with a tangy dressing complements the richness of the chicken.
• Fruit Salad: Serve with a refreshing fruit salad featuring tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and oranges.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even potlucks, as it appeals to a wide range of tastes.
• Lunch Box Friendly: Leftovers make an excellent addition to lunch boxes, providing a flavorful meal for the next day.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Peanut Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or a quick weeknight meal. I encourage you to try it and see how it can become a new favorite in your home!

Peanut Butter Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Peanut Butter Chicken is a creamy and savory dish that's perfect for any occasion. It combines tender chicken with a rich peanut sauce for an irresistible flavor. Make it tonight for an easy weeknight dinner!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 5 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Thai

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless thighs chopped into 1 1/2-2” pieces
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 14.5 oz. coconut milk I like Chaokoh
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 0.25 cup reduced sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup brown sugar packed
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2-3 teaspoons Asian chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 0.33 cup smooth or crunchy peanut butter
• to taste crushed peanuts
• to taste cilantro
• to taste chopped mango or pineapple

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Wooden Spoon
• Saucepan
• Skillet

Method

 

1. Add chicken seasonings to a large bowl and whisk to combine; add chicken and stir to evenly coat; set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the Sauce ingredients together; set aside.
3. Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot and rippling. Add chicken and cook until opaque (chicken will not be cooked through).
4. Add Sauce and simmer until chicken is cooked through and Sauce is thickened, 3-5 minutes. Stir in peanut butter until melted.
5. Taste and season with additional chili sauce or lime juice. Garnish with plenty of cilantro and crushed peanuts and serve with rice and refreshing fruit such as mango or pineapple.

Notes

• Coconut milk: If you want to instantly elevate your Thai food, use Chaokoh coconut milk – my absolute favorite brand! Chaokoh is creamier than any other brand I’ve tried.
• Full-fat coconut milk: I recommend full fat coconut milk as light coconut milk simply isn’t as thick or flavorful.
• Don’t overcook chicken: For the juiciest chicken, don’t overcook! Brown it in the skillet but let it finish cooking in the sauce.
• Use chicken thighs: They are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
• Serve with fruit: I highly encourage you to serve Peanut Sauce Chicken with either chopped mangos or pineapple.

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Meet Quinn Taylor

Great food doesn't have to be complicated, it just has to be smart. I focus on streamlining our recipes so you get maximum flavor with minimum stress. I cooked, timed, and tasted this dish multiple times to ensure it fits perfectly into your busy life while still delivering that 'wow' factor.