If you’re craving a dish that brings together creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors all in one bite, then you absolutely must try this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe. It’s the kind of meal that feels both comforting and exciting, combining tender chicken with a luscious peanut sauce that’s bursting with ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or showing off for guests, this recipe comes together quickly and guarantees big flavor without any fuss. Let me take you through everything you need to know to nail this unforgettable dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender chicken that absorbs all the tasty sauce, to the peanut butter that gives the dish its creamy backbone, to the garlic and ginger that brighten the flavors. Here’s everything you’ll want to have on hand:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces: Quick to cook and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Creates a light coating that crisps the chicken slightly and helps the sauce adhere.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking, ensuring the chicken browns beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that adds richness and depth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory umami and saltiness to the mix.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy element that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lifts the dish with a subtle acidic punch.
- 1 tablespoon honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic: For that irresistible aromatic base.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Brings a warm, spicy zing.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Provides a nutty, fragrant finish.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: To thin out the sauce and help it cling to the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a bit of heat.
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish: For a fresh, crunchy contrast and lovely color.
How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by tossing those bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with the cornstarch. This simple step helps create a silky outer layer on the chicken once cooked, making the texture irresistible. Then heat your vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat so it gets nice and hot for that perfect sear. Cook your chicken pieces for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are lightly browned and cooked all the way through. This golden crust is what will hold onto that delicious peanut sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the chicken is sizzling, take a small bowl and combine your peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk everything until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This mixture is where all the magic happens—a perfect concoction of sweet, salty, tangy, and nutty flavors ready to elevate the cooked chicken.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Lower the heat to medium and pour the luscious sauce right over your cooked chicken in the pan. Stir everything well, making sure each piece is coated generously with that rich sauce. Let it simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and lets the chicken fully soak up all the incredible flavors, creating a beautifully glossy, irresistible dish.
Step 4: Garnish and Finish
Once the sauce has thickened and all the flavors have melded together beautifully, remove the pan from heat. Sprinkle the fanciful sliced green onions on top for a burst of freshness and a lovely color contrast. Now your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe is ready to be served and devoured!
How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a classic choice, adding a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce. If you want an extra bit of crunch, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts also works wonderfully. These simple garnishes elevate the dish visually and texturally without overpowering its delicious core.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to soak up all the sauce. For a twist, try serving it over thick noodles or even alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or snap peas to add crispness and color. The combination makes every bite balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For an easy dinner party hit, serve your peanut butter chicken in small bowls topped with the garnishes for a family-style spread. Or plate it over a bed of leafy greens for a lighter version that still retains the deep flavors. Try wrapping it in lettuce cups for a fun handheld option that’s both fresh and savory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful if not more so.
Freezing
If you want to freeze any leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the texture of the peanut sauce may change slightly after thawing but the taste will remain excellent.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or drying. You can add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick. Microwaving works too—just be sure to cover the dish to keep the moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a juicier, more tender bite, and they soak up the sauce beautifully. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild warmth thanks to the optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can leave those out or increase the amount if you like your chicken with more of a kick.
Can I substitute peanut butter with another nut butter?
Yes! Almond butter or cashew butter can work well here, but keep in mind they will change the flavor profile slightly. Choose a creamy, unsweetened variety for the best results.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative in place of regular soy sauce. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What should I serve this chicken with?
This dish shines alongside steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried veggies. For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of fresh greens or inside lettuce wraps.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so satisfying about this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. It manages to feel both indulgent and wholesome, all while being incredibly straightforward to prepare. If you’re searching for a quick dinner that packs big flavor with minimal effort, this recipe is your new best friend. I promise once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals too.
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Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish that combines tender chicken breast with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and showcases a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors inspired by Chinese-American cuisine.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Peanut Sauce
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until thoroughly and evenly coated to help create a light crust when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned on the outside and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Simmer: Reduce heat to medium, pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cooked chicken, and stir well to coat every piece evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the chicken.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a full meal.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful chicken option.
- Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different nutty taste.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spice level according to preference.
