Description
Peanut Butter Chicken is a creamy, savory Asian-inspired main course featuring tender chicken thighs cooked in a rich peanut and coconut milk sauce. This easy stovetop recipe balances flavors with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of lime or rice vinegar, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Cooking & Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
For Serving
- Chopped peanuts
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Steamed rice
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Mix the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, rice vinegar or lime juice, brown sugar, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken and stir well to coat. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Serve the peanut butter chicken hot over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges to add brightness and crunch.
Notes
- For added texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to make it a complete one-pan meal.
- Use light coconut milk for a lower-fat variation without sacrificing flavor.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce.
