Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken: A Mouthwatering Family Favorite!

Peanut butter chicken is a dish that brings together creamy and savory flavors in a unique way.

The recipe combines the rich taste of peanut butter with tender pieces of chicken, creating a delicious meal.

It draws inspiration from cooking styles around the world, showing how different ingredients can come together to make something special.

This flavor combination owes much to Southeast Asian and African influences, which have helped shape its distinct taste.

Both everyday cooks and seasoned kitchen experts enjoy how versatile this dish can be, thanks to the depth of flavor peanut butter provides.

With its simple yet elegant mix of tastes, it offers a comforting experience that delights anyone who tries it.

Tips For Cooking Peanut Butter Chicken Right

• Customize Coating Crunch: Swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or crackers for extra texture and unique flavor profiles.
• Manage Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep oil around 350°F, ensuring even cooking and preventing greasy chicken.
• Reduce Sauce Sweetness: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with light coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a less sugary sauce.
• Control Sodium Levels: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to decrease salt content without compromising taste.
• Bake for Healthier Option: Replace deep-frying with oven-baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, spraying chicken with cooking spray to maintain crispiness.

How To Store Peanut Butter Chicken Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store leftover peanut butter chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating midway to ensure even warming. Stop when chicken is thoroughly hot.
• Prevent Sogginess: Avoid reheating fried chicken multiple times. Consume within one reheating cycle to maintain crispy coating and optimal texture.

What To Serve With Peanut Butter Chicken

• Flavor Harmony Boost: Pair this rich, crispy peanut butter chicken with a bright, citrusy Thai-inspired cucumber salad that cuts through the dish's creamy intensity.
• Drink Companion: Select a cold, crisp Asian-style lager like Singha or Tsingtao, which perfectly balances the chicken's nutty and savory profile with refreshing carbonation.
• Texture Contrast Plate: Add steamed jasmine rice with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to complement the crunchy chicken coating and absorb the luxurious peanut sauce.
• Herbal Freshness Layer: Scatter chopped fresh cilantro and green onions over the dish to introduce a zesty, aromatic element that lifts the entire flavor experience.

Fun Peanut Butter Chicken Variations

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal for coating.
• Baked Version: Skip frying and place coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sweetened condensed milk with coconut milk and a touch of honey. Use dairy-free milk in egg mixture if needed.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the peanut butter sauce. Include cayenne pepper in the coating mixture for extra heat.

Common Questions About Peanut Butter Chicken

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders are ideal. They provide a uniform thickness and cook evenly, ensuring a crispy exterior and tender interior.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Replace soy sauce with tamari to maintain the recipe’s flavor profile.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer or drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles and turns golden immediately, the oil is ready at around 350°F-375°F.

• Is it possible to bake this chicken instead of frying?

While baking will change the texture, you can bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. The coating might not be as crispy as the fried version, but it will still be delicious.

Why Peanut Butter Chicken Is A Must-Try Combo

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delightful peanut butter chicken in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner solution without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy a crunchy exterior from panko breadcrumbs combined with a creamy peanut butter sauce, creating an irresistible contrast that will excite taste buds and elevate a simple chicken dish.
• Flexible Flavor Profile: Customize the recipe by adjusting sauce thickness, adding spice with chili flakes, or serving over different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar comfort of crispy chicken paired with a rich, sweet-savory peanut butter sauce that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable dining experience.

Peanut Butter Chicken Ingredient Breakdown

• Cornstarch: Essential for creating a light, crispy exterior that helps breading stick to chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, golden-brown coating with extra texture.
• Eggs, Flour: Work together to create a binding layer for the breading.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the chicken coating.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that gives rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth sauce consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Provides depth and savory umami notes.
• Warm Water: Helps blend sauce ingredients and adjust thickness.

• Chicken: Main protein that gets crispy fried coating.
• Cooking Oil: Used for deep frying to achieve golden-brown exterior.
• Sesame Seeds (Optional): Adds nutty garnish and visual appeal.
• Green Onions (Optional): Fresh, mild onion flavor for garnish.

How To Make Peanut Butter Chicken From Scratch

Step 1: Create Magical Sauce

• Creamy peanut butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Soy sauce
• Warm water

Blend until silky smooth and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Coating Station

Set up three separate bowls:

First bowl: Sprinkle cornstarch

• Eggs
• Flour
• Peanut butter
• Salt

Third bowl: Pour panko breadcrumbs

Step 3: Warm the Cooking Oil

Pour oil about one inch deep in a medium skillet

Heat to medium-high temperature

Step 4: Transform Chicken

Dredge chicken pieces through each coating station:

First, roll in cornstarch and shake off extra

Next, dunk in egg mixture, letting excess drip

Finally, roll thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place chicken in hot oil

Cook two pieces simultaneously

Fry 2-3 minutes per side

Watch for golden brown color

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F

Transfer to wire rack or paper towel

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Slice chicken into half-inch strips

Drizzle with prepared peanut butter sauce

Optional: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions

Serve over fluffy rice

Delicious Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Peanut Butter Chicken brings African-inspired flavors to your dinner table with creamy, nutty goodness. Spicy, tangy sauce and tender chicken create a mouthwatering experience that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 thin-cut chicken breasts (about 1 lb, 0.45 kilograms, ½ inch thick)
• 3 eggs

Coating and Breading:

• ½ cup cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¾ cup creamy peanut butter
• 6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter

Additional Optional Items:

• Oil for frying
• Cooked rice (for serving)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the signature peanut butter sauce by whisking together peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and warm water until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Allow the sauce to rest while proceeding with chicken preparation.
2. Create a strategic coating station with three separate shallow dishes: first filled with cornstarch, second containing a whisked mixture of eggs, flour, additional peanut butter, and salt, and third holding panko breadcrumbs.
3. Warm cooking oil in a medium skillet, ensuring approximately one inch depth, and heat over medium-high temperature until oil shimmers and appears ready for frying.
4. Transform chicken pieces by first thoroughly dusting with cornstarch, carefully shaking off any excess powder to ensure a light, even coating.
5. Immerse each cornstarch-covered chicken piece into the egg mixture, allowing surplus liquid to gently drip away, creating a smooth adhesive layer.
6. Generously roll coated chicken in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure complete and uniform coverage of the protein.
7. Carefully lower chicken into hot oil, frying two pieces simultaneously to maintain optimal cooking temperature, rotating after 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
8. Transfer fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined surface, allowing excess oil to drain and chicken to rest for several minutes.
9. Slice chicken into elegant half-inch strips, lavishly drizzling or coating with prepared peanut butter sauce.
10. Present the dish over fluffy rice, optionally garnishing with sprinkled sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Customize the sauce by adjusting sweetness with condensed milk or adding chili flakes for a spicy kick.
• Ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results without overcooking.
• Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and avoid storing breaded chicken too long before frying to maintain coating integrity.
• For gluten-free option, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg