Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

There's something irresistible about the creamy, nutty goodness of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a savory-sweet peanut sauce, perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and a touch of soy. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

The first time I made this, it was an experiment born from my love for peanut butter and a craving for something savory. To my surprise, it became an instant family favorite! Now, it's a regular on our dinner table, loved for its simplicity and addictive flavors.

Why You'll Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Get ready to add this dish to your go-to recipe collection. Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a perfect fusion of bold flavors and creamy textures, with plenty of reasons to love it.

Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal option for weeknight dinners. No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients are required!

Kid-Friendly and Versatile
Peanut butter lovers of all ages will adore this dish. Its mild spice can be adjusted to suit everyone's taste, making it perfect for families.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients
You only need a handful of pantry staples, like peanut butter, soy sauce, and a few fresh ingredients. It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy restaurant-quality food at home.

Deliciously Satisfying
The combination of juicy chicken, rich peanut sauce, and perfectly cooked rice or noodles is pure comfort food. It’s hearty without being overly heavy, leaving you feeling satisfied after every bite.

Ready to dive in? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make this dish shine.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken lies in its simple ingredients. Each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors.

Chicken
For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy during cooking. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out.

Peanut Butter
This dish relies on smooth, creamy peanut butter for its signature flavor. Use a natural peanut butter without added sugar or salt for the best results. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, a classic store-bought peanut butter works too.

Soy Sauce
Low-sodium soy sauce is best for controlling the saltiness of the dish. It adds a savory depth to the peanut butter sauce and complements the sweetness.

Garlic and Ginger
Freshly minced garlic and ginger bring an authentic Chinese flavor to the sauce. They pair beautifully with the nuttiness of the peanut butter.

Hoisin Sauce
This sweet and savory sauce is a must for balancing the peanut butter’s richness. If you don’t have hoisin sauce, a mix of honey and soy sauce can work in a pinch.

Optional: Sriracha or Red Chili Flakes
Want a little heat? Add a touch of sriracha or a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a spicy kick. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.

Equipment
You’ll need a large skillet or wok to cook the chicken and sauce evenly. A whisk is helpful for blending the peanut butter sauce into a smooth, creamy consistency.

How to Make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Creating this flavorful dish is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to make a restaurant-quality meal at home!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your chicken thighs or breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and ½ cup of chicken broth. For a spicier sauce, stir in a teaspoon of sriracha.

Step 3: Cook the Sauce
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the peanut butter sauce mixture and stir constantly until it begins to simmer and thicken. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 5: Serve
Serve your Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, or sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This dish keeps beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying later.

Refrigerator
Store your Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Freezer
Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips
Reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to ensure the sauce stays smooth and creamy. Avoid overheating, as the sauce may separate.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment!

Vegetarian Version
Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or a mix of stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas.

Add Veggies
Boost the nutritional value by adding carrots, zucchini, or spinach to the sauce. They’ll soak up the flavors beautifully.

Nut-Free Alternative
If you have a peanut allergy, use sunflower seed butter or almond butter instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken
Double the amount of sriracha or add a dash of chili oil for a fiery version of this dish.

Low-Carb Option
Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to keep it keto-friendly.

This dish is all about creativity and making it your own. Try out new variations and enjoy the process of creating your perfect peanut butter chicken.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a delicious way to bring bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!

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