Peanut Butter Chicken: Creamy, Savory, and Simply Irresistible

Have you ever found yourself staring into your refrigerator at 6 PM, exhausted from the day, wondering what quick but delicious meal you could whip up? I’ve been there countless times, which is why this Peanut Butter Chicken recipe has become my weeknight savior. This isn’t just any chicken dish – it’s a beautiful marriage of tender chicken pieces bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that’s simultaneously nutty, aromatic, and satisfyingly complex.

The intoxicating scent of ginger, garlic, and spices that fills your kitchen as this Peanut Butter Chicken simmers is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. What makes this recipe truly special is how it transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it comes together in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting an impromptu dinner party, this spicy peanut butter chicken stir fry variation will surely impress everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chicken

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken

• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or substitute with vegetable or coconut oil)
• 8 skinless boneless chicken thighs, cut into chunks (you can use chicken breast for a leaner option)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 red chilies, finely sliced (deseeded if you prefer less heat)
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 100g smooth peanut butter (natural, unsweetened works best)
• 400ml coconut milk (full-fat provides the best texture, but light works too)
• 400g can chopped tomatoes
• Bunch of fresh coriander (cilantro), ½ roughly chopped, ½ leaves picked
• Roasted peanuts, crushed
• Cauliflower rice or regular rice for serving

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken – Step by Step

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken thigh pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
3. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
4. In the same pan, add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
5. Add the crushed garlic, sliced red chilies, and grated ginger. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Sprinkle in the garam masala and stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
7. Lower the heat to medium and add the smooth peanut butter. Stir continuously for about 1 minute as it melts.
8. Gradually pour in the coconut milk while stirring to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
9. Add the chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.
10. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan, along with any accumulated juices.
11. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover.
12. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender.
13. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Pro Tips for Making the Best Peanut Butter Chicken

• For Maximum Flavor: Toast the garam masala before adding liquids – this releases the essential oils in the spices for a more intense flavor profile.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water or chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Make Ahead Option: This peanut butter chicken actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together overnight.
• Heat Level Customization: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chilies, or substitute with milder bell peppers for a kid-friendly version.
• Protein Alternatives: This sauce works wonderfully with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of peanut butter chicken.

Best Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken

This versatile peanut butter chicken and rice bowl is just the beginning! Here are some creative serving suggestions:

Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Chicken

Per serving (serves 4):

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 38g (mostly healthy fats from peanut butter and coconut milk)
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

This healthy peanut butter chicken alternative is high in protein, contains good fats, and is naturally gluten-free when served with cauliflower rice or rice.

Storage & Leftovers

Your peanut butter chicken for meal prep stores beautifully! Here’s how to make the most of any leftovers:

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if needed.
• Meal Prep Idea: Portion with rice into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chicken

What is peanut butter chicken?

Peanut Butter Chicken is a flavorful dish where chicken is cooked in a rich sauce made with peanut butter, coconut milk, and aromatic spices. It draws inspiration from various Asian cuisines, particularly Thai and West African cooking, where peanut-based sauces are common.

How do you make peanut butter chicken?

To make Peanut Butter Chicken, sauté chicken pieces until brown, then cook aromatics like onion, garlic, and ginger. Add peanut butter, coconut milk, and tomatoes to create a creamy sauce, then simmer the chicken in this mixture until tender. The result is a rich, nutty dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

What goes well with peanut butter chicken?

Peanut Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with rice (white, brown, or cauliflower), naan bread, or quinoa. For vegetables, try steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or a cucumber salad. The dish also works well with a side of mango chutney or yogurt to balance the rich flavors.

Is peanut butter chicken spicy?

Peanut Butter Chicken can be as spicy or mild as you prefer. This recipe uses fresh red chilies which add warmth, but you can adjust the heat level by removing the seeds, reducing the quantity, or omitting them altogether. The creamy peanut butter and coconut milk help balance any spiciness.

Make This Peanut Butter Chicken Tonight!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a humble jar of peanut butter into this extraordinary Thai-inspired peanut butter chicken dish. Not only is it a crowd-pleaser, but it’s also versatile enough to adapt to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

The combination of creamy peanut butter, aromatic spices, and tender chicken creates a meal that’s comforting yet exciting – perfect for breaking out of your dinner routine. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, this slow cooker peanut butter chicken recipe (simply transfer all ingredients to your slow cooker after browning the chicken) is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making the best Peanut Butter Chicken, it’s time to head to the kitchen and start cooking! Let me know in the comments how your dish turns out and any creative variations you try.

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