Finger-Licking Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

This chinese peanut butter chicken recipe brings together a perfect balance of savory and creamy elements that will make your mouth water.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a rich, nutty sauce that combines traditional Asian flavors with comforting peanut butter warmth.

Bold spices and smooth textures create an irresistible harmony on your plate.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through tangy and sweet notes that dance across your palate.

The simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

What’s Needed for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the base of this flavorful Chinese-inspired dish.

• Peanut Butter: Creamy base that provides rich, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Adds depth and saltiness to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances the sauce with natural sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy brightness to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and spicy kick.

• Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty flavor and helps with cooking.
• Garlic, Ginger: Classic Asian aromatics that enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh topping that adds color, texture, and extra flavor to the dish.

Simple Steps for Tasty Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Brown the chicken in a sizzling skillet with sesame oil over medium heat.

Cook until the meat is fully done and has a golden exterior.

Transfer the cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

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

Let them dance and release their fragrant magic for 1-2 minutes, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Create the Magical Sauce

• Creamy peanut butter
• Savory soy sauce
• Sweet honey
• Tangy rice vinegar
• Rich chicken broth
• Spicy red pepper flakes

Pour this luscious mixture into the skillet and stir until it becomes smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Reunite and Simmer

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating each piece generously with the sauce.

Let everything simmer and mingle for 3-5 minutes until the sauce transforms into a thick, clinging glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Plate your masterpiece over fluffy rice or twirly noodles.

Sprinkle with chopped green onions and a shower of sesame seeds for a final flourish of flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Rich Peanut Butter Sauce

• Add a pinch of black pepper to enhance peanut butter's nutrient absorption and improve overall flavor profile.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and continuously stir to maintain smooth, consistent texture without clumping.
• Substitute low-sodium soy sauce or use half the recommended amount to control salt intake without sacrificing taste.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired kick.
• Marinate chicken in sauce mixture beforehand to infuse deeper flavors and tenderize meat more effectively.

Peanut Butter Chicken Variations for Fun Meals

• Vegan Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and pan-fried until golden for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Coconut Fusion: Substitute half the chicken broth with coconut milk and add extra red pepper flakes for a creamy, fiery version.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Skip rice or noodles, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter meal with reduced carbohydrates.

Great Ways to Serve Peanut Butter Chicken

• Asian Noodle Bowl Bliss: Serve this zesty chicken over steaming jasmine or brown rice noodles for a hearty, comforting meal.
• Colorful Veggie Companion: Top with crisp julienned carrots, sliced cucumber, and fresh cilantro to add crunch and brightness to the dish.
• Spice Level Adventure: Sprinkle extra red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha sauce for those who love a spicier kick and want to intensify the flavor profile.
• Quick Meal Prep Magic: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container and enjoy cold over a fresh salad for a delicious next-day lunch option.

Peanut Butter Chicken Storage Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing with rice or noodles to maintain texture.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little extra chicken broth or water to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate, with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes that can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount.

• Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! This recipe works great with tofu, shrimp, or beef as alternative protein options that will absorb the delicious peanut sauce.

• What type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal for creating a smooth sauce with balanced flavor. Natural peanut butter without added sugar works perfectly.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce gets too dense, simply add a little chicken broth or water while stirring to thin it out and maintain the right consistency.

Peanut Butter Chicken, What Makes It Unique

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delicious Chinese peanut butter chicken in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families craving a flavorful dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Flavor Punch: Combine creamy peanut butter, tangy soy sauce, sweet honey, and spicy red pepper flakes for a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary dish.
• Versatile Dinner Option: Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice to suit different dietary preferences and add excitement to your meal rotation with minimal effort.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, making it ideal for home cooks who want delicious results without multiple dishes to wash.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

Savor Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, a delightful fusion of creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken that dances with Asian-inspired flavors. Spicy, nutty, and irresistibly smooth, this dish delivers a quick culinary adventure you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

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

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) creamy peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) grated ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 gram) red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

• Green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Warm sesame oil in a spacious pan over medium-high heat, searing chicken pieces until golden and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
2. In the identical pan, sizzle minced garlic and ginger, releasing their aromatic essence for roughly 30-45 seconds.
3. Create a luscious sauce by vigorously blending peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes until completely integrated and silky.
4. Pour the vibrant sauce into the pan, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and ensure uniform consistency.
5. Reintroduce the cooked chicken into the pan, gently coating each piece with the rich, glossy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer and reduce for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
6. Once the sauce reaches a luxurious, clingy texture, remove from heat and prepare for serving.
7. Plate the chicken over steamed rice or tender noodles, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free diets, maintaining the same creamy consistency and rich flavor profile.
• Reduce honey or use sugar-free alternatives like monk fruit sweetener for low-carb or diabetic-friendly modifications.
• Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free while preserving the umami depth of the sauce.
• Add extra red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat lovers, creating a spicier version that tingles taste buds and elevates the dish’s complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg