If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, you have to try this Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe. This vibrant and comforting meal brings together tender chicken pieces and a luxuriously rich peanut sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Its simplicity masks the depth of taste, making it a delightful choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want to impress with minimal fuss. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover or someone eager to discover a new spin on Chinese-inspired cooking, this recipe promises a flavor-packed experience you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of flavor in this Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe starts with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to build layers of taste and texture that come together in harmony.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Using bite-sized pieces ensures quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil: Adds a neutral base for sautéing the chicken without overpowering the sauce.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Delivers subtle garlic warmth without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory depth of the dish effortlessly.
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates the rich, velvety sauce.
- 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, letting the peanut butter shine without overwhelming.
- 2 tbsp honey: Adds a gentle sweetness that balances the tang and salt perfectly.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity that cuts through richness for a refreshing finish.
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce: A hint of sweetness and complexity elevates the sauce to next-level delicious.
- ¼ cup water (plus more if needed): Helps to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
- Optional garnishes (chopped green onions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts): Add freshness and crunch to every bite.
How to Make Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken dry to ensure it browns nicely and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Season the chunks with garlic powder and onion powder. These simple seasonings will sneak in a delicious base layer of flavor that complements the creamy peanut sauce wonderfully.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté them for about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir occasionally until they’re cooked through and have a lovely golden-brown sear. This step locks in juiciness and gives the chicken a satisfying texture.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and water until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This luscious peanut sauce is what gives the dish its signature rich and balanced flavor profile.
Step 4: Add Sauce to Chicken
Reduce the heat to medium and pour the sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat every piece evenly. Let it simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken chunks. This step transforms the dish into the indulgent Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe that you know and love.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle with your choice of chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts to add a fresh crunch and vibrant look. Serve immediately, preferably over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles to soak up all that delightful sauce.
How to Serve Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like crispy sesame seeds, fresh green onions, or crushed peanuts not only enhances the look of the dish but also provides layers of texture and bursts of flavor that accentuate the main ingredients.
Side Dishes
This peanut butter chicken shines when paired with simple sides that can absorb its rich sauce, such as steamed jasmine rice, brown rice for a wholesome twist, or even stir-fried noodles tossed with light veggies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, try serving this chicken in lettuce wraps for a refreshing contrast or drizzle extra peanut sauce as a dip on the side. You can also layer it over stir-fried veggies or spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter take that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and tastes even better as flavors meld together overnight.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for a longer period, freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers or bags. This helps maintain the best texture when thawed. Frozen portions can last for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the dish gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwave reheating for best texture, though it works in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?
Yes, peanut butter powder can be used, but you might need to adjust the amount of water or oil to achieve the right sauce consistency and flavor richness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh and ensure your hoisin sauce and other condiments are vegan-friendly.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Yes, finely minced fresh garlic works well, but use about 1 clove to replace the powder. Add it when cooking the chicken so it softens without burning.
What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Jasmine rice is a classic choice due to its fragrance and fluffiness, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice make great alternatives depending on your preference.
How do I prevent the peanut sauce from becoming gritty?
Whisk the sauce ingredients thoroughly and use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest texture. Simmer gently and stir well to keep the sauce silky.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is truly a treasure to have in your kitchen rotation. It’s easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to friends and family. Once you dive into the creamy, savory-sweet sauce coating tender chicken, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite. So go ahead, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple on your table.
Print
Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Irresistible Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring juicy chicken pieces sautéed and tossed in a creamy, savory peanut butter sauce with a hint of sweetness and tang. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines comforting Asian-inspired flavors with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
Sauce
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- ¼ cup water (plus more to thin sauce, if needed)
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and cut into bite-sized chunks. Season evenly with garlic powder and onion powder to build a flavorful base.
- Cook Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sauté for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are fully cooked through and have a light golden-brown exterior.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and water in a bowl. Whisk together thoroughly until you achieve a smooth, homogenous sauce.
- Add Sauce to Chicken: Lower the heat to medium. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat all pieces well. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the dish with optional chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts to add texture and an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately, ideally over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and flavorful meat, or breasts if you prefer leaner chicken.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Low sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without compromising flavor.
- Garnishes are optional but add a wonderful crunch and visual appeal.
- This dish pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles for a complete meal.
