Easy 30 Minute Peanut Butter Chicken

Name: Easy 30 Minute Peanut Butter Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 2 small shallots (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon ginger (minced); 1 tablespoon honey; 60 ml hoisin sauce; 60 ml soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 125 g smooth peanut butter; 100 ml coconut milk; 1 small red chili (finely chopped (optional)); 2 red bell peppers (sliced); 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 30 ml vegetable oil or sesame oil; Salt and pepper (to taste); Water (as needed to thin the sauce); Garnish: sesame seeds and green onions or chopped peanuts and fresh basil leaves

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This easy peanut butter chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. Make it mild or spicy depending on your preference and skip the takeout.

Peanut butter chicken with herbs and chillies over a bed of white rice.

You'll also love this recipe for sticky chicken or these Asian meatballs, and you'll absolutely love this recipe for pork belly slices.

Table of Contents

Jump to:

⭐️ Why this recipe works
🧾 Ingredients overview
👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it
📖 Variations
💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips
🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers
❓Recipe FAQ's
Easy 30 Minute Peanut Butter Chicken

⭐️ Why this recipe works

Versatility: This recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, offering flexibility for different cooking preferences and schedules.
Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry ingredients, making it easy to prepare without a special trip to the shops.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavours appeal to kids and adults, and the optional chilli allows heat customisation.

🧾 Ingredients overview

Ingredients for making peanut butter chicken.

Chicken breast: Provides lean protein.
Smooth peanut butter: Adds creaminess and a rich, nutty flavor.
Garlic: Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy element.
Soy sauce: Contributes a salty umami taste.
Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
Cornstarch mixture: Thickens the sauce.
Ginger: Adds a fresh, spicy note.
Honey: Balances the savory and spicy flavors with sweetness.
Rice vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten the dish.
Red chilli: Optional for adding heat.
Red bell peppers: Provide color, crunch, and sweetness.
Sesame seeds and green onions: Garnish for added flavor and visual appeal.

For precise measurements and additional ingredients, refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.

👩🏻‍🍳 Here's how to make it

30 Minute Peanut Butter Chicken step-by-step

Browning the chicken in a nonstick frying pan.

Prepare Chicken and Sauce: Season the chicken with salt and pepper and coat it with cornstarch. In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, garlic, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey, rice vinegar, and red chilli (if using). Add water to reach a thick, saucy consistency.
Cook Chicken: Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Prepare Sauce and Peppers: In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced red bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add the prepared sauce and cook for a few minutes, stirring constantly until heated through and slightly thickened. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan and toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Peanut butter chicken in a non stick frying pan.

📖 Variations

Protein: Swap chicken breast with chicken thighs, tofu, or shrimp.
Nut Butter: Use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter.
Vegetables: Add or substitute vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
Spices: Add a touch of curry powder for an additional flavour dimension.
Sauce: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

💡 Chef's Guide: Expert Tips

Drawing on a decade of experience in Michelin-starred kitchens and Cordon Bleu training, I have compiled my top tips for recipe success.

Peppers: For extra smokiness, char the red bell peppers over an open flame before adding to the dish.
Lime Zest: Adding a bit of lime zest to the sauce can enhance the citrus notes and brighten the overall flavor.
Sauce Texture: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it with a bit of coconut milk for a creamier texture.

🍯 Storing and reheating leftovers

Fridge: Store the cooled peanut butter chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. *It will lose its crispiness but will still be delicious.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

❓Recipe FAQ's

How do I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or flour as a thickening agent instead of cornstarch.

What can I add to make the dish more filling?

Adding vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or chickpeas can make the dish heartier.

Looking for more easy Asian chicken recipes like this? Try these:

If you tried this 30 Minute Peanut Butter Chicken please let me know in the comments below, and please leave a star rating while you're there!

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