Savory Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe You’ll Love Tonight

Whipping up this mouthwatering chinese peanut butter chicken promises a flavor adventure that breaks culinary boundaries.

Exotic spices dance across tender meat, creating an unexpected harmony of tastes.

Creamy peanut sauce blends seamlessly with savory chicken, delivering a punch of unexpected delight.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe answers that call with bold confidence.

Complex flavors emerge from simple ingredients, surprising even seasoned home cooks.

Comfort meets international cuisine in a dish that whispers excitement with every bite.

You’ll want to dive right into this delectable journey of taste and texture.

How To Save Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken For Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and tasty.
• Freeze: Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining quality and flavor.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Reheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 350°F. Arrange chicken in a single layer, cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and hot, restoring original crunchiness.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for the peanut butter sauce?

The sauce combines peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and water, creating a creamy and rich coating for the chicken.

• How do I ensure the chicken is evenly cooked?

Flatten the chicken thighs to ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet, which helps achieve uniform cooking and prevents uneven texture.

• What's the purpose of the egg wash in this recipe?

The egg wash, made with eggs, flour, salt, and peanut butter, helps the panko breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, creating a crispy and flavorful coating.

• Why is it important to drain the fried chicken on a wire rack?

Draining on a wire rack allows excess oil to drip off, preventing the chicken from becoming greasy and maintaining its crispy texture.

What’s Great About Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Unlock Flavor Adventure: Dive into a unique fusion of Chinese and American cuisines that brings exciting taste combinations to your dinner table.
• Master Quick Cooking: Achieve restaurant-quality results with simple steps and basic kitchen tools, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress without complex techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Crispy chicken with creamy peanut butter sauce creates a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a delightful experience.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adjust sauce consistency and spice levels to match personal preferences, allowing creativity and personalization in every bite.

What You Need For Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Chicken Thighs: Tender pieces of meat that serve as the protein base for this delicious Chinese-inspired dish.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Soy Sauce: Brings depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency.

• Eggs, Flour, Salt: Create a binding wash that helps the breading stick to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide a crispy, light exterior coating for the chicken.

• Cooking Oil: Enables deep-frying to achieve a golden, crispy chicken exterior.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Create Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small mixing bowl

• Creamy peanut butter
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Soy sauce
• Water

Stir until smooth and silky

Adjust consistency by adding water gradually if needed

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Coating

• Use meat mallet to flatten chicken thighs
• Aim for uniform half-inch thickness
• Ensure even surface for consistent cooking

Step 3: Mix Egg Wash Mixture

Select shallow dish for coating

• Eggs
• Flour
• Salt
• Extra peanut butter

Create smooth batter-like consistency

Step 4: Bread Chicken Pieces

• Set up panko breadcrumbs in separate shallow dish
• Dip each chicken thigh into egg wash
• Thoroughly coat with panko breadcrumbs
• Press breadcrumbs gently to ensure good adhesion

Step 5: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

• Select Dutch oven or deep skillet
• Pour oil to one-inch depth
• Heat oil to precise 350°F temperature
• Carefully place breaded chicken into hot oil
• Fry each side for 2-3 minutes
• Watch for beautiful golden brown color
• Ensure crispy exterior

Step 6: Finish and Serve

• Transfer fried chicken to wire rack
• Allow excess oil to drain
• Slice chicken into elegant strips
• Drizzle generously with creamy peanut butter sauce
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy

Tips That Help With Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Flatten chicken thighs evenly to ensure uniform cooking and crispy texture throughout.
• Adjust peanut butter sauce consistency by adding water gradually, preventing a too-thick or too-thin mixture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Pat chicken dry before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• Control oil temperature carefully during frying to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown color.

New Spins On Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Sesame Soy Spin: Replace peanut butter sauce with a sesame soy glaze using sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and ginger for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Sriracha Kick: Mix sriracha sauce into the peanut butter mixture for a fiery version that adds heat and complexity to the chicken's coating.
• Coconut Crunch: Swap panko breadcrumbs with shredded coconut for a tropical-inspired crispy exterior that provides a nutty and sweet dimension to the dish.
• Herb-Crusted Version: Blend dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the breadcrumb mixture to create an aromatic and savory chicken coating with Mediterranean influences.

What Goes Well With Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Pair Creamy Peanut Butter Sauce with Crisp Riesling: A light, slightly sweet German white wine perfectly balances the rich, nutty chicken sauce with its bright acidity and subtle fruit notes.
• Complement Crispy Texture with Asian Slaw: A tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw with rice vinegar and sesame oil adds refreshing contrast to the golden-fried chicken's crisp panko coating.
• Enhance Savory Flavors with Jasmine Rice: Soft, fragrant jasmine rice soaks up the creamy peanut butter sauce, creating a delightful base that mellows the dish's intense flavors.
• Match Protein with Cucumber Salad: A cool, light cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and fresh herbs provides a clean, crisp counterpoint to the heavy, fried chicken.

Spicy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delectable Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken delivers an irresistible fusion of savory and sweet flavors that dance across your palate. Creamy peanut sauce embraces tender chicken, creating a memorable meal that will transport diners straight to culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless chicken thighs
• 3 large eggs

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter (for egg wash)
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) water
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce

Dry Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Craft a silky sauce by blending peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and water in a small bowl until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust liquid if needed to prevent thickness.
2. Gently pound chicken thighs to an even ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet, ensuring uniform cooking.
3. Create a delicate egg wash by whisking eggs, flour, salt, and a tablespoon of peanut butter until reaching a uniform, pancake-like texture.
4. Spread panko breadcrumbs across a separate shallow dish for coating.
5. Dip each chicken thigh into the egg wash, thoroughly coating, then generously roll in panko breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior.
6. Prepare oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet, heating to precisely 350°F. Carefully lower chicken pieces and fry 2-3 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy appearance.
7. Transfer fried chicken onto a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drain completely for optimal crunchiness.
8. Artfully slice chicken into elegant strips and lavish with the prepared peanut butter sauce before presenting.

Notes

• Flattening chicken thighs helps them cook evenly and prevents undercooked or overcooked sections.
• Use room temperature ingredients for smoother sauce and better coating adhesion.
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for crispy, non-greasy breading that seals in moisture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg