Are you a chicken lover like me ? This chicken with peanut butter recipe is here to shake up your dinner routine in the most delicious way possible. You’ll love this juicy, tender chicken smothered in a creamy, nutty sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a casual family meal at home.
Why do I love this chicken with peanut butter recipe?
This chicken with peanut butter recipe isn’t just a meal it’s an experience. It’s simple, uses pantry staples, and satisfies both savory and slightly sweet cravings. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less mess in the kitchen! Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this recipe highlights the versatility of peanut butter in a way you may not have tried before. It’s wholesome, packed with protein, and utterly comforting.
A Bit About Chicken with Peanut Butter recipe
The origins of this chicken with peanut butter recipe trace back to West Africa, where peanuts (or groundnuts) have been a staple ingredient for centuries. This combination gained popularity during the 16th century, following the introduction of peanuts to the region by Portuguese traders. The dish is particularly prominent in countries like Senegal, Mali, and Ghana, where peanut-based stews such as “maafe” remain a culinary tradition.
Over time, variations of chicken with peanut butter recipe have spread across different regions and continents, adapting to local tastes and ingredients. It embodies both the resourcefulness and rich culinary heritage of its origins, blending accessible ingredients to create a dish that is flavorful and nourishing.
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of ingredients to make this chicken with peanut butter recipe come to life:
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless, your choice)
- 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
- 1 can of coconut milk (or 1 cup of heavy cream for extra richness)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of chili flakes (optional for a kick)
- 2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or coconut)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
How to prepare your chicken with peanut butter ?
Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Chop your garlic and ginger and have all your ingredients ready to go.
Sear the Chicken
Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
Make the Peanut Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili flakes. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine and Simmer
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. You’re officially ready to dig into this incredible chicken with peanut butter recipe!
What to Serve with Chicken with Peanut Butter?
You can serve your chicken with peanut butter recipe with a variety of sides. Steamed rice or quinoa are perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
You can also serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or buttery naan bread for an indulgent meal. Want to get creative? Toss the chicken and sauce with rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist !
I personally love it with basmati rice ! MIAM
FAQ: Chicken with Peanut Butter Recipe
Can We Eat Chicken and Peanut Butter Together?
Absolutely! Chicken and peanut butter come together to create a balance of savory and creamy flavors, making them a winning combination.
Does Butter Keep Chicken Moist?
Butter can help retain moisture in chicken when cooking, but in this recipe, the peanut butter and coconut milk do an excellent job of keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
What Is Peanut Butter Sauce Made Of?
Peanut butter sauce typically includes peanut butter, a liquid base like coconut milk or water, seasonings like soy sauce or lime, and sometimes a sweetener for balance.
Where Did Peanut Butter Chicken Come From?
Peanut butter chicken recipes have influences from West African, Southeast Asian, and even Caribbean cuisines, where nut-based sauces are a key feature of many dishes.
What Are Some Interesting Facts About Butter Chicken?
While butter chicken is a distinct dish, its creamy sauce shares similarities with this chicken with peanut butter recipe in the way it coats and enhances the chicken.
Where Does Peanut Butter Originate From?
Peanut butter originated in the United States in the late 19th century, created as a protein-rich food for those who couldn’t chew solid meat.
Is Cooking with Peanut Butter Healthy?
Yes! Peanut butter is packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to your meals.
Does Chicken Taste Better With Butter?
Butter can enhance the flavor of chicken by adding richness, but in this recipe, peanut butter takes the spotlight for an exciting new taste.
Is Peanut Butter Good with Protein?
Yes! Peanut butter is a great source of protein, which complements the protein content in chicken, making this dish a powerhouse meal.
What Does Butter Chicken Taste Like?
Butter chicken has a creamy, buttery, and mildly spiced flavor profile. While different from chicken with peanut butter, both dishes share that irresistible “comfort food” factor.
Is Peanut Butter a Good Fat?
Peanut butter is considered a source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Why Do Gym People Eat Peanut Butter?
Gym enthusiasts love peanut butter because it is rich in protein, healthy fats, and calories perfect for fueling workouts and aiding muscle recovery.
Chicken with peanut butter recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts or thighs bone-in or boneless, your choice
- 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
- 1 can of coconut milk or 1 cup of heavy cream for extra richness
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of honey or brown sugar optional for sweetness
- 1 teaspoon of fresh ginger grated
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 teaspoon of chili flakes optional for a kick
- 2 tablespoons of oil vegetable or coconut
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Chop your garlic and ginger and have all your ingredients ready to go.
- Sear the Chicken
- Add oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken pieces for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked it’ll finish cooking in the sauce.
- Make the Peanut Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Add the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, and chili flakes. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and Serve
- Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot. You’re officially read