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
Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken
Protein:Aromatics:Sauce Ingredients:Liquid Base:Thickening Agent:Seasoning:Cooking Fat:Garnish: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: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
New Flavors for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Great Pairings for Peanut Butter Chicken
FAQs
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.
Absolutely! Almond butter or cashew butter work well as substitutes for peanut butter in this recipe. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile.
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.
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
- 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
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
- 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.
- In the identical skillet, rapidly sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for 45-60 seconds until aromatic and slightly translucent.
- Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chicken broth in a mixing bowl until perfectly blended and smooth.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
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.