Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe That Kids Love

Crispy weeknight dinners get a delightful twist with this Chinese peanut butter chicken that blends sweet and savory flavors.

Nutty peanut butter creates a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to tender chicken pieces.

Asian-inspired ingredients dance together in a quick, satisfying meal that takes less than 30 minutes.

Bold spices and simple techniques make this dish accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

Each bite delivers a punch of umami and richness that feels both comforting and exciting.

Fragrant garlic and ginger add depth to the silky sauce, making every forkful irresistible.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when ordinary meals just won’t do.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Overview

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute meal preparations.
• Burst with Bold Flavors: The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and red pepper flakes creates a mouthwatering sauce that tantalizes taste buds with sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the dish by adjusting spice levels, swapping chicken for tofu, or serving over different grains like quinoa or cauliflower rice to suit personal preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Loved by both kids and adults, this chicken dish offers a delicious twist on traditional protein recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Chicken: A tender protein that absorbs the rich peanut butter sauce and creates a hearty main dish.

• Peanut Butter: Provides a creamy, nutty base that gives the dish its signature flavor and thickness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami depth to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances the savory elements with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to thin and blend the sauce while adding extra flavor.

• Garlic, Ginger: Bring a classic Asian-inspired warmth and complexity to the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat that complements the creamy sauce.

• Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty flavor and helps with cooking the chicken.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Add texture, color, and a fresh finish to the dish.
• Rice or Noodles: Serve as a perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce.

• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy note to balance the rich sauce.

How to Make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a skillet with sesame oil over medium temperature.

Toss in the chicken pieces and cook until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior, ensuring each piece is evenly cooked and tender.

Step 2: Create the Magical Sauce

• Creamy peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Chicken broth
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk these ingredients until they form a smooth, aromatic sauce that promises delicious flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

Pour the prepared sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet.

Stir thoroughly to coat every piece, allowing the sauce to embrace the chicken.

Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, watching the sauce thicken and intensify in flavor.

Step 4: Finish and Plate

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and freshly chopped green onions over the chicken.

Serve this mouthwatering dish atop steamed rice or soft noodles, creating a complete meal that will delight your taste buds.

Helpful Tips for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Add an extra tablespoon of rice vinegar or a dash of chili oil to enhance the tangy and spicy notes of the sauce.
• Select boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more tender and juicy result compared to chicken breast.
• Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more chicken broth if it's too thick or simmering longer to reduce and thicken.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for a vegan version, or use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.
• Marinate chicken in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to infuse deeper flavors and tenderize the meat.

Flavor Variations for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the dish gluten-sensitive friendly.
• Spicy Lovers' Option: Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for a fiery kick that amplifies the sauce's heat.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Swap chicken with firm tofu, cutting it into cubes and pan-frying until crispy before adding the peanut butter sauce.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or wheat noodles to reduce carbohydrate content.

Serving Suggestions for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Hearty Grain Companions: Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or chewy brown rice noodles for a satisfying complete meal that soaks up the delicious sauce.
• Asian-Inspired Side Kick: Pair with quick pickled cucumber slices or crisp steamed baby bok choy to add fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.
• Texture Enhancer: Sprinkle extra toasted peanuts or crushed cashews on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the peanut butter sauce.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Offer extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce on the side for heat lovers who want to kick up the spiciness of the dish.

Storage Tips for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little chicken broth or water to maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently until heated thoroughly, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The amount of red pepper flakes determines the heat level. You can adjust or omit them for a milder taste, making it family-friendly.

• Can I use other protein sources?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or beef. Each protein will absorb the delicious peanut butter sauce differently.

• What makes the sauce creamy?

Peanut butter creates the rich, smooth texture. Using natural or creamy peanut butter works best for a consistent sauce consistency.

• Is this dish healthy?

This recipe offers protein from chicken, healthy fats from peanut butter, and balanced flavors. It’s relatively nutritious when served with vegetables and controlled portions.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chinese peanut butter chicken melds rich, nutty flavors with tender meat in a delightful fusion of Chinese and American cuisines. Home cooks can easily craft this quick, satisfying dish that promises delicious comfort on any weeknight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, diced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chicken broth

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken pieces in hot sesame oil at medium-high temperature until exterior turns golden and crispy, approximately 4-5 minutes.
2. Blend peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes into a smooth, aromatic sauce using a whisk.
3. Transfer sauce directly into skillet with cooked chicken, stirring thoroughly to ensure uniform coating and allowing mixture to simmer for 6-7 minutes until sauce reaches desired consistency.
4. Reduce heat and let sauce slightly thicken, ensuring chicken remains moist and fully coated with rich, savory glaze.
5. Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds across the surface for added texture and visual appeal.
6. Plate immediately over steamed white rice or tender noodles, serving while sauce remains warm and chicken retains its succulent texture.

Notes

• Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or almond butter for nut-free diets, ensuring the same creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
• Reduce honey or use sugar-free alternatives like stevia for a low-sugar version that maintains the dish’s delicious balance.
• Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce for heat lovers, allowing personalized spice levels without compromising the core recipe.
• Consider using tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option that keeps the authentic Asian-inspired taste intact.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 367 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 11 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg