The Best Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting an authentic Chinese peanut butter chicken brings together unexpected flavor combinations that dance across your palate.

Fragrant spices mingle with creamy nutty goodness, creating a culinary adventure that breaks traditional recipe boundaries.

Weeknight dinners transform into exciting global experiences with minimal preparation.

Savory and slightly sweet notes blend seamlessly in this unique dish.

Cultural fusion happens effortlessly through thoughtful ingredient selections and balanced techniques.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through complex taste profiles.

Let your kitchen become a passport to delicious international cuisine, inviting bold and adventurous eating.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken’s Bold Taste

• Savor Quick Flavor Explosion: This Korean ground beef bowl delivers intense, authentic tastes in minutes with minimal cooking steps and simple ingredients.
• Craft Versatile Meal Magic: Perfect for busy weeknights, customizable with optional veggie additions, and appeals to both kids and adults seeking delicious comfort food.
• Transform Pantry Staples: Leverages common kitchen ingredients like ground beef, soy sauce, and rice to create a restaurant-quality meal without complex shopping or expensive components.
• Embrace Healthy Protein Power: Lean ground beef combined with aromatic spices provides a nutritious, protein-packed dinner that satisfies hunger and supports balanced eating.

Ingredients For Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Chicken: A tender and lean meat that serves as the main protein source in this Chinese-inspired dish.

• Peanut Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture and nutty flavor that forms the foundation of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a savory, umami depth and saltiness to complement the other ingredients.
• Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements of the sauce.

• Rice Vinegar: Introduces a subtle tangy note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes a distinctive, nutty aroma characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Garlic, Ginger: Provide aromatic and zesty undertones that are essential in Chinese cooking.

• Red Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle kick of heat to the dish.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Offer a fresh, crunchy garnish that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

• Steamed Rice, Noodles: Serve as a perfect base to soak up the delicious peanut sauce.

Stepwise Preparation Of Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Brown the chicken in a skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat. Cook until the exterior turns golden and the meat is completely done.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Create Magical Sauce

• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger
• Red chili flakes

Combine all ingredients in the same skillet over low heat.

Whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and silky.

Step 3: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce appears too thick, slowly introduce water while stirring.

Continue adding water in small increments until you reach a perfect, flowing texture.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Gently toss the meat, ensuring every piece gets beautifully coated with the rich, nutty sauce. Let the chicken simmer for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the chicken. Plate alongside steamed rice or noodles for a complete, mouthwatering meal.

Helpful Tips For Peanut Butter Chicken

• Select bone-in chicken thighs for extra juicy and flavorful meat that holds sauce perfectly.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling red chili flakes quantity, making dish mild or fiery hot according to preference.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt content and prevent overly salty sauce consistency.
• Toast sesame seeds briefly in dry pan before sprinkling to enhance their nutty aroma and add delightful crunch.
• Consider replacing honey with maple syrup for vegan alternative or if wanting different subtle sweetness profile.

Flavor Variations For Peanut Butter Chicken

• Spicy Sesame Chicken: Increase red chili flakes and add Sichuan peppercorns for an extra fiery kick.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Chicken: Replace half the peanut butter with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor profile.
• Ginger Lime Chicken: Swap rice vinegar for fresh lime juice and boost ginger amount for a zesty, bright taste.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Serve over roasted cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter meal.

Best Pairings For Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Spread the saucy chicken over a bed of jasmine rice for a restaurant-quality dinner that brings bold Asian-inspired flavors to your table. Drizzle extra sauce around the plate for dipping and maximum taste experience.
• Slice chicken into thin strips and serve with crispy cucumber pickles, warm soft tortillas, and extra chopped green onions. Guests can create their own wraps, enjoying interactive and customizable dining.
• Layer chicken over quinoa, add roasted broccoli florets, and sprinkle extra sesame seeds. Pack in meal prep containers for a protein-packed lunch that stays delicious and exciting throughout the week.

Proper Storage For Peanut Butter Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and chicken separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm gently in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of water if sauce becomes too thick. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
• Keep extra peanut butter sauce in sealed glass jar in refrigerator for up to one week. Use as quick marinade or dipping sauce for other proteins or vegetables.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, you can substitute with almond or cashew butter for a similar creamy texture and flavor profile.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version.

• What can I do if my sauce is too thin?

Continue simmering the sauce on low heat to reduce and thicken it, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to help it thicken.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to ensure the dish is gluten-free.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory chinese peanut butter chicken blends creamy sauce with tender meat for a mouthwatering meal. Bold Asian flavors combine in this simple yet satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water (to thin sauce, if needed)
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken in vegetable oil over medium heat until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer to a separate plate.
2. Reduce skillet heat to low and whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes until a smooth, glossy sauce forms.
3. Gradually thin the sauce with small amounts of water, stirring continuously to maintain a silky, pourable consistency.
4. Return chicken to the skillet, gently coating each piece with the aromatic peanut sauce. Allow chicken to simmer for 2-3 minutes, ensuring it absorbs the rich flavors.
5. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the glazed chicken. Serve immediately alongside steamed jasmine rice or tender wheat noodles for a complete meal.

Notes

• Enhance sauce consistency by gradually adding water, ensuring a silky smooth texture that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Swap chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Adjust spice levels by controlling red chili flakes or using sriracha for those craving extra heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking process and prevent burning or overcooking delicate components like garlic and ginger.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 363 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 581 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg