BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken is a vibrant fusion of savory, nutty, and tangy flavors, combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the zesty kick of soy sauce, lemon juice, and spices. This dish, inspired by global culinary traditions such as satay, offers a unique twist on the classic grilled peanut butter chicken. Perfect for adventurous home cooks, this recipe is both approachable and packed with bold, flavorful ingredients. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the recipe, designed to serve six people, with adjustments for two, highlight the health benefits of each ingredient, provide a step-by-step preparation method, and offer serving ideas, variations, ingredient selection and storage tips, beverage pairings, and the ideal time to enjoy this dish.
BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Grill Gas or charcoal, preheated
- 1 Blender For smooth marinade
- 1 Plastic bag Or shallow dish for marinating
- 1 Tongs For turning grilled chicken
Ingredients
- 1 cup Natural Peanut Butter Preferably SMUCKER'S® Natural
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce Low-sodium, naturally brewed
- 1/4 cup White Wine Vinegar Pure, no added flavors
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
- 6 cloves Garlic Chopped
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust to taste
- 2 tsp Ginger Finely chopped
- 2.5 pounds Chicken Breasts ((boneless) Cut into 1.5-inch strips
- 1 cup up to Water Optional, to thin the marinade
Instructions
- In a blender, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and ginger. Blend until smooth. Add water gradually to thin if needed. Reserve 1/4 cup marinade for basting (optional).
- Add chicken strips to a large plastic bag or dish and coat with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Set grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Remove excess marinade and grill the chicken strips for 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Optionally baste early with reserved marinade.
- Remove from grill and rest for 3–5 minutes. Garnish with chopped peanuts or herbs if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Serve with jasmine rice and stir-fried vegetables for an Asian-style meal, or use as a salad topper with mixed greens and mango.
- Variations: Add sriracha for spice, use coconut milk for a creamy twist, or substitute sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- Beverage Pairings: Ginger ale, coconut water, or a dry Riesling complement the flavors.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 9 months.
Health Benefits of BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken Ingredients
Every ingredient in this dish serves flavor and purpose:
- Peanut Butter: Loaded with monounsaturated fats, peanut butter can help the heart by lowering LDL cholesterol. It is also high in protein, vitamin E, and magnesium, which help with muscle recovery and bone health.
- Soy Sauce: Salt-rich soy sauce offers antioxidants called isoflavones and traces of protein. Choose low-sodium varieties to help limit your salt consumption.
- White Wine Vinegar: Like cider vinegar, this contains acetic acid that might facilitate insulin sensitivity, promote digestion, and benefit gut health.
- Lemon Juice – High in vitamin C, lemon juice supports immunity, helps with iron absorption, and contributes to healthy skin. Its acidity is a good tenderizer for the chicken as well.
- Garlic: Immune-boosting garlic is rich in allicin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It might also decrease blood pressure.
- Red Pepper Flakes: The capsaicin in red pepper flakes is said to boost metabolism, alleviate pain, and provide antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress.
- Ginger: This root is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, aids digestion, quells nausea, and may also lessen blood sugar.
- Chicken Breasts: As a lean source of protein, chicken breasts are low in fat and high in B vitamins (niacin, B6), phosphorus, and selenium, supporting metabolism and immune function.
This is a high-protein, moderate in healthy fat but low-carb dish ideal for balanced diets, unless you’re allergic to peanuts, that is! Among peanut butter chicken recipes, this one stands out for its bold flavors and nutrition.
Serving Ideas and Variations
BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken is also flexible and can be served with different sides and preparations:
Serving Ideas:
- Asian-Style Tray: Pair with jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables (such as peppers and broccoli), and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Shareable Sticks: Slide grilled chicken strips onto skewers to make a playful appetizer or party fare with a peanut dipping sauce.
- Wraps: These would go nicely wrapped in warm tortillas with lettuce, cucumber, and a yogurt drizzle for a fresh, portable meal.
- Salad Topper: Slice grilled chicken and arrange on a bed of mixed greens, mango, and red onion for a tropical salad.
Variations:
- Hotter (Spicier) Version: Double the red pepper flakes (2 teaspoons) or add a tablespoon of sriracha to the marinade.
- Creamy Coconut Twist: Add half the amount of water and/or coconut milk instead of water for a Satay-type flavour.
- Nut-Free Substitution: Replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter to make a nut-free alternative.
- Oven-Broiled Alternative: If you don’t have a grill, you can broil the chicken strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, 450°F (230°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
This makes it one of the most adaptable peanut butter chicken recipes, perfect whether you’re after a grilled version or a crispy peanut butter chicken cooked indoors.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
Here’s how to make the most of flavor and freshness:
- Peanut Butter:
- My Preference: I prefer natural peanut butter with no added sugar or oils for an authentic flavor of the nut. SMUCKER’S® Natural is perfect, but other brands will do if unsweetened.
- Storage: Keep in a cool, dry place; refrigerate after opening to keep the product longer (up to 6 months). Stir if the oil separates.
- Soy Sauce:
- Choice: Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage the salty taste. Get the naturally brewed stuff for the best flavor.
- Storage: In a tightly closed jar at room temperature or in the fridge; it keeps for a year or two.
- Lemon Juice and White Wine Vinegar:
- Selection: Use good, pure white wine vinegar and fresh-squeezed lemon juice for freshness.
- Storage: Keep vinegar in a cool, dark place (shelf life is indefinite). Store lemon juice in the fridge, and use within 2–3 days if fresh.
- Garlic and Ginger:
- Picking: Go with fresh garlic and ginger to get the most flavor. Avoid pre-minced formulations, as they may lose potency.
- Storage: Garlic will keep for 1 month stored in a dry, ventilated space. 3–4 weeks in the fridge or freeze for longer.
- Red Pepper Flakes:
- Selection: Purchase from well-known manufacturers for even heat. Assess freshness through smelling and checking for a vibrant red color.
- Keep: Keep in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
- Chicken Breasts:
- Selection: Pick organic or free-range chicken for healthier and tastier food. No off-odors or sliminess should be a given.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated (at or below 40°F / 4°C) and use within 1–2 days. Freeze for up to 9 months. The chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days once cooked.
Beverage Pairings
BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken – Serve with these drinks: You won’t believe how good these savory, nutty, slightly spicy peanut butter chicken marinade flavors are with these drinks!
Non-Alcoholic:
- Ginger Ale: The ginger in it pairs well with the spice of the marinade and gives a good spark.
- Coconut Water: Offers a touch of sweetness to balance the dish’s flavors.
- Mango Lassi: A refreshing, sweet, and tangy yogurt drink will help keep the mouth cooler.
Alcoholic:
- Beer: A lightly-hopped IPA or wheat beer adds zest without overwhelming the dish.
- White Wine: Try a dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer with the nutty and spicy components.
- Cocktail: A mojito with fresh mint and lime to reflect the dish’s citrus brightness, and its rich slickness.
When Is the Best Time of Day to Eat BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken?
A lunch or dinner option that has versatility for a variety of occasions:
- Lunch: Get your mid-afternoon energy boost from the high protein and stay full with the moderate fats. Serve with light accompaniments, such as a cucumber salad, for a balanced meal.
- Dinner: Its salty richness is great for evening gatherings, casual or festive. Enjoy with some rice or grilled veggies on the side for a hearty dish.
- Seasonal Applicability: Works best in warm weather with outdoor grilling, but can be used year-round with an indoor cooking process like broiling.
Conclusion
BBQ Peanut Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that is the epitome of comfort food, embracing a familiar ingredient of grilled chicken and combining it with the lure of peanut butter and Asian flavors. From protein-rich chicken to inflammation-fighting ginger, its health benefits make it a smart choice, and its versatility offers infinite serving and variation options. With the step-by-step guide, good quality product selection, and the right beverage pairings, you can conjure up a memorable meal that is tasty for the taste buds and is of sound health. Whether you’re aiming for grilled peanut butter chicken, a broiled twist, or crispy peanut butter chicken on skewers, this dish makes a flavorful impact. Perfect for a backyard summer BBQ or a more intimate dinner setting.
