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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Use identical pan to infuse aromatic notes from minced garlic and grated ginger, releasing their intense flavors within 30-45 seconds.
- 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.
- Reintegrate seared chicken into sauce, allowing protein to gently simmer and absorb complex flavor profile for approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Enhance dish with subtle heat from red chili flakes and delicate sweetness of honey, tasting and adjusting seasoning as preferred.
- 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