Peanut Butter Chicken is the perfect dinner rescue for those hectic evenings when you’re juggling work, kids, and the eternal question: “What’s for dinner?” Quick, creamy, and bursting with sweet-and-savory goodness, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds—even the picky eaters!
I’m Aneta from Chicken Magic Recipes, and let me tell you: peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches. It’s pure magic when it meets tender chicken, a splash of soy sauce, and the umami punch of hoisin. Whether you’re craving takeout vibes at home or looking for something new and exciting, this Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is here to save your dinner game—and maybe your sanity.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chicken
- Fast & easy. Dinner in under 30 minutes? Yes, please.
- Incredibly flavorful. Think creamy, savory, slightly sweet…like your favorite takeout, only healthier.
- Flexible. Works for regular, keto, or low-carb diets.
- Family-friendly. Even kids fall in love with it. Mine certainly did!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up your own skillet of creamy, nutty deliciousness:
- Chicken Breast – 1½ pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Cornstarch – 3 tablespoons (or almond flour for a low-carb option)
- Peanut Butter – ¼ cup natural, no added sugar or salt
- Hoisin Sauce – ¼ cup (or teriyaki sauce; keto teriyaki for low-carb)
- Soy Sauce – 3 tablespoons
- Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon
- Garlic – 1 teaspoon minced (about 1 clove)
- Water – ⅔ cup
- Cooking Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Optional Garnishes:
- Sesame Seeds – ½ tablespoon
- Green Onions – 1 tablespoon chopped
How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken
1. Coat the Chicken
First, toss your chicken pieces with the cornstarch (or almond flour). This little coating trick helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken later.
(A quick tip: I like to use a zip-top bag for this step—shake, shake, shake, and you’re done!)
2. Mix Up That Dreamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- ¼ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ⅔ cup water
It might look a little thick at first, but don’t worry—it’ll smooth out beautifully once it hits the heat.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Heat your skillet over medium heat and add the cooking oil.
- Once it’s shimmering, add your coated chicken pieces.
- Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, turning often, until the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Your kitchen will already start smelling incredible at this point…like your favorite Asian bistro, right at home!
4. Thicken the Sauce
- Pour the peanut butter sauce into the skillet with the chicken.
- Stir to coat every piece in that glorious sauce.
- Let it cook another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
The sauce will transform into a velvety blanket of peanut-buttery goodness, hugging each piece of chicken like it means business.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a pop of crunch and color.
Serve it hot over fluffy white rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles. (I once caught my husband sneaking spoonfuls straight from the pan. True story.)
Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Chicken
- Choose natural peanut butter. Avoid added sugar—it’s plenty sweet as is!
- Low-carb? Swap cornstarch for almond flour, and use keto hoisin or teriyaki sauce.
- Spice it up. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you love heat.
- Batch-friendly. Double the sauce if you’re meal-prepping for the week. It keeps beautifully in the fridge.
When I first tested this recipe, it instantly became my go-to for family gatherings. My kids devour it, and my friends think I’ve got some secret takeout hookup. Nope—it’s all just the magic of chicken…and peanut butter.
FAQs About Peanut Butter Chicken
Can I use crunchy peanut butter?
Absolutely! It’ll add a nice bit of texture to the sauce. Just be sure it’s natural, without added sugar or oils.
Can I make Peanut Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
What can I serve with Peanut Butter Chicken?
Rice, noodles, quinoa, or steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas. It’s super versatile!
Let’s Get Cooking!
There’s nothing quite like the comforting, savory-sweet embrace of Peanut Butter Chicken on a busy night. Quick, flavorful, and totally fuss-free, it’s bound to become one of those recipes you keep in your back pocket for when you’re craving something delicious—and a little bit different.
Give it a whirl this week…and prepare to be amazed at the magic that happens when chicken meets peanut butter.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the bold flavors of Peanut Butter Chicken, I’ve got plenty more tasty adventures waiting for you. Here are a few dishes I think you’ll absolutely adore, perfect for bringing variety to your dinner table:
- Craving another Asian-inspired meal? Check out my savory Garlic Chicken Lo Mein for a quick and satisfying noodle fix.
- If you’re after something sweet and sticky like today’s recipe, don’t miss my Chinese Coconut Chicken—it’s comfort food at its finest.
- For fans of creamy, comforting sauces, my Creamy Garlic Chicken will make your weeknight dinners a breeze.
- And if you’d like to keep the stir-fry vibe going, my Chicken and Snow Peas Stir Fry is bursting with fresh crunch and savory sauce.
These dishes are just a click away and might even become your new family favorites. Happy cooking, and keep the chicken magic alive!
Print
Peanut Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 22 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Quick, savory, and creamy, Peanut Butter Chicken is a delicious dinner solution bursting with Asian-inspired flavors. Perfect over rice for an easy weeknight meal!
Ingredients
1½ pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons cornstarch (or almond flour for low-carb)
¼ cup natural peanut butter (no added salt or sugar)
¼ cup hoisin sauce (or teriyaki sauce; keto version if low-carb)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 clove)
⅔ cup water
2 tablespoons cooking oil
½ tablespoon sesame seeds, optional, for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped green onions, optional, for garnish
Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
In a small bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch (or almond flour) until coated. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and water until smooth.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add cooking oil. Add coated chicken and cook 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is no longer pink.
Pour peanut butter sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken and cook another 4-5 minutes, until sauce thickens.
Remove from heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Serve hot over rice. Enjoy!
Notes
Use almond flour for low-carb or keto-friendly option.
Adjust spice level with chili flakes if you like heat.
This recipe pairs beautifully with jasmine or basmati rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Main course
- Method: Stovetop , Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 1150 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg