Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a savory and creamy twist on traditional Chinese-style chicken. This dish features a delicious peanut butter sauce that’s rich and slightly sweet with a touch of spice. It’s the perfect meal to serve with rice or noodles, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. If you like some heat, feel free to add the red pepper flakes to the mixture.
In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
Once the chicken is cooked, pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage/Reheating
This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. To reheat, I recommend warming it up in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Yes! If you prefer a different flavor or need to avoid peanuts, you can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter. The texture and taste will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy spice, you can definitely add more red pepper flakes to the peanut butter sauce or even incorporate some chili paste for an extra kick. Adjust the heat level to your personal preference!
Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’ll add extra juiciness and flavor to the dish, and they work perfectly with the peanut butter sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best made fresh, but you can prepare the peanut butter sauce and chicken separately in advance. Just store the sauce in the refrigerator and cook the chicken when you’re ready to assemble the dish.
What should I serve with Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken?
I like to serve this dish with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles. You could also add a side of crispy spring rolls or dumplings for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
Conclusion
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With its smooth, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your weeknight dinner rotation. Plus, it’s quick, making it perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting but don’t have a lot of time to cook!
Recipe:
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Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a savory and creamy twist on traditional Chinese-style chicken with a rich, slightly sweet, and spicy peanut butter sauce.
Ingredients
2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon water
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
- In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until golden and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
This dish can be served with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, or noodles.
If using boneless, skinless thighs, adjust the cooking time accordingly for tender, juicy meat.
For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or chili paste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
