Name: Peanut Butter Chicken with Rice and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 Tablespoon coconut oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast (about 2-3 breasts), cubed; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1/2 cup peanut butter; 1/4 cup coconut aminos (or gluten-free tamari soy sauce); 1/4 cup honey; 2 Tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 Tablespoons tomato sauce; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper (optional, adjust to taste); Brown or basmati rice; Shredded carrots; Roasted broccoli; Peanuts; Crushed red pepper; Fresh cilantro

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If you’ve never tried the Peanut Butter Chicken with Rice and Vegetables Recipe, you’re in for a real treat. This dish combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Nestled over fluffy rice and paired with vibrant vegetables, it’s a comforting, colorful meal that’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress. Each bite is a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and just a hint of sweetness, making this recipe an absolute keeper in your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, light brown sauce or batter that has a creamy texture, with a black spoon sticking into it on the right side. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. The sauce layer fills the bowl almost to the top, showing small bubbles on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, and each one plays an important role to build the rich layers of taste and texture in this dish. From creamy peanut butter to bright vegetables, everything works together harmoniously.

Coconut oil: Adds a subtle tropical richness and is perfect for sautéing the chicken and onions.
Chopped onion: Provides a savory base and sweetness as it cooks down.
Chicken breast: Tender and lean protein, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
Cumin: Brings warm, earthy notes that complement the peanut sauce beautifully.
Coriander: Adds a gentle citrus undertone to brighten flavors.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
Peanut butter: The star ingredient delivering creaminess, richness, and that irresistible nutty flavor.
Coconut aminos or tamari soy sauce: Offers a salty depth with a hint of sweetness; gluten-free option available.
Honey: A touch of natural sweetness to round out the savory and tangy elements.
Rice vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to enhance and balance the peanut sauce.
Tomato sauce: Gives the sauce a subtle tang and nice body.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Provides moisture and depth to the sauce.
Minced garlic: Infuses a fragrant punch of flavor.
Ginger powder: Adds warmth and slight zestiness.
Onion powder: Boosts the savory undertones.
Crushed red pepper (optional): Gives a kick of heat, adjustable to your preference.
Brown or basmati rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up the delicious sauce.
Shredded carrots: Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
Roasted broccoli: Adds a deliciously tender yet crisp vegetable component.
Peanuts: For garnish and extra crunchy texture.
Fresh cilantro: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness.

How to Make Peanut Butter Chicken with Rice and Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Cube the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into small, evenly-sized cubes. This ensures the chicken cooks quickly and uniformly, giving you juicy pieces in every bite. Cubing also helps the peanut sauce cling to every morsel, transforming each piece into a flavorful delight.

Step 2: Heat the Coconut Oil

Warm the coconut oil in a pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This oil not only prevents sticking but also lends a subtle richness enhancing the overall flavor profile of your dish.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

Add your chopped onions to the pan and sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes. You want them to soften and develop sweetness without browning too much, setting the stage for the savory chicken.

Step 4: Add Chicken and Seasonings

Next, toss in the cubed chicken along with cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken in these warm spices, then cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps the chicken cook through while absorbing those delicious flavors.

Step 5: Mix the Peanut Sauce

While the chicken sizzles, whisk together peanut butter, coconut aminos or tamari soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, tomato sauce, chicken broth, garlic, ginger powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper if you like some heat. The result is a velvety sauce that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes.

Step 6: Pour Sauce and Coat Chicken

Pour the peanut sauce over your cooked chicken in the pan, stirring until every piece is fully coated. This step infuses the chicken with that gorgeous peanut flavor and begins the thickening process of the sauce.

Step 7: Simmer Gently

Bring the skillet to a light simmer. Let it bubble gently for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency that clings to the chicken but isn’t too heavy.

Step 8: Serve with Rice and Vegetables

Once your peanut butter chicken is perfectly sauced, remove it from the heat. Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy brown or basmati rice, alongside shredded carrots and roasted broccoli for a complete, wholesome meal bursting with textures and colors.

How to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken with Rice and Vegetables Recipe

A white bowl holds four layers of food arranged side by side: at the bottom left is light brown cooked rice with a slightly fluffy texture, above it are thin, bright orange carrot sticks, to the right is a portion of steamed green broccoli florets, and in the center and spreading slightly over other layers are small pieces of golden brown chicken covered in a thick, shiny orange sauce. The chicken is sprinkled with black sesame seeds and topped with small light brown peanuts and fresh green cilantro leaves. A gold metal fork is resting on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some blurred green leaves in the background photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Top your dish with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves. They add delightful crunch and a fresh herbal lift that balances the richness of the peanut sauce, making every bite even more exciting.

Side Dishes

Your peanut butter chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed greens or even a light cucumber salad. These choices add refreshing contrast and keep the meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the peanut butter chicken in lettuce wraps or over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also drizzle some extra sauce on top and scatter crushed red pepper flakes for a pop of color and heat sensation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover peanut butter chicken stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the rice and vegetables separate if possible to maintain their best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal any day.

Reheating

Reheat your peanut butter chicken gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Serve hot over freshly cooked rice or reheated veggies.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a slightly different but still creamy and nutty flavor that works beautifully with the other ingredients.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce makes this recipe gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is completely adjustable. You can skip the crushed red pepper for a mild version or add more if you like things spicy. It’s all about your personal taste preference.

Can I make this peanut butter chicken vegetarian?

While the traditional recipe calls for chicken, you can swap it out for tofu or chickpeas to make a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

What veggies work best with this recipe?

Roasted broccoli and shredded carrots are classic choices, but feel free to get creative with snap peas, bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms to add different textures and flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Chicken with Rice and Vegetables Recipe is truly a delightful dish that’s full of flavor, easy to prepare, and a wonderful way to brighten up any meal time. Give it a try—it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes to whip up for family and friends. Once you experience that creamy peanut sauce coating tender chicken amidst wholesome rice and vibrant veggies, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!