Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, nutty aroma of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken sizzling in the kitchen. This delightful dish pairs tender chicken with a luscious peanut sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. It's a weeknight winner that never fails to please.

The first time I tried peanut butter in a savory dish, I was hooked. This recipe, inspired by classic Chinese flavors, is now a family favorite. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and an absolute comfort food must-have. Ready to dive in?

Why You'll Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that's as easy to make as it is delicious. This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.

First, it's all about the sauce. The combination of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and a hint of honey creates a flavor profile that’s irresistibly smooth and packed with umami. Add a splash of rice vinegar and a touch of garlic, and you’ve got a dish that's bursting with authentic Chinese-inspired taste.

You'll love how quickly this comes together. With minimal prep and just 30 minutes of cooking time, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table in a flash.

Not only is it simple to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables to suit your family’s preferences. Leftovers? They taste just as amazing the next day.

Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you're introducing your kids to bold new flavors or impressing dinner guests, this dish always earns rave reviews.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors.

Chicken thighs or breasts are the protein stars of this dish. While chicken thighs add extra juiciness, chicken breasts are a leaner option that works just as well. Make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.

Peanut butter is the heart of the sauce. Smooth peanut butter works best, as it creates a creamy texture that coats the chicken beautifully. If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can use chunky peanut butter for added texture.

Soy sauce adds the salty, umami base to the sauce. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the saltiness.

Honey or brown sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the savory elements. Either will work, depending on what you have on hand.

Garlic and ginger bring the dish to life with their fresh, aromatic qualities. Minced fresh garlic and grated ginger work best, but powdered versions can be used in a pinch.

Rice vinegar adds a subtle tanginess that brightens the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a good alternative.

You’ll also need a large skillet or wok to make this recipe. A good nonstick pan ensures the sauce doesn’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.

How To Make This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Making Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is surprisingly straightforward, even for beginners. Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by prepping your ingredients. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger. If you're serving this over rice or noodles, get those started now, so they're ready when the chicken is done.

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Cook them undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a golden-brown sear before flipping them over. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn them.

Lower the heat and pour in your sauce mixture, which includes peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and a splash of water to thin it out. Whisk the sauce as it heats, allowing it to come together into a smooth, creamy consistency.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until every piece is coated. Let it simmer for a minute or two so the flavors meld together.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Storage Options

Got leftovers? This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day.

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, so it might taste even better the second day.

To freeze, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own!

• For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cube and pan-fry it before adding it to the sauce.
• Want a spicier kick? Add a teaspoon of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Try almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding peanuts.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to make it a complete one-pan meal.
• Gluten-free? Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and double-check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free.

Experiment and have fun with the recipe – it’s incredibly forgiving. No matter how you adapt it, the result will be a delicious, satisfying meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

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