Name: Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 thin-cut chicken breasts (about 1 pound and ½ inch thick); ½ cup cornstarch; 3 eggs; 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon creamy peanut butter; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; Oil for frying (about 1 inch deep in skillet); ¾ cup creamy peanut butter; 6 Tablespoons sweetened condensed milk; 1 Tablespoon soy sauce; ½ cup warm water; Cooked rice for serving; Sesame seeds for garnish; Green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you are ready to dive into a dish that perfectly balances crunchy, creamy, and savory flavors, this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is here to impress. Imagine tender chicken breasts enveloped in a crispy, golden panko coating, paired with a luscious peanut butter sauce that’s sweet, salty, and irresistibly smooth. This recipe brings a delightful twist to weekday dinners or weekend feasts and is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen rotation. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or just looking for a fresh way to enjoy chicken, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The first image shows a white bowl with a rough mixture of a thick pale orange batter at the bottom and a piece of pale raw meat covered in white powder placed on top in the center. The second image shows a white bowl with a pale orange batter-covered piece of meat placed in the middle, resting on a bed of coarse light beige crumbs evenly spread across the bowl's bottom. The third image shows a gray pan with a shiny gold handle filled with bubbling oil, frying a golden brown, crispy piece of meat in the center, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe are wonderfully straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect flavor and texture combination. From the creamy peanut butter that carries the sauce’s rich taste to the crispy panko breadcrumbs giving that satisfying crunch, every element is essential.

4 thin-cut chicken breasts (about 1 pound and ½ inch thick): Thin slices ensure quick cooking and tender bites.
¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The base of the sauce that adds richness and nutty sweetness.
6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk: Adds a luscious sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Brings salty depth and umami complexity.
½ cup warm water: Used to thin out the sauce to a perfect drizzle consistency.
½ cup cornstarch: Creates a light coating that helps the egg batter stick and crisps up nicely.
3 eggs: Binds flour and peanut butter for the coating to adhere well.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the egg mixture for a sturdy crust.
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter: Mixed into the egg batter to sneak in more peanut flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
2 cups panko breadcrumbs: The secret to achieving that unforgettable crispiness.
Oil for frying: Sufficient oil depth ensures an even golden crust.
Cooked rice for serving (optional): The ideal base to soak up all that delectable sauce.
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional): Adds freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Sauce

Start by whisking together the ¾ cup creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and warm water in a small mixing bowl. This sauce is where the magic begins — creamy, sweet, and savory all at once. Set it aside for when your chicken is cooked, so you can enjoy it fresh and luxurious.

Step 2: Set Up the Coating Stations

Organizing your dredging bowls is key. Put the cornstarch in one shallow bowl, the egg mixture (eggs, flour, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and salt) in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third. This assembly line approach keeps the chicken evenly coated and helps the crispy crust form beautifully during frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a medium skillet to about 1 inch deep and heat it over medium-high heat. Proper oil temperature is essential; too low and the coating absorbs oil, too high and it burns before cooking through. Aim for a gentle sizzle to achieve that golden perfection.

Step 4: Dredge and Coat the Chicken

Working one piece at a time, lightly dredge each chicken breast in the cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly but not dripping. Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs so it’s fully covered. This triple coating locks in moisture and creates that signature crisp crust.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Fry the chicken in batches, two at a time, for around 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want a beautiful golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady, ensuring every piece crisps up beautifully.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Once fried, transfer the chicken breasts to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Resting is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute for moist texture and lets the coating stay crisp. Then slice the chicken into half-inch-wide pieces for easy serving.

Step 7: Serve with Peanut Butter Sauce

Drizzle or coat your sliced chicken with the prepared peanut butter sauce. The sauce adds that creamy, nutty richness that ties the whole dish together, making every bite wonderful. Serve over cooked rice if you want a complete meal experience.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

The image shows a white plate with steamed white rice on one side and five slices of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken on the other side, each topped with a smooth, light brown sauce and sprinkled with white sesame seeds and green chopped scallions. The plate is placed on a round wooden board set on a white marbled surface. Around the plate, there is a small bowl of green chopped scallions, a small wooden bowl with the same light brown sauce, and another bowl partially visible with more rice. In the bottom left corner, a pair of wooden chopsticks rests on a green cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe presentation, sprinkle sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions on top. These simple garnishes add a beautiful contrast in texture and a burst of fresh flavor, making the dish even more inviting visually and taste-wise.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with plain steamed rice, which soaks up the sauce perfectly. For more variety, try serving it alongside stir-fried vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a crisp cucumber salad to balance the richness of the peanut sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving this dish in a lettuce wrap for a fun, handheld version or atop a bed of noodles tossed in sesame oil for a fusion twist. You can also arrange the sliced chicken beautifully on a platter and pass the peanut butter sauce separately as a dip for a casual gathering or appetizer style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the peanut butter sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispiness of the chicken coating. This helps retain the delightful textures when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken breasts after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately as freezing can affect its texture.

Reheating

Reheat your peanut butter chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to help keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that golden exterior, but if you do, reheat briefly and then crisp it up in a hot skillet.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter in this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe?

Natural peanut butter can be used, but it tends to be less creamy and more oily, which might affect the texture of the sauce. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, creamy peanut butter is recommended.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe as written uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. You can substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option. Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway. However, frying gives the crispiest crust.

What is the best way to serve leftover Peanut Butter Chicken?

Leftovers are fantastic cold in salads or reheated and served with fresh vegetables and rice. You can also slice it thinly and use it as a protein-packed sandwich filling with crunchy veggies and a drizzle of peanut sauce.

Can I make the peanut butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before serving since some separation may occur, but it keeps its delicious flavor perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is a true kitchen gem that brings together amazing textures and versatile flavors with little fuss. It’s perfect when you want a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and special. So why not give it a try today and watch it become one of your go-to dishes that friends and family keep asking for?