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Make a flavorful peanut butter chicken with a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for quick dinners, this recipe is packed with protein, easy to customize, and great for pairing with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Sauce:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
3/4 cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons hot sauce

Veggies:

2 tablespoons peanut oil (or substitute olive oil)
2 1/2 cups broccoli florets
3/4 cup baby carrots, julienned
1 red bell pepper, sliced

Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breast or thighs
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup peanut oil (or substitute olive oil)

For Serving:

3 cups cooked rice
Green onions, for garnish
Chopped peanuts, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and hot sauce. Set aside.
Cook the Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli and carrots, stirring frequently, and cook for 3-4 minutes. Add the red bell peppers and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with white pepper, salt, and paprika. Toss to coat using kitchen tongs. Add the cornstarch and toss again to coat thoroughly.
Fry the Chicken: Heat 1/3 cup peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, leaving space around each piece to ensure crispy edges. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent burning. Remove the chicken and set aside. Wipe away excess oil from the skillet.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the chicken back to the skillet. Whisk the prepared peanut sauce and pour it over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and cook until the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add small splashes of water to reach the desired consistency. Remove from heat.
Combine with Vegetables: Add the cooked vegetables to the skillet and toss with the chicken and sauce, or serve them on the side.
Serve: Garnish with green onions and chopped peanuts. Serve over cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal. (See notes for tips on cooking perfect rice.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This peanut butter chicken combines a savory and slightly sweet sauce with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, creating a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.

Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables and measure ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, thin it out with water or additional chicken broth.
Crispy Chicken: Ensure the chicken pieces have space in the skillet for even browning.
Rice Perfection: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch for fluffy results.

Variations and Substitutions

Vegetables: Swap the listed vegetables for zucchini, snap peas, or mushrooms.
Protein: Use shrimp or tofu as a substitute for chicken to mix things up.
Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Oil Alternatives: Use sesame oil for a nutty flavor twist.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce and chicken can be prepared in advance and stored separately. Combine and reheat just before serving.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works as great alternatives for those with peanut allergies.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this peanut butter chicken with jasmine or basmati rice for a fragrant base. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zoodles. Add a side of spring rolls or a light Asian-style salad for a complete meal.