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
- 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