Peanut Butter Chicken
Creamy peanut butter and Italian dressing combine with tender chicken and fresh vegetables for a flavorful, family-friendly dish with a hint of spice and hearty pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. lo-cal Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1 chicken breast ⓘ
- 3/4 c. snipped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ginger ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. peanut butter ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- dash of cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 3 carrots, thinly sliced
- 1/2 green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. angel hair pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Make Italian dressing according to package directions and marinate the chicken in 1/4 cup of dressing for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions, then rinse, drain, and set aside.
- Broil the marinated chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side, then slice it.
- In a skillet, sauté the sliced carrots and chopped green pepper until tender.
- In a small bowl, mix peanut butter, sherry, soy sauce, ginger, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar to make the sauce.
- Add the cooked vegetables and chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine and heat through.
- Garnish with snipped green onions and parsley before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using natural peanut butter instead of processed. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chili paste to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken breast with thighs for juicier meat. If you want a vegetarian version, replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth for marination.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the peanut butter chicken over the angel hair pasta for a deliciously creamy meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. You can also garnish with additional green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Butter Chicken contains roughly 162 calories, with 7g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (63% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2493mg per serving (108% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While angel hair pasta works well, you can substitute it with any pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti or rice noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to ensure it’s perfectly al dente.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or incorporate some sriracha or chili flakes into the sauce. You could also serve it with sliced fresh chili peppers on top for an extra kick.
Is there a way to make this recipe low-carb?
Yes! You can replace the angel hair pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. The peanut butter sauce will still provide a delicious flavor to the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).