Name: Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 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 (enough to be 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; Sesame seeds; Green onions

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you love dishes that are crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor, then this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It perfectly mimics that takeout sensation you crave, combining tender chicken breasts with a crunchy panko coating, all bathed in a luscious, sweet, and slightly savory peanut butter sauce. Trust me, once you try this dish, it will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation and impress anyone lucky enough to join your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a creamy, smooth, light brown sauce with a slightly glossy surface. A shiny silver spoon dips into the sauce, positioned near the top left of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding subtle texture to the background. The sauce fills most of the bowl, showing a gentle swirl pattern on the surface made by the spoon photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes the Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe so irresistible? It’s the simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that work in harmony to create a dish bursting with texture and balanced flavors. Each one—from the creamy peanut butter to the crunchy panko breadcrumbs—plays a vital role in building the perfect bite.

4 thin-cut chicken breasts: These provide tender, juicy meat that cooks quickly and crisps up nicely.
¾ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that adds richness and a nutty depth to the sauce.
6 tablespoons sweetened condensed milk: Brings sweetness and a velvety texture to balance the savory elements.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a hint of saltiness and umami to deepen the flavor profile.
½ cup warm water: Helps thin out the sauce for perfect drizzling consistency.
½ cup cornstarch: Locks in moisture and creates a light crisp coating for the chicken.
3 eggs: Used in the batter to help the breadcrumbs stick and add a tender coating.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the egg mixture for a better dredge.
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter: Mixed with eggs for an extra touch of peanut flavor within the coating.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors from the crunchy crust to the sauce.
2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Creates that sought-after crispy, golden exterior.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect golden fry.
Cooked rice for serving (optional): Adds a neutral base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Sesame seeds and green onions for garnish (optional): These finish the dish with added crunch and freshness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Butter Sauce

Start by whisking together the creamy peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and warm water in a small bowl. This creates a sauce that’s both sweet and savory, with the perfect smooth, creamy texture to complement the crispy chicken.

Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations

In one shallow bowl, place the cornstarch, which will gently coat the chicken pieces to help seal in moisture. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs along with flour, the extra tablespoon of peanut butter, and salt – this binding mixture bumps up the flavor and helps the panko adhere perfectly. Lastly, pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl to give that signature crunch.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

One piece at a time, dredge the chicken lightly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated but not dripping excessively. Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered. This triple coating ensures maximum crunch and moist chicken inside.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat about an inch of oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches, usually 2-3 pieces at a time, for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaching 165°F). Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 5: Slice and Serve with Sauce

After resting, slice the chicken into half-inch pieces for serving. Drizzle generously with your prepared peanut butter sauce or toss the pieces directly in the sauce to coat. This step adds a luscious finish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

A close-up of a single golden-brown crispy fried stick coated with a thick light brown sauce, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion slices, held by a pair of wooden chopsticks against a white marbled background; below, a white plate shows more sauce-coated crispy sticks garnished with green onions, while in the blurred background another white plate holds even more sticks, and a small white bowl filled with white rice sits nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions adds a delightful pop of texture and freshness. These little touches brighten the dish visually and provide that final crunch and bite of sharpness that compliments the rich sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serving this peanut butter chicken with fluffy steamed rice is a classic choice because it balances the flavors and soaks up every last bit of sauce. You can also try it with lightly sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for some crispness and contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can serve the chicken over noodles tossed with a simple soy-ginger dressing or pile pieces on sliders for a playful appetizer. Layering it over a bed of mixed greens with a drizzle of peanut sauce turns this dinner favorite into a flavorful salad. The versatility of this Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe makes it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover peanut butter chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispiness of the chicken coating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the chicken pieces separately from the sauce. Wrap the chicken tightly and store in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Heat the peanut butter sauce separately, then drizzle over before serving. Avoid microwaving directly to keep the chicken crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use natural peanut butter instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes, but natural peanut butter tends to be less smooth and might affect the sauce’s creaminess. You may need to whisk the sauce a little longer or warm it slightly to combine well.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

The chicken coating uses panko breadcrumbs, which usually contain gluten. You can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative. Bake at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. You won’t get the same deep crispiness, but it will still taste delicious.

How spicy is the Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe?

This recipe is naturally mild with a sweet, nutty flavor profile. If you want to add some heat, feel free to mix in a dash of chili flakes or sriracha into the sauce.

What else can I serve with this chicken?

Besides rice and veggies, serve it alongside coconut rice, steamed broccoli, or even a fresh mango salsa for a tropical twist. The peanut butter sauce pairs well with a variety of flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can come together to create something so delicious it feels special. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, don’t hesitate to try it out—you might just have found your new go-to comfort food that’s bursting with flavor and texture in every bite.