If you have ever dreamed of recreating the perfect takeout flavor right in your kitchen, this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to comfort dinner. It’s a fantastic fusion of creamy peanut butter richness and classic Chinese flavors that come together in a luscious sauce coating tender, juicy chicken pieces. Simple yet incredibly satisfying, this dish brings warmth, color, and a hint of spice to your plate, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward making magic happen in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays an essential role in crafting the sauce’s perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, while the chicken delivers tender protein goodness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for quick cooking and even flavor absorption.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and a salty kick that anchors the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a mild tang that brightens the overall flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient lending richness and that unmistakable nutty taste.
- Honey: Balances savory notes with natural sweetness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse pungent aromatic warmth.
- Fresh ginger: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy freshness that awakens the palate.
- Chicken broth: Helps create a smooth, saucy texture while boosting flavor complexity.
- Cornstarch: For coating the chicken, enhancing crispness and thickening the sauce.
- Vegetable oil: The perfect neutral base for frying the chicken golden brown.
- Red pepper flakes: Just a touch for a subtle, inviting heat.
- Sesame oil: Added at the end to introduce a toasty, aromatic finish.
- Chopped green onions: Fresh and crisp garnish elevating flavor and color.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty accent.
- Steamed white rice: The ideal fluffy bed to serve this saucy masterpiece.
How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, creamy peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. This blend is your flavor powerhouse, perfectly combining sweetness, tang, spice, and savory nutty notes into a smooth, luscious sauce that will make every bite irresistible.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Next, toss the chicken pieces in cornstarch just enough to lightly coat them. This step is crucial because it helps the chicken get that lovely golden crust when cooked and allows the sauce to cling beautifully, building layers of flavor and texture.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the chicken. Let it cook until it turns a gorgeous golden color and is cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. The cornstarch coating crisps up perfectly, giving you a delightful bite every time.
Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and pour your prepared peanut sauce into the skillet. Stir well so every piece of chicken is coated with that creamy, silky goodness. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens and shines with a glossy finish — that’s when you know it’s pure perfection.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Finish things off by stirring in a splash of toasted sesame oil, which imparts a wonderful, nutty aroma that will have your kitchen smelling like a five-star restaurant. Remove from heat, get ready to garnish, and prepare to impress everyone at your table.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For a pop of freshness and texture contrast, sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds right before serving. These garnishes brighten the dish’s flavor profile, add color, and make each bite exciting with little bursts of crunch and herbaceous notes.
Side Dishes
While steamed white rice is the classic and most popular accompaniment, you can also serve this chicken alongside stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli or bell peppers to add nutrition and vibrant color. The mild rice soaks up the peanut sauce beautifully, making every bite even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving the chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or pile it into warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap. You could even drizzle some extra peanut sauce over roasted sweet potatoes for a unique flavor fusion that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover peanut butter chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually marry even better after resting, making it a perfect dish to enjoy again for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, though it’s best to do so without the rice. Store the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for long periods to maintain the chicken’s tenderness and keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter powder can be used, but it will require mixing with a bit of water or oil to mimic the creamy texture. Adjust the quantity as needed to get the sauce consistency just right.
Is this recipe spicy or mild?
This recipe carries a gentle warmth from the red pepper flakes but can easily be adjusted by adding more or less to suit your spice preference. Feel free to omit the flakes for a totally mild version.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor, making the dish even more indulgent without compromising the cooking method.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar on hand?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work as alternatives, but rice vinegar’s mild acidity is ideal for this recipe’s balance. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the delicate peanut sauce.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is naturally dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies without any modifications.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to make this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe, there is no reason to rely on takeout when you can enjoy such a delicious and comforting dish right at home. It’s quick, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable — so grab those ingredients, invite your loved ones, and get ready for a dinner that feels like a warm, tasty hug. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, creamy peanut sauce that is both sweet and savory. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it’s served over steamed white rice and garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic touch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For Garnish and Serving:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, creamy peanut butter, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside.
- Coat the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch until they are lightly and evenly coated, which will help create a slight crust when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Add the sauce to chicken: Reduce the heat to medium and pour the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat all the pieces.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer with the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens and becomes glossy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish with sesame oil: Stir in a small splash of sesame oil for added flavor and remove the skillet from heat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve the peanut butter chicken hot over steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Add sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey to suit your taste.
- For added texture, use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy.
