Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Sauce Recipe [High Protein, Tasty]
Tonight’s dinner is all about bringing comfort to the table with a delightful twist for peanut butter lovers! This Peanut Butter Chicken Sauce is a high-protein main dish that offers a comforting, slightly spicy experience perfect for a family meal. It’s a unique blend of creamy peanut butter and savory spices, ensuring a taste that’s both familiar and excitingly different.
And don’t worry if you’re a bit wary of peanut butter in savory dishes; this recipe balances the flavors so beautifully that it’s bound to become a new favorite at your dinner table.
Why Will You Love this Recipe?
- Flavorful and Comforting: The creamy peanut butter melds perfectly with the spices, providing a rich and comforting sauce that complements the tender chicken thighs. It’s a warm, comforting dish that’s perfect for winding down after a busy day.
- A Spicy Kick: With the addition of fresh chili pepper and a hint of cayenne, this dish has just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. It’s not too overwhelming but enough to give each bite a little zing.
- Family Favorite: This dish is sure to please both kids and adults alike. It’s easy to adjust the level of spiciness, making it versatile for all palates in your family.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Easily substitute the chicken for tofu or a hearty vegetable like cauliflower. This swap makes a fantastic vegetarian dish while keeping the rich, creamy texture of the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or omit the chili pepper and cayenne. Alternatively, if you love a good burn, ramp up those ingredients to suit your taste.
- Add More Veggies: Throw in some bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to add some color and nutritional value to the dish. It’s a great way to sneak in those extra veggies for a more balanced meal.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large Frying Pan: Needed for frying the chicken and sautéing the onions and spices. A good-sized pan will help you cook everything evenly without overcrowding.
- Rice Cooker or Pot: For cooking the rice that serves as the perfect base for this saucy dish.
- Grater
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer Mayo Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
- Tasty Cajun Shrimp and Rice Recipe
- Easy Chicken Pasta Salad with Caramelized Onions
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- Lasagna Soup
- Boneless Chicken Thigh Piccata
Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Sauce Recipe
This Peanut Butter Chicken Sauce is not just another chicken dish; it’s a creamy, spicy adventure that’s sure to bring smiles around your dinner table. It’s the perfect comfort meal for any night of the week. Why not give it a try this weekend? It could be the new family favorite, bringing a little spice and lots of comforts!
Equipment
Ingredients
Meat
- 1⅓ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil for frying
Ingredients for sautéing
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 inch piece ginger grated
- 1 chili pepper thinly sliced
Sauce
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes 1 can
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- ½ cup single cream
- 2 tsp lime juice
Other ingredients
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1⅓ cups rice cooked with 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 chili pepper thinly sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then fry in a large pan with oil until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter and sauté the onion until soft. Scrape up any chicken bits from the pan for extra flavor.
- Add garlic, ginger, and the first portion of chili pepper; cook for 2 minutes.
- Stir in the tomatoes, cayenne, peanut butter, brown sugar, and soy sauce; cook for 2 more minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, stir in the cream and lime juice, then add the chicken back to the pan.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over vinegar-flavored rice, garnished with parsley and sliced chili pepper.
