Peanut Butter Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a rich peanut butter sauce. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
Peanut Butter Chicken
Why This Peanut Butter Chicken Is the Best
- Rich Peanut Butter Sauce: The sauce is smooth and creamy, providing a rich and nutty flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Juicy Chicken: The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, soaking up the flavors of the sauce.
- Balanced Meal: Served with white rice and steamed broccoli, this dish offers a well-rounded meal with protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: The dish is garnished with chopped herbs, adding a touch of color and freshness.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a unique and delicious dinner option, Peanut Butter Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy peanut butter sauce and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
For the Peanut Sauce:
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Forms the base of the sauce, bringing a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a toasted, nutty aroma that enhances the depth of the sauce.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Balances the richness of the peanut butter with a bright, citrusy tang.
- Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and aromatic spice, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness without overpowering the sauce.
- Honey: Provides a hint of sweetness, balancing out the savory and spicy components.
- Water: Helps adjust the sauce to the desired consistency for coating the chicken and vegetables.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat, which you can increase based on your preference.
For the Chicken and Stir-Fry Veggies:
- Chicken Breasts: Offers a lean source of protein that works well with the creamy sauce.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Used for cooking, providing a light flavor that complements the sauce.
- Broccoli Florets: Adds color, texture, and a mild flavor that absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Red Bell Peppers: Brings sweetness and a pop of color to the dish.
- Green Onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor, used both in cooking and as a garnish.
- Garlic and Fresh Ginger: Adds warmth and a punch of aromatic flavor, tying the sauce and stir-fry together.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Complements the sauce by adding a touch of umami to the stir-fry.
Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Chicken
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and peanut butter.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s done to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
- Season Generously: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices to enhance the flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Top the dish with fresh herbs for an added burst of flavor and color.
Serving Suggestions
- With White Rice: Serve Peanut Butter Chicken over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
- With Quinoa: Serve it with quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- With Garlic Naan: Pair it with garlic naan for an extra touch of flavor.
- With Fresh Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- With a Slice of Lime: Serve with a slice of lime for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Peanut Butter Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with deliciousness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
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Peanut Butter Chicken
Peanut Butter Chicken features tender chicken pieces and vibrant vegetables coated in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with subtle sweetness and spice. This dish is both comforting and flavorful, perfect served over rice or noodles, with additional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup water
- ½ Tsp red pepper flakes plus additional to taste
- 2 Tsp honey
For the Chicken and Stir Fry Veggies:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinelss chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups chopped broccoli florets approx 1 small head or 8 ounces
- 2 large red bell peppers cut into thin slices
- 1 small bunch green onions chopped divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 Tbsps extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger
- 1 Tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, sesame oil, lime juice, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, honey, water, and red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
- In the meantime, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, browning on all sides until fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the broccoli and bell pepper, cooking for about 7 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Stir in the garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and half of the green onions, coating the veggies well, and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens. Sprinkle with the remaining green onions. Serve hot over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.
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Peanut Butter Chicken