Do you ever come across a dish so irresistible that you can’t wait to share it with everyone you know? This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is exactly that kind of dish! Imagine tender chicken coated in a creamy, slightly sweet, and savory peanut butter sauce with just the right touch of spice—an absolute flavor explosion. Whether you’re a takeout enthusiast or a home chef, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste straight to your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavor: This dish combines creamy peanut butter with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for a harmony of sweet, salty, and savory.
• Quick and easy: You’ll have dinner on the table in just about 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or serve it over rice or noodles—it’s endlessly adaptable.
• Restaurant-style at home: Skip the takeout line and enjoy this better-than-takeout meal from the comfort of your own kitchen.

What Does It Taste Like?

This dish is an absolute flavor symphony! The creamy peanut butter sauce has a rich and nutty base, while soy sauce and garlic bring depth and umami. A hint of brown sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness, and chili flakes or sriracha can provide a spicy kick if you’re into that sort of thing (I definitely am!). Paired with juicy, stir-fried chicken, every bite is pure magic.

Ingredients for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious recipe:

• For the chicken:
  • 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor!)
• For the sauce:
  • ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ¼-½ cup water (to adjust the sauce consistency)
• Optional garnish:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Crushed peanuts

Tools You’ll Need

• A large skillet or wok
• A mixing bowl for the sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A whisk or fork to mix the sauce ingredients

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Vegetables: Broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots would make great additions for extra nutrition and crunch.
• Protein swap: Try tofu, shrimp, or even pork if you want to switch things up.
• Nut butter alternatives: Almond butter or cashew butter can replace peanut butter for a different twist (perfect for peanut allergies!).
• Sweetness adjustment: Use honey instead of brown sugar for a natural sweetness.

How to Make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

1. Prep the chicken: Toss the diced chicken pieces in cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help the chicken stay juicy and give it a lovely crisp texture when cooked.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sriracha (if using). Add water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—it should be thick but pourable.
4. Combine everything: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, pour in the sauce and let it heat through for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce.
5. Serve: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

What to Serve with Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Steamed white or jasmine rice
• Noodles (try egg noodles or lo mein-style noodles!)
• Stir-fried or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or bok choy
• A light cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing side

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chicken

• Don’t skip the cornstarch: It’s key for that slightly crispy chicken texture.
• Adjust to taste: Feel free to tweak the sauce’s sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness to suit your preferences.
• Work quickly: Cooking over high heat ensures the chicken stays tender and the sauce thickens without burning.
• Make ahead: The sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge to save time.

How to Store and Reheat Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to thin the sauce if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken with tofu or seitan and use a vegan-friendly hoisin sauce.

2. Can I freeze peanut butter chicken?
Yes, but the sauce’s texture may change slightly when reheated. To freeze, store the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

3. What kind of peanut butter should I use?
Stick to creamy peanut butter without added sugar or salt for the best balance of flavors.

Final Thoughts of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a true game-changer, combining bold flavors with simple ingredients for a meal that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, it’s bound to impress. Plus, it’s so versatile that you can tweak it to your heart’s content.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a review below or share your photos on Pinterest (find me here)—I can’t wait to see how yours turns out.

Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out my TikTok Chicken Cobbler, Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl, or Garlic Butter Chicken Bites—each one is just as irresistible as this!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 320 | Protein: 28g | Carbs: 12g | Fat: 18g

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