Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Name: Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup coconut milk; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Chopped cilantro; Chopped peanuts; Lime wedges

Highlighted under: Exotic Global Recipes

This Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-24T19:22:27.719Z

This dish is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia, where peanut sauces are a staple. The combination of spices and creamy peanut butter creates a delightful contrast that will leave you wanting more!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Creamy peanut sauce with a spicy kick
Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes
Perfectly pairs with rice or noodles for a complete meal

      

A Flavorful Fusion

The combination of peanut butter and spices creates a rich, hearty flavor that makes this dish stand out. The creamy texture of the peanut sauce envelops the chicken, providing a comforting experience with every bite. The addition of sriracha gives it that spicy kick, making it perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors.

This Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste. Whether you're serving it to guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this dish will impress with its unique flavor profile.

Quick and Convenient

In today's fast-paced world, quick and easy meals are essential. This recipe is designed to be prepared in just 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in no time, freeing you up to enjoy your evening.

Not only is this dish quick to prepare, but it also requires common ingredients found in most pantries. This makes it an accessible recipe for anyone looking to whip up something tasty without a lengthy grocery trip.

Perfect Pairings

Serving suggestions for this dish are plentiful. The creamy peanut butter sauce pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can even add some stir-fried vegetables on the side for a complete and nutritious meal.

For a refreshing contrast, consider serving this dish with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables. The crunch and acidity from these sides will complement the richness of the peanut sauce, balancing the meal perfectly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice

For the Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup coconut milk
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish

Chopped cilantro
Chopped peanuts
Lime wedges

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking for a seamless experience!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and ginger. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Peanut Sauce

In a saucepan, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth and heated through.

Combine and Serve

Add the cooked chicken to the peanut sauce, stirring to coat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated. Serve garnished with chopped cilantro, peanuts, and lime wedges.

Enjoy your spicy peanut butter chicken with steamed rice or noodles!

Storage and Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as the dish sits, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and peanut sauce separately. This way, you can enjoy this delicious meal anytime you want without worrying about spoilage.

Customizing Your Dish

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Adding vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can enhance the nutritional value and add a nice crunch to the dish. Just toss them in during the last few minutes of cooking the chicken to ensure they remain crisp.

You can also substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. This flexibility makes the recipe suitable for various dietary needs while still delivering that signature peanut flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will add extra flavor and tenderness to the dish.

→ Is there a vegetarian alternative?

You can replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the peanut sauce in advance?

Absolutely! The peanut sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.