Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe – A Flavor Explosion
Sizzling aromas fill the kitchen as this peanut butter chicken delight recipe blends unexpected flavors into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Bold spices dance with creamy peanut butter, creating a tantalizing fusion that breaks culinary boundaries.
Asian-inspired ingredients meld together with tender chicken, promising a seriously addictive meal.
Each bite promises a rich, complex flavor profile that surprises and satisfies.
The recipe balances sweet, savory, and nutty notes in a symphony of taste.
Succulent chicken coated in a luxurious peanut sauce will have everyone asking for seconds.
You won’t be able to resist this irresistible dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 400 kcal
Servings: 5
Peanut Butter Chicken Ingredient Breakdown
For Base Vegetables:
Red Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and sweet crunch to complement the rich chicken dish.
Yellow Onion: Provides a deep, mellow flavor foundation that enhances the overall taste profile.
Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic depth that elevates the entire recipe's flavor complexity.
For Protein:
Chicken Fillets: Tender meat that absorbs the luscious peanut sauce beautifully and serves as the main protein.
For Sauce Components:
Peanut Butter: Creates a creamy, nutty base that gives the dish its signature rich and velvety texture.
Chicken Broth: Ensures moisture and helps blend the sauce ingredients seamlessly.
Soy Sauce: Introduces a savory umami element that deepens the overall flavor profile.
Honey: Balances the sauce with a subtle sweetness and helps create a glossy finish.
Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Chili Garlic Paste: Brings a spicy kick and complex heat to the sauce.
For Finishing Touches:
Lime Juice: Provides a bright, tangy accent that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal note that adds a final layer of complexity to the dish.
Tools That Help Prep Peanut Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker: Large, essential appliance for hands-off cooking and developing deep flavors.
Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized vessel for whisking together sauce ingredients smoothly.
Whisk: Perfect tool for blending peanut butter, broth, and seasonings into a creamy mixture.
Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Sharp Knife: Reliable for dicing bell peppers, onions, and chopping cilantro with precision.
Measuring Cups/Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions for balanced flavor.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and incorporating final ingredients at the end of cooking.
How to Cook Peanut Butter Chicken with Ease
Asian Fusion Chicken Bliss
Veggie Foundation Nestle a colorful mix of bell peppers and onions at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a vibrant base for the dish.
Protein Placement Gently rest chicken pieces on top of the vegetable landscape, allowing them to mingle with the aromatic vegetables.
Flavor Symphony Craft a luscious sauce by blending rich peanut butter with zesty broth, umami-packed seasonings, and a touch of golden sweetness.
Slow Magic Cover the slow cooker and let the ingredients dance together, transforming into a tender, aromatic masterpiece over several hours.
Bright Finale Awaken the dish with a burst of fresh citrus and herbaceous notes, elevating the entire flavor profile to a new level of deliciousness.
Flavor Adjustments for Creamier or Spicier Chicken
Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with tofu, turkey, or lean beef for a different protein experience that keeps the dish exciting and versatile.
Spice Level Control: Adjust the chili garlic paste quantity to make the dish mild or fiery hot, allowing each family member to enjoy their perfect heat preference.
Veggie Boost: Toss in extra vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or snap peas to increase nutritional value and add delightful texture and color to the dish.
Nutty Alternatives: Experiment with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for unique flavor profiles that still maintain the creamy richness of the original recipe.
Serving Style Upgrade: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or zucchini noodles to create a complete meal that absorbs the delicious peanut sauce and provides different base options.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Confidently
Cozy Rice Bed Companion: Serve this rich, saucy chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up all the delicious peanut butter sauce.
Crunchy Topping Explosion: Sprinkle toasted chopped peanuts, green onion slices, and sesame seeds on top for added texture and a delightful nutty crunch that complements the tender chicken.
Fresh Veggie Sidekick: Pair the dish with a crisp cucumber salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or snap peas to balance the creamy sauce and add a refreshing contrast to the meal.
Wrap It Up Adventure: Transform leftover chicken into delicious lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves, creating a light and fun way to enjoy the remaining peanut butter chicken with an extra layer of freshness.
How to Store and Reheat Peanut Butter Chicken
Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chicken to airtight containers, keeping flavors locked in and freshness intact for easy grab-and-go meals.
Refrigerator Refresh Technique: Store cooked dish in sealed containers for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum taste and food safety with proper cooling before refrigeration.
Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion chicken into individual freezer-safe containers, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal up to 3 months later with minimal prep work.
Reheating Pro Tips: Gently warm refrigerated or thawed chicken in microwave or skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent dryness during reheating.
Succulent peanut butter chicken delight emerges as a culinary masterpiece blending Asian and American flavors. Creamy peanut sauce envelops tender chicken, promising a rich and satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken fillets
0.5 cup (120 ml) creamy peanut butter
0.5 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
0.25 cup (60 ml) soy sauce
1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
1 red bell pepper, diced
0.5 large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil
1 tsp (5 ml) chili garlic paste
1 tbsp (15 ml) lime juice
2 tbsps (30 ml) cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Prep Foundation: Layer diced red bell peppers, yellow onions, and minced garlic across the slow cooker base to create an aromatic flavor platform.
Position Protein: Arrange chicken fillets evenly over the vegetable base, ensuring maximum sauce penetration and flavor development.
Sauce Creation: Whisk peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste into a smooth, velvety sauce that promises depth and complexity.
Cooking Process: Pour the blended sauce completely over chicken and vegetables, guaranteeing comprehensive coverage. Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4-5 hours until chicken reaches perfect tenderness.
Final Flourish: Once cooking completes, drizzle fresh lime juice and sprinkle chopped cilantro throughout the dish. Gently fold to integrate bright, zesty notes and elevate the overall taste profile.
Notes
Pepper Prep Power: Dice bell peppers uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
Chicken Placement Strategy: Position chicken fillets carefully to maximize sauce coverage and prevent uneven cooking zones.
Sauce Blending Technique: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated mixture that prevents separation during slow cooking.
Garnish Game Changer: Add fresh lime juice and cilantro at the very end to brighten flavors and introduce a fresh, zesty dimension to the rich, nutty base.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.