Peanut butter chicken is a delicious dish that combines chicken with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. It is a popular recipe in several cuisines including African, Chinese, and Thai cooking. The main ingredients in peanut butter chicken are chicken, peanut butter, and various seasonings and aromatics.
Chicken
The chicken provides the bulk of the protein and substance for the dish. Any cut of chicken can be used including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or drumsticks. Chicken is a versatile and widely available meat that takes on the flavors of the sauce and ingredients it is cooked with. For peanut butter chicken, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are often used for their mild flavor and easy cooking. The chicken is usually cut into bite-sized pieces or cubes before cooking. This allows the chicken to cook quickly and absorb the peanut butter sauce evenly.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is the star ingredient and provides the signature peanutty flavor. Peanut butter has a rich, nutty taste that complements the mild chicken beautifully. It also creates a thick, creamy sauce when combined with other liquid ingredients. The peanut butter also adds protein and heart-healthy fats to the dish. Generally about 1/2 to 1 cup of peanut butter is used for 4-6 servings of peanut butter chicken. Creamy or crunchy style peanut butter both work well, though creamy blends into the sauce slightly more smoothly. Natural peanut butter without added sugars provides the most peanut flavor.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic provide aromatic flavors and depth to peanut butter chicken. They are usually cooked briefly in oil at the beginning to soften them before the other ingredients are added. The onions become translucent and sweet, while the garlic provides a subtle background flavor. Using both onions and garlic builds layers of flavor. Other aromatics like ginger, shallots, lemongrass, or chilies can also be added.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth is used to thin out the peanut butter into a pourable sauce. About 1-2 cups of chicken broth diluted with water helps transform the thick peanut butter into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken. Chicken broth also adds savory flavor to balance the peanut butter. Vegetable broth can be substituted to make the dish vegetarian. Water alone can also be used, though the flavor won’t be quite as full.
Soy Sauce
A few tablespoons of soy sauce bring saltiness, savoriness, and depth of flavor. Soy sauce contains natural glutamates that enhance the savory umami taste. Other seasonings like rice vinegar, fish sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce can also be used in addition to or instead of soy sauce depending on the cuisine. A small amount of acidity from one of these ingredients brightens up the flavor of the rich peanut sauce.
Spices and Herbs
Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, chili powder, curry powder, and garlic powder can be added to give the dish extra flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, mint, or scallions add freshness. Common spice blends used include five-spice powder, Jamaican jerk seasoning, berbere Ethiopian spice mix, or Thai red curry paste. The spice blend can customized to add warmth, spice, and complexity depending on preferences.
Sweetener
A small amount of sugar, honey, or other sweetener balances out the strong peanut flavor and enhances the taste of the chicken and sauce. About 1-2 tablespoons is usually sufficient – just enough to round out the flavors. The sweetness accentuates the other ingredients.
Cooking Oil
A neutral cooking oil such as vegetable, peanut, or canola oil is used to cook the aromatics and chicken. The oil helps the ingredients caramelize slightly and become tender. A couple tablespoons of oil is typically used at the beginning before adding the liquid ingredients.
Optional mix-ins:
There are many options for adding extra flavors and textures to the basic peanut butter chicken recipe. Try mixing in any of the following:
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, snap peas, broccoli
- Rice, rice noodles, or pasta
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded coconut
- Hot sauce or chili paste
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Green onions
Method
Here is an overview of the general method for making peanut butter chicken:
- Dice the chicken and vegetables. Mince the aromatics.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the onions, garlic, and other aromatics for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the chicken. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, sweetener, and any other sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the peanut butter sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables. Reduce heat to medium.
- Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Mix in any additional ingredients like lime juice, herbs, or rice.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts if desired.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
The exact cooking times and sequence can vary slightly depending on the recipe. Some methods call for browning the chicken first before adding sauce, while others build flavor by simmering everything together in the sauce. The sauce ingredients can also be blended ahead of time or mixed directly into the pan with the other ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas for serving peanut butter chicken:
- Over steamed white or brown rice
- With lo mein, pad thai, or rice noodles
- With sautéed or steamed vegetables
- In lettuce wraps or stuffed in pitas
- With toasted sesame seeds and chopped peanuts
- With a fresh salad or slaw on the side
- Wrapped in tortillas
- Sandwiched between slices of crusty bread
The rich, nutty peanut butter sauce pairs well with lightly cooked crisp vegetables. It also complements starchy sides like rice or noodles which soak up the sauce. Toasted sesame seeds or peanuts add extra flavor and crunch.
Regional Variations
Peanut butter chicken is adapted across global cuisines:
West African
West African versions rely on hearty staples like sweet potatoes, greens, and chopped peanuts. Common seasonings include ginger, garlic, onions, and spices like cumin and chili powder.
Thai
Thai peanut chicken often includes coconut milk for extra richness. Lemongrass, lime juice, chilies, and fish sauce bring the classic Thai flavor profile. Thai basil or cilantro feature prominently.
Chinese
Chinese peanut chicken uses classic Chinese flavors like garlic, ginger, scallions, rice vinegar, hoisin, and five-spice powder. Water chestnuts and bell peppers are popular add-ins.
American
American adaptations may use crunchy peanut butter for texture contrast. Bacon, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce impart familiar American tastes. Shredded cheddar cheese or chopped scallions are common toppings.
Benefits of Peanut Butter Chicken
Some health benefits of peanut butter chicken include:
- Protein – Chicken and peanut butter providefilling protein to keep you satisfied.
- Fiber – From whole grains, vegetables, or peanut butter with nut shells.
- Potassium – Chicken and peanut butter supply this nutrient which regulates fluid balance.
- Healthy fats – From the peanut butter and cooking oils used.
- Vitamin E – Peanuts contain high levels of this antioxidant vitamin.
The savory peanut butter flavor makes this chicken dish unique and comforting. Plus, it incorporates nutritious ingredients like protein-rich chicken, peanut butter, vegetables, and whole grains from rice. Peanut butter chicken can make for a quick, easy, and well-balanced meal any night of the week.
Making Peanut Butter Chicken Gluten-Free
Peanut butter chicken is naturally gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce or other gluten-containing sauces. Here are some tips for keeping it gluten-free:
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Choose gluten-free peanut butter.
- Use rice noodles or quinoa instead of wheat noodles.
- Serve over rice, millet, quinoa, or gluten-free grains instead of wheat noodles.
- Flavor with garlic, ginger, lemongrass, spices, etc. instead of oyster sauce.
- Garnish with fresh lime, cilantro, chopped roasted peanuts.
Double check product labels, as some jarred broths, peanut butters, and other ingredients may contain gluten. Preparing the dish at home allows control over all the ingredients.
Low Carb Peanut Butter Chicken
Peanut butter chicken can be modified for lower carb diets:
- Serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Increase vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas.
- Use coconut milk or heavy cream to add richness without carbs.
- Skip noodle side dishes in favor of veggies.
- Use natural peanut butter without added sugars.
- Flavor with herbs, spices, vinegar instead of sweet sauces.
- Swap higher carb thickeners like cornstarch with xanthan gum.
Focusing on getting carbs from low glycemic vegetables rather than grains or sugar will create a nutritious lower carb meal.
Cost of Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Here is a price breakdown for a basic peanut butter chicken recipe serving 4 people:
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound | $3-$5 |
| Peanut butter | 1/2 cup | $0.50 |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup | $0.30 |
| Soy sauce | 2 Tbsp | $0.20 |
| Onion | 1 small | $0.40 |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | $0.10 |
| Oil | 1 Tbsp | $0.05 |
| Rice | 2 cups uncooked | $0.50 |
| Total: | $5-$6.50 |
Prices vary based on location and ingredients chosen. Buying store brand or generic labels helps keep costs down. Chicken and peanut butter tend to be the most expensive components. Making extra portions yields multiple budget-friendly meals.
Conclusion
Peanut butter chicken is a mouthwatering fusion dish that combines creamy, nutty peanut butter with tender pieces of chicken. While the classic Thai version is perhaps the most popular, the recipe can be adapted across cuisines by using different seasonings, aromatics, and customizations. At its core, peanut butter chicken is easy to whip up at home with just a few pantry staples like chicken, peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, spices, onions, and garlic. Served over a bed of steaming white rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts, a Thai-inspired peanut butter chicken is hard to beat for a fast weeknight dinner. With its sweet, salty, savory, and spicy flavors plus plenty of protein, this meal satisfies cravings while still being relatively budget-friendly and healthy. Peanut butter chicken is truly an underrated crowd-pleaser worth adding to your regular recipe rotation.