Quick and Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe: Tasty Flavors

Crispy, succulent chicken meets creamy Chinese peanut butter in a dish that dances across your taste buds with unexpected harmony.

Nutty flavors blend seamlessly with tender meat, creating a culinary adventure from traditional Asian cuisine.

Tangy sauce coats each morsel, promising a quick and satisfying meal.

Regional spices add depth and complexity to this simple yet remarkable protein preparation.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting with this clever combination of ingredients.

Home cooks can easily master these bold flavor profiles without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delightful fusion recipe.

What Makes Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Special

What Makes Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Special
  • Savor Speedy Cooking: Prepare this Chinese peanut butter chicken in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick meal solutions.
  • Customize Flavor Kick: Easily adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or modify the sauce ingredients to match your taste preferences, creating a personalized dining experience.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires common pantry staples like peanut butter, soy sauce, and chicken, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated shopping trips.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Cook the entire dish in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and making this recipe a go-to for home cooks who want delicious food without extensive kitchen work.

Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender cubed meat that forms the main protein of the dish.
Aromatics:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Provides a fragrant and zesty base flavor for the sauce.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Peanut Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
  • Soy Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
  • Rice Vinegar: Brings a subtle tangy note to balance the sauce.
  • Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory elements.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Thickening Agent:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
Seasoning:
  • Chili Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick.
Cooking Fat:
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty flavor and helps with initial cooking.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds fresh flavor and visual appeal to the final dish.

How to Cook Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

How to Cook Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a skillet or wok over medium flame. Drop in the chicken cubes and cook until they turn golden brown and are completely done.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

In the same sizzling skillet, toss in minced garlic and grated ginger.

Stir quickly for about 60 seconds until the kitchen fills with an incredible fragrance.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

Combine in a mixing bowl:
  • Creamy peanut butter
  • Soy sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey
  • Chicken broth

Pour this luscious mixture into the skillet and whisk until silky smooth.

Sprinkle chili flakes for an extra kick if you’re feeling adventurous.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

If the sauce looks too runny, create a quick slurry by mixing cornstarch with water.

Swirl this into the skillet to transform the sauce into a luxurious, clingy coating.

Step 5: Reunite and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing and twirling until every piece is drenched in the nutty, spicy sauce.

Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Shower the dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Serve piping hot over fluffy rice or tender noodles for a meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

Helpful Tips for Peanut Butter Chicken

  • Swap traditional peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative that's equally delicious and creamy.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting chili flakes or using sriracha sauce for a more intense heat profile that suits individual preferences.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the cooking process for added nutrition and texture.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduced-sodium chicken broth to make the dish more heart-healthy without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Marinate chicken beforehand in a mixture of rice vinegar and ginger for 30 minutes to ensure tender, more flavorful meat that absorbs sauce perfectly.

New Flavors for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

  • Spicy Almond Butter Chicken: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a nutty, slightly different flavor profile. Add extra chili flakes for a bolder kick.
  • Vegan Tofu Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu cubes and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Use tamari for a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  • Coconut Curry Adaptation: Incorporate coconut milk into the sauce and add mild curry powder for an Indian-inspired variation. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a sweeter taste.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice. Reduce honey or use a sugar-free sweetener to make it keto-friendly.

Great Pairings for Peanut Butter Chicken

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this peanut butter chicken over warm jasmine rice for a comforting, creamy meal that feels like a delicious hug.
  • Noodle Nest Delight: Pile the saucy chicken on top of soft udon or egg noodles for a hearty, slurp-worthy dinner that brings extra texture and flavor.
  • Fresh Asian Bowl: Create a balanced bowl by adding crisp cucumber slices, pickled carrots, and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for extra crunch and freshness.
  • Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Transform the chicken into fun, light lettuce wraps using butter lettuce leaves, allowing guests to create their own personalized bites with a playful twist.

FAQs

  • Is this dish spicy?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes. Add more for extra spiciness or skip them entirely for a mild version.

  • Can I use a different nut butter?

Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well as substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile.

  • How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink in the center and avoid overcooking. The sauce also helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce to make the dish gluten-free. Always check your ingredient labels carefully.

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Quick and Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Quick and Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 18 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Chinese peanut butter chicken melds creamy nutty sauce with tender poultry for a remarkable fusion dish. Hungry cooks discover an irresistible meal blending Asian flavors that satisfies spicy and rich cravings perfectly.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Garnish:

  • Green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Warm sesame oil in a large skillet or wok at medium-high temperature, then sear chicken pieces until golden and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
  2. In the identical skillet, rapidly sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 45-60 seconds until aromatic and slightly translucent.
  3. Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl until perfectly blended and smooth.
  4. Pour the combined sauce into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a uniform, silky consistency. Optional: Sprinkle chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
  5. If the sauce appears runny, create a quick cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then gently incorporate into the skillet to achieve desired thickness.
  6. Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the skillet, carefully coating each piece with the rich, creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure complete flavor integration.
  7. Finish the dish by generously garnishing with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or tender noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality, unsweetened peanut butter for a richer, less sweet sauce that complements the chicken’s flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels by controlling chili flake quantity, making the dish adaptable for mild or hot preference.
  • Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce if preparing for gluten-sensitive diners, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delicious meal.
  • Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the recipe’s creamy, savory profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 331 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 740 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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