Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the creamy goodness of peanut butter with savory chicken and fresh vegetables. It’s rich in flavor yet simple to make, with the peanut sauce adding a unique depth to the dish. The combination of textures – from the tender chicken to the crunchy vegetables – makes each bite a delight. Plus, you can easily customize this recipe by serving it with your choice of rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles, and add toppings like cilantro, peanuts, or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces
4 cups broccoli florets (275 grams)
2 cups julienned red bell peppers (220 grams)
2 cups julienned carrots (185 grams)
¾ cup peanut sauce
salt and pepper, to taste
for serving – rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, noodles…
for toppings – cilantro, peanuts, sesame seeds, lime juice…

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Once the chicken is cooked, add the broccoli, red bell peppers, and carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
Serve the Peanut Butter Chicken over rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, or noodles.
Top with cilantro, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add extra spice: If you like heat, add some sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce.
Use different protein: Swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for a different protein option.
Vegetable mix: Feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to customize the stir-fry.
Peanut butter-free: For a nut-free version, substitute the peanut sauce with a soy-based or tahini sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over medium heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless skinless thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook.

2. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish.

3. Can I freeze Peanut Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and vegetable mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate the sauce and vegetables if you plan to freeze them.

4. How spicy is the peanut sauce?

The peanut sauce is generally mild, but you can adjust the spice level by adding sriracha or chili paste if you prefer more heat.

5. Can I use store-bought peanut sauce?

Yes, store-bought peanut sauce works just fine for this recipe. However, homemade peanut sauce can provide a fresher, more customized flavor.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add more veggies such as snap peas, onions, or spinach to suit your preferences.

7. What can I serve with Peanut Butter Chicken besides rice?

This dish is versatile and pairs well with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even noodles for a gluten-free option.

8. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce in the peanut sauce.

9. Can I make the peanut sauce from scratch?

Yes, you can easily make the peanut sauce using peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness.

10. Can I prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time?

Yes, you can chop the vegetables and cut the chicken into pieces ahead of time to save time on the day you plan to cook.

Conclusion

Peanut Butter Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce. It’s quick, easy to make, and can be customized with your favorite toppings or variations. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dinner for the family or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe checks all the boxes. Enjoy the combination of rich flavors and fresh textures with every bite!