100 Days of Real Food

menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
    • Welcome
    • Original 100 Day Pledge
    • 100 Day Budget Pledge
    • FAQs
  • My Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Our Shop
    • Meal Ideas & Resources
    • Mini-Pledge Progam
    • School Lunch Packing Chart
    • Favorite Amazon Buys
  • Blog
    • What Is Real Food?
    • How to Start
      • Real Food Tips
      • Eating Out and Travel
      • Food Shopping
      • How to Cook
      • Kitchen and Home
    • School Lunches
    • Snacks
    • Kids
      • Picky Eaters
      • Fun Stuff
  • Meal Plans
    • Real Food Meal Plans
    • School Lunch Plans
    • Free Weekly Dinner Plans
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
    • Welcome
    • Original 100 Day Pledge
    • 100 Day Budget Pledge
    • FAQs
  • My Cookbooks
  • Resources
    • Our Shop
    • Meal Ideas & Resources
    • Mini-Pledge Progam
    • School Lunch Packing Chart
    • Favorite Amazon Buys
  • Blog
    • What Is Real Food?
    • How to Start
      • Real Food Tips
      • Eating Out and Travel
      • Food Shopping
      • How to Cook
      • Kitchen and Home
    • School Lunches
    • Snacks
    • Kids
      • Picky Eaters
      • Fun Stuff
  • Meal Plans
    • Real Food Meal Plans
    • School Lunch Plans
    • Free Weekly Dinner Plans
×
Home » Recipes

Peanut Butter Chicken

This peanut butter chicken combines sweet and savory flavors for one delicious dish! This 25-minute takeout inspired dinner is great for the whole family. The chicken is tender and hearty, while the sauce is creamy and flavorful. It is a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. It is also a fun and different way to make chicken!

For more of our favorite chicken recipes, try these Chicken Breast Recipes. You will also love this Sweet and Sour Chicken!

Peanut butter chicken.

Want to Save this Recipe?

Enter your email below & we'll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you'll get great new recipes from us every week!

Save Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This peanut butter chicken is quick and easy to make.
  • The whole recipe can be made in one pan.
  • It only takes about 25 minutes. This Orange Chicken is quick and easy too!
  • It is affordable. The ingredients are all relatively inexpensive. Try more Chicken Meal Prep Ideas!
  • This is a great way to add more veggies to your diet.
  • This recipe is inspired by Chinese peanut butter chicken!
  • Just like takeout, but much healthier and more affordable.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. In addition, it is naturally sweetened with honey.
  • Check out this Chicken Fried Rice and these Peanut Noodles for another delicious dinner recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full peanut butter chicken recipe.

Use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Cut into 1-inch cubes. If desired, use chicken thighs.

Use all-natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt. We much prefer this to the brands with added oils and sugar.

Coconut aminos tastes like soy sauce, but it is soy-free and gluten-free.

Honey adds a touch of sweetness. Use maple syrup if desired.

Lime juice adds a delicious tangy flavor.

Garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes add loads of flavor. Omit the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.

Olive oil helps cook the chicken and veggies. Feel free to use avocado oil or coconut oil instead.

Onion, bell pepper, and snap peas add freshness and color.

Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with peanuts and chopped cilantro if desired.

Lastly, serve with cooked brown rice or rice noodles.

Ingredients for peanut butter chicken.

Taste & Texture

Peanut butter chicken has a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavor.

The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy. The peanut butter sauce is rich and creamy.

How to Make

Step 1

First, in a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut aminos, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Chinese sauce with spices.
Creamy peanut sauce.

Step 2

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.

Chicken cubes in bowl.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Cubed chicken in skillet.
Cooked chicken cubes.

Step 4

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.

Chopped veggies in skillet.
Cooked veggies in skillet.

Step 5

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.

Step 6

Pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.

Chicken with veggies and sauce.

Step 7

Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from the heat.

Peanut sauce with chicken.

Step 9

Serve the peanut butter chicken over cooked brown rice or brown rice noodles.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro, if desired.

Asian peanut butter chicken.

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips for making the best peanut butter chicken.

Use good quality peanut butter. The peanut butter you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.

We recommend using natural peanut butter that is made with only peanuts and salt.

Don't overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will become dry and tough.

If needed, use a meat thermometer for the chicken. It is done cooking at 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Here are some delicious ways to switch up the flavors of this peanut butter chicken.

Add chopped vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or onions.

Add a splash of hot sauce or chili powder for a bit of heat.

Use different types of peanut butter, such as crunchy or smooth.

Top with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.

Try this Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry too!

How to Serve & Store

Peanut butter chicken is best served fresh and hot.

Serve with brown rice, brown rice noodles, or even spaghetti squash.

Garnish it with your favorite toppings, such as chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or green onions.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Try this Chicken and Broccoli as well!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and reheat it later. Simply follow the recipe instructions and then cool the dish completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Can I make this dish without peanut butter?

Yes, you can make this dish without peanut butter. Simply substitute another nut butter, such as almond butter or cashew butter. You can also use tahini or a combination of tahini and yogurt.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, you can make this dish vegan by omitting the chicken and using tofu or tempeh instead.

What is peanut butter chicken made of?

It is made of chicken with a creamy peanut butter sauce. The sauce is usually made with peanut butter, coconut aminos (or soy sauce), spices, and honey.

What meat goes best with peanut butter?

Chicken and beef go well with peanut butter.

What is Chinese peanut sauce made of?

Chinese peanut butter sauce is usually made with peanut butter, soy sauce, sometimes rice vinegar, honey, and lime juice.

Is peanut butter sauce and satay sauce the same thing?

In general, peanut butter sauce is more likely to be used as a dipping sauce, while satay sauce is more likely to be used as a sauce for main dishes. However, both types of sauce can be used interchangeably.

Bite of takeout peanut chicken.

Equipment Needed

Large Nonstick Skillet: This large pan is great for cooking fried rice!

You May Also Enjoy

  • Quick Chicken Piccata
  • Homemade Chicken Nuggets
  • Oven Fried Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Stock
  • Chicken Pesto Pizza

If you enjoyed this easy chicken peanut butter recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.

Peanut butter chicken.

Peanut Butter Chicken

This peanut butter chicken is sweet and savory! It tastes like your favorite takeout, but it is much healthier. The tender chicken, fresh veggies, and flavorful sauce combine for a tasty dinner. Serve with brown rice, rice noodles, or by itself. Great for family dinners!
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 20 minutes mins
Total Time: 25 minutes mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Method: One Pot / Sheet Pan
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
  • ¼ cup creamy all natural peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoon honey
  • 2 tablespoon lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil (divided)
  • 1 medium onion (sliced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 cup snap peas
  • salt (to taste)
  • black pepper (to taste)
  • peanuts (optional garnish)
  • chopped cilantro (to garnish)
  • cooked brown rice or brown rice noodles (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • First, in a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut aminos, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  • Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  • In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together until well coated in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to heat through.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Serve the peanut butter chicken over cooked brown rice or brown rice noodles.
  • Garnish with chopped peanuts and chopped cilantro, if desired.

Notes

  • Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes.
  • Use all natural creamy peanut butter made from only peanuts and salt.
  • Omit the red pepper flakes for a more mild flavor.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Want weekly REAL FOOD meal plans made for you?→ Check It Out

More Recipes

  • Sausage stir fry.
    Sausage Stir Fry
  • Sausage broccoli pasta.
    Sausage Broccoli Pasta
  • Chicken sausage pasta.
    Chicken Sausage Pasta
  • Steak with veggies.
    Steak with Veggies
124 shares

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!


Meet Lisa! Lisa is a best-selling cookbook author, wife, mother, and passionate home cook. Lisa began blogging in 2010 and has created a community of millions of people who share her love of healthy living, real food ingredients, and family recipes.

Learn More

Popular

  • Sausage and potatoes.
    Sausage and Potatoes
  • Spaghetti squash with meat sauce.
    Spaghetti Squash with Meat Sauce
  • Spaghetti squash boats.
    Spaghetti Squash Boats
  • How to cook spaghetti squash.
    How to Cook Spaghetti Squash

Seasonal

  • Air fryer popcorn chicken.
    Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
  • Healthy blueberry pancakes.
    Healthy Blueberry Pancakes
  • BBQ chicken.
    Easy BBQ Chicken Thighs
  • Chicken cacciatore.
    Chicken Cacciatore

Footer

↑ back to top

Browse

  • Cookbooks
  • Meal Plans
  • Recipes
  • Favorite Products
  • Free Downloads

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Blog

  • About
  • Comment Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Partner With Us
  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 100 Days of Real Food