Savory Authentic Peanut Chicken Curry Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This curry is anything but ordinary. The peanut sauce creates a luxurious texture, while the blend of spices and aromatics builds layers of flavor in every bite. It’s easy to prepare with pantry staples, adaptable to your preferred spice level, and comes together in under an hour. If you’re looking for something comforting and a little different, this recipe will be a new favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• Onion
• Garlic
• Fresh ginger
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato paste
• Creamy natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• Coconut milk or chicken broth
• Ground coriander
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper or chili flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Oil (vegetable or coconut)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
• Lime or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Directions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until golden and soft.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
4. Stir in ground coriander, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
5. Add the chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned.
6. Stir in tomato paste or crushed tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes to build depth.
7. Add peanut butter and mix well to coat the chicken.
8. Pour in coconut milk or chicken broth and stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
9. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thick and creamy.
10. Adjust seasoning with salt and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice, if desired.
11. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve hot with steamed rice or flatbread.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Use beef or tofu instead of chicken for different protein options.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or sweet potatoes for extra nutrition.
• Swap coconut milk for cream or more broth, depending on your preference.
• Make it spicier with additional chili flakes or a spoon of chili paste.
• Use chunky peanut butter for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
This curry freezes well—cool completely before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Is this curry spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level, but you can adjust it easily by changing the amount of cayenne or chili flakes.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s natural and unsweetened. Crunchy peanut butter adds a bit of texture.

What kind of chicken works best?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness, but chicken breasts also work well.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, substitute chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or vegetables like cauliflower or eggplant.

Does it taste like peanut butter?

Yes, but it’s balanced by the spices, tomato, and aromatics, giving it a savory, well-rounded flavor.

What can I serve with peanut chicken curry?

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice, couscous, or flatbreads like naan or roti work great.

Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?

Yes, just reduce the quantity slightly to prevent the sauce from becoming too tomato-heavy.

How do I thicken the sauce?

The peanut butter helps naturally thicken the sauce. Simmer uncovered to reduce it further if needed.

Can I cook this in a slow cooker?

Yes, sauté the aromatics and chicken first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4–5 hours.

Is this curry gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and peanut butter with no additives.

Conclusion

This Savory Authentic Peanut Chicken Curry is a flavorful twist on traditional curries that will leave a lasting impression. The creamy peanut sauce combined with tender chicken and aromatic spices makes it both comforting and exciting. Whether served over fluffy rice or scooped up with warm bread, this dish is bound to become a household favorite.

Savory Authentic Peanut Chicken Curry Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Savory Authentic Peanut Chicken Curry blends tender chicken with a creamy, spiced peanut sauce. Inspired by West African and Southeast Asian cuisines, it’s rich, comforting, and full of bold, nutty flavor—perfect for a one-pot meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes or 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1 cup coconut milk or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or coconut)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
2. In a large pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions until golden and soft, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Stir in coriander, cumin, paprika, and cayenne. Toast spices for 1 minute.
5. Add chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned, about 5–6 minutes.
6. Stir in crushed tomatoes or tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
7. Add peanut butter and mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
8. Pour in coconut milk or chicken broth. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
9. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and sauce is thick and creamy.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and lime or lemon juice, if using.
11. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and serve hot with rice or flatbread.

Notes

• Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Chunky peanut butter adds texture if preferred.
• Simmer uncovered to thicken the sauce naturally.
• Adjust cayenne or chili flakes for preferred spice level.
• This curry freezes well and tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 125mg