Effortless & Delicious Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe - Weeknight Dinner Delight!
This quick and easy chicken with peanut butter recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features tender chicken in a savory and flavorful peanut butter sauce. Serve over rice or noodles for a satisfying and family-friendly meal.
Equipment
- 1 Large Skillet or Wok For cooking chicken and sauce
- 1 Medium Bowl For mixing sauce ingredients
- 1 Whisk For blending sauce
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient measurement
- 1 Cutting Board For prepping chicken and ginger/garlic
- 1 Knife For cutting chicken and ginger/garlic
- 1 Grater For grating fresh ginger
- 1 Garlic Press (optional) For mincing garlic easily
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter no sugar added recommended
- 1/4 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- cooked rice for serving
- chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- First, let's get everything ready for smooth cooking! Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch each. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and set aside. Pro-tip: Ensure your peanut butter is creamy and well-stirred for the smoothest sauce.
- Now, let's cook that chicken to golden perfection! Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you’ll see it shimmer), add the cubed chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Safety first! Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Time for the magic to happen! Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared peanut butter sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated in that luscious sauce. Let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and is heated through. Gentle Simmer is Key: Avoid boiling the sauce, as it can become too thick or separate. A gentle simmer ensures a creamy, perfect consistency.
- Dinner is served! Spoon the delicious chicken with peanut butter over bowls of warm cooked rice. For an extra touch of freshness and flavor, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. These are optional, but they really elevate the dish both visually and taste-wise. Serve immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite! Serving Suggestion: A side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables pairs wonderfully with this dish for a balanced meal.
Notes
Make it Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add sriracha/chili garlic sauce to taste for a spicier dish.
Nut Butter Variations: Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter can be used instead of peanut butter.