Zesty Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe That Wows Every Time

Mastering a delightful chinese peanut butter chicken recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary adventure.

Fragrant spices and creamy peanut sauce combine to create an irresistible meal that feels both comforting and exotic.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Home chefs will appreciate how quickly these ingredients come together in one pan.

Balanced flavors of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes dance across your palate with each bite.

Protein-packed chicken meets the rich, nutty essence of peanut butter in a harmonious blend.

You can easily customize this recipe to match your preferred spice level and dietary needs.

Let’s dive into a recipe that promises to become a new family favorite.

Peanut Butter Chicken – Fun, Flavorful, Unique

• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Easily adjust spice levels with chili flakes or honey, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and ensuring everyone at the table feels satisfied.
• Master Global Cuisine at Home: Dive into authentic Chinese-inspired flavors without complex techniques, letting home cooks explore international cooking with confidence and minimal kitchen skills required.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Works brilliantly as a main dish with rice or noodles, making it an excellent option for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients For Easy Peanut Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Tender protein that serves as the main component of the dish.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy ingredient that provides richness and nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the sauce.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings sweet and tangy elements to the overall taste profile.

• Garlic, Ginger: Provide aromatic and foundational flavor to the dish.
• Sesame Oil: Adds distinctive nutty and aromatic undertone.
• Rice Vinegar: Contributes a subtle tangy note to balance the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth and liquid consistency for the sauce.

• Chili Flakes, Honey: Allow for personalized heat and sweetness adjustment.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Provide fresh, crunchy texture and visual appeal to the final dish.

How To Make Peanut Butter Chicken Like Takeout

Step 1: Sizzle Chicken in Sesame Oil

Heat a skillet with sesame oil over medium temperature.

Drop chicken pieces into the pan and cook until golden brown on every side.

Transfer the browned chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatics

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and grated ginger.

Stir and cook until their fragrant essence fills the kitchen.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Smooth peanut butter
• Rich soy sauce
• Sweet hoisin sauce
• Tangy rice vinegar
• Savory chicken broth

Whisk continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, luxurious mixture.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the previously cooked chicken back into the skillet.

Let it simmer gently for 6-8 minutes, allowing the meat to soak up the delectable sauce.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Spicy chili flakes
• Sweet honey

Stir to distribute additional layers of taste.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Scatter freshly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the dish.

Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or tender noodles.

Tips For Making Peanut Butter Chicken Better

• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in flavor and moisture.
• Gradually add chicken broth while stirring to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps or separation.
• Adjust chili flakes and honey to match your preferred heat and sweetness, creating a personalized taste profile.
• Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant to release their essential oils and enhance the overall depth of flavor.
• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain sauce's silky texture.

Peanut Butter Chicken: Fun Mix-Ins To Try

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before cooking to absorb the rich peanut sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Serve over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Thai-Inspired Version: Add red curry paste and coconut milk to the sauce, increasing heat with extra chili flakes and garnishing with fresh cilantro.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Substitute low-sodium chicken broth, reduce soy sauce quantity, and use fresh herbs like basil or mint to enhance flavor without added salt.

Ways To Serve Peanut Butter Chicken Creatively

• Asian Fusion Comfort Plating: Serve this savory chicken over steamed jasmine rice, creating a perfect bed for soaking up the rich, creamy peanut sauce.
• Noodle Bowl Delight: Toss the saucy chicken over warm udon or rice noodles, topped with extra green onions for a vibrant, slurp-worthy meal.
• Lettuce Wrap Adventure: Transform the dish into interactive appetizers by spooning the peanut butter chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, light twist.
• Meal Prep Magic: Pack the chicken and sauce separately from rice or noodles to maintain texture, making an easy lunch option that reheats beautifully without losing flavor.

Smart Storage For Peanut Butter Chicken Meals

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for maximum 2 months. Prevents sauce separation and maintains texture.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add 1-2 tablespoons chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• What makes this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken unique?

The recipe combines traditional Chinese flavors like soy sauce and hoisin with creamy peanut butter, creating a rich, savory sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe allows for customization with chili flakes, so you can control the heat level. Without chili flakes, it’s a mild, creamy dish that’s suitable for most taste preferences.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes, this sauce works well with tofu, shrimp, or beef. The cooking method remains similar, ensuring the protein is cooked thoroughly and coated in the delicious sauce.

Sweet Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Savory Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken blends creamy nutty flavors with bold Asian spices, creating an irresistible fusion of comfort and zest. Delicious protein meets silky sauce, promising a quick weeknight meal that satisfies adventurous palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm a skillet with sesame oil at medium temperature, searing chicken pieces until golden and caramelized on exterior surfaces. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
2. Use identical pan to infuse aromatic notes from minced garlic and grated ginger, releasing their intense flavors within 30-45 seconds.
3. Reduce heat to low, introducing creamy peanut butter, umami-rich soy sauce, sweet hoisin, tangy rice vinegar, and savory chicken broth. Whisk continuously until sauce transforms into silky, uniform consistency.
4. Reintegrate seared chicken into sauce, allowing protein to gently simmer and absorb complex flavor profile for approximately 5-6 minutes.
5. Enhance dish with subtle heat from red chili flakes and delicate sweetness of honey, tasting and adjusting seasoning as preferred.
6. Crown the dish with delicate green onion slivers and toasted sesame seeds for textural contrast and visual appeal. Accompany with steamed jasmine rice or tender wheat noodles.

Notes

• Test ingredients at room temperature for better blending and smoother sauce consistency.
• Swap traditional chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the rich, nutty flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and prevent the dish from becoming overly salty.
• When cooking chicken, ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety without overcooking and drying out the meat.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 303 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 695 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg