Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Experience a quick, vibrant weeknight meal featuring tender pieces of chicken smothered in a savory, nutty, and citrusy sauce.

This dish draws inspiration from Southeast Asian flavors, combining creamy peanut butter with tangy lime juice and a kick of spice, all served over a bed of warm, fluffy rice.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Base and Rice:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (plus extra for the skillet as needed)

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 1/4 white onion, roughly chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter (adjust to taste for extra richness)
• 1 teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (increase for more heat)
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/8 teaspoon chicken bouillon paste
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

1. Combine the water and white rice in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until the water is completely absorbed and the grains are tender.
4. Remove from heat and keep covered until ready to serve.

2. Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the cubed chicken breasts in an even layer.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the meat is completely opaque and no longer pink in the center.
4. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate and cover loosely to retain moisture and warmth.

3. Build the Aromatics and Sauce

1. If the skillet looks dry, add a tiny splash of additional oil. Toss in the chopped white onion.
2. Sauté the onions for about 3 minutes until they begin to turn translucent and soften.
3. Sprinkle the ground coriander directly over the onions and stir continuously for 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lime juice, peanut butter, chili flakes, and chicken bouillon paste.
5. Whisk and stir the mixture over medium heat for about 4 minutes until the sauce reduces slightly and thickens into a glossy glaze.

4. Combine and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken—along with any savory juices that collected on the plate—back into the skillet with the simmering sauce.
2. Toss well to ensure every piece of chicken is evenly coated and heated through.
3. Spoon the warm, fluffy white rice into individual bowls, top generously with the peanut butter chicken, and garnish with fresh sliced green onions.

Professional Cooking Tips

Peanut Butter Consistency

If your peanut butter is stiff or straight from the refrigerator, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds before adding it to the pan so it blends smoothly into the broth.

Adjusting the Heat

Chili flakes provide a sharp kick, but you can substitute them with fresh minced jalapeños or a dash of sriracha if you prefer a different kind of heat profile.

Rice Variations

While standard white rice is traditional for soaking up the sauce, jasmine rice or brown rice also work wonderfully as a base.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	306 kcal	—
Total Carbohydrate	15g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	1g	—
Protein	38g	75%
Total Fat	10g	13%
Saturated Fat	2g	10%
Cholesterol	97mg	32%
Sodium	268mg	12%
Potassium	394mg	8%
Calcium	38mg	3%
Iron	2mg	11%
Vitamin C	6mg	7%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Values may vary depending on specific ingredient brands used.