Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

I made this easy peanut butter chicken recipe last night, and let me tell you—it blew my family away! It’s sweet, savory, sticky, and full of flavor. The best part? It’s super easy to throw together with pantry staples.

I paired it with noodles and steamed veggies, and there wasn’t a drop left. If you love comforting dishes like a Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy this one!

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this recipe a few times, I’ve figured out some small tricks that make a big difference. If you’re giving it a try, here are my personal tips to take your dish to the next level:

• Use smooth peanut butter: It melts better and gives a creamy, rich texture to the sauce.
• Marinate longer if you can: I left my chicken in the fridge for 3 hours, and it turned out incredibly flavorful.
• Use boneless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender even after baking.
• Add the sriracha carefully: A little goes a long way. If you like it mild, half a tablespoon is enough.
• Garnish right before serving: Fresh coriander, spring onion, and sesame seeds really add a burst of flavor and color.

Variations to Try for a Flavor Twist

This recipe is already packed with flavor, but there’s always room to customize it to your liking. Here are some tasty variations:

• Dairy-Free: This dish is already dairy-free, but double-check your peanut butter and soy sauce labels.
• Sugar-Free: Swap honey with sugar-free syrup or skip it entirely for a less sweet version.
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped peanuts or toasted cashews before serving.
• Veggie Add-ins: Mix in bell peppers, broccoli, or carrots during the last 10 minutes of baking for a complete one-pan meal.
• Sauce Boost: A splash of lime juice or rice vinegar brightens up the flavor.

You can also explore more dinner recipes if you’re into cozy and quick meals like this one!

Equipment You’ll Need to Make This Dish

Before you start cooking, gather the tools you’ll need:

• Large mixing bowl – To mix and marinate the chicken.
• Grater or microplane – For grating garlic and fresh ginger.
• Oven-proof baking dish – To cook the chicken evenly and hold the sauce.
• Tongs or mixing spoon – For stirring and handling the chicken.
• Measuring spoons – To get your sauce ingredients just right.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken the Right Way

Presentation adds just as much to this dish as flavor. Here’s how I like to serve it:

I lay the chicken pieces over a bed of warm, soft noodles, letting that sticky sauce drip over them. Then, I scatter steamed broccoli or stir-fried bell peppers around the sides for a pop of color and crunch.

Garnish generously with fresh coriander, sesame seeds, and chopped green onions. Want to round out the meal? Serve it with a side of Creamy Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe for an unforgettable dinner combo.

How to Store Peanut Butter Chicken

Storing this dish is easy, and it reheats beautifully too!

• Restoring: If you’re planning to eat it later the same day, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm.
• Freezing: Let the chicken cool fully before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Microwave the chicken and sauce in 30-second intervals until hot, or reheat in a covered dish in the oven at 160°C for 15–20 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this peanut butter chicken dish. Here’s why it’s one of my go-to meals:

• It’s ridiculously easy to make
  Just mix, marinate, and bake. That’s it! No complicated steps or fancy tools required.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners
  It comes together with minimal prep and cleanup, making it a lifesaver for busy nights.
• Customizable for all tastes
  Whether you like it mild, spicy, sweet, or savory, you can tweak the sauce to suit your preference.
• Family-friendly flavor
  The balance of peanut butter, honey, and soy sauce is a hit with both kids and adults.
• Great for meal prep
  The leftovers stay fresh, making it ideal for lunch the next day or freezing for later.

More Helpful Info Before You Cook

Here are a few more details that’ll help make sure your dish turns out perfect the first time:

• Marination is key: Don’t skip this step! Even an hour makes the chicken more flavorful. Overnight is even better.
• Use a wide baking dish: This allows the sauce to caramelize and thicken, instead of staying watery.
• Watch the bake time: Overcooking will dry out your chicken. Keep an eye on it during the last 10 minutes.
• Double the sauce if you love extra: I always make a bit more because it’s too good not to drizzle over everything.
• Pair it smartly: Rice noodles, egg noodles, or even jasmine rice all work great. Add stir-fried greens or steamed veggies for color and nutrition.

Ben Carraoli

Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

If you're after a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that’s both quick and family-friendly, this peanut butter chicken recipe is for you. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly spicy—thanks to a rich, sticky sauce that clings to tender chicken thighs. Paired with noodles and veggies, it makes the perfect all-in-one dish.

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Prep Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Dinner

Calories: 720

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

  

• 4 tbsp peanut butter – Creamy peanut butter gives the sauce its rich nutty base. Avoid natural varieties with no stabilizers, as they may split when cooked.
• 2 tbsp honey – Adds sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize into a sticky glaze.
• 4 tbsp tamari or soy sauce – Tamari is a gluten-free option but either adds depth and umami to balance the sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic grated – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a deep, savory flavor.
• 1 tbsp grated ginger – Brings a subtle heat and zing that pairs perfectly with the peanut butter.
• 2 tbsp sesame oil – Toasted sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tbsp sriracha optional – For a mild kick of heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
• 6 –8 skinless chicken thighs – Boneless skinless thighs stay juicy and soak up all the marinade goodness. Avoid chicken breast—it dries out quickly.
• Noodles and vegetables – Serve with your favorite noodles and sautéed or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
• Chopped spring onion fresh coriander, and sesame seeds – These garnishes add crunch, color, and freshness to finish the dish.

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, mix the peanut butter, honey, tamari or soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined. It should be thick but pourable, with a deep savory aroma and just the right balance of sweet and salty.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them fully with the marinade. Make sure every piece is well covered. Once coated, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps the flavors soak deep into the chicken, making it juicy and flavorful after baking.
3. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Transfer the marinated chicken thighs into an oven-proof dish and cover it tightly with a lid or foil. Bake for 20 minutes covered. Then, remove the lid, stir the sauce gently, and return the dish to the oven uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the sauce golden and sticky.
4. Once done, serve the chicken hot with cooked noodles and steamed or stir-fried vegetables. Spoon over some of that sticky sauce from the bottom of the dish—it’s packed with flavor. Sprinkle with chopped spring onion, coriander leaves, and sesame seeds just before serving for a fresh, crunchy finish.