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
Scale
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.
