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
Scale
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.
