If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy peanut butter mingles perfectly with tangy soy and hoisin sauce to create a luscious sauce that clings to tender chicken pieces, delivering a comforting yet exciting meal. It’s one of those dishes that feels special but is straightforward enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a fantastic go-to for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but incredibly important for capturing the authentic taste and texture of this dish. Each component plays a role, from the balance of savory, sweet, and tangy in the sauce to the perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create that irresistible slightly crispy coating on the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For searing the chicken nicely without burning.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant depth that’s essential to Chinese-inspired cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Gives a bright and zesty kick to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the recipe, providing a silky richness and nutty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings savory umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Offers a sweet and slightly smoky complexity.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the richness with subtle acidity.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a warm sweetness to round out the sauce.
- 1/3 cup water: Thins the sauce to just the right consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Gives a touch of heat if you like a little spice.
- 2 green onions, sliced: For freshness and color as a garnish.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and toasty aroma on top.
How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Begin by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch until they are evenly coated. This simple step is the secret to achieving that beautifully golden, slightly crisp exterior once cooked. Heat your vegetable oil in a skillet on medium-high heat and add the chicken. Sear the pieces for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets a perfect golden color. Once cooked through and deliciously browned, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Build Your Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, don’t even bother cleaning it – all those bits stuck to the bottom add incredible flavor! Add minced garlic and freshly grated ginger, cooking for just about 30 seconds until fragrant and inviting. Lower your heat to medium so the next step goes smoothly: stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water. The sauce will thicken as you stir; keep going for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s smooth, silky, and just beginning to bubble gently.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, ensuring each bite-sized piece is fully coated in that luscious peanut sauce. Cook everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly more and stick deliciously to the chicken.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe with a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions and a scattering of toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add freshness, color, and a nutty crunch to perfect your dish right before serving.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic accompaniments that add pops of color and texture to the dish. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped peanuts just before serving. A few crushed red pepper flakes can also be sprinkled on top for an extra flavor boost and a hint of heat that complements the peanut sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This peanut butter chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice, which soak up every bit of that decadent sauce. Alternatively, you could opt for simple noodles like rice noodles or even egg noodles for a comforting, slurp-worthy meal. A side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy brings vibrant color and freshness to balance the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this dish over a bed of cauliflower rice for a lighter option or even inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld experience. You can also turn this recipe into a noodle bowl, layering the chicken over noodles with crunchy vegetables and garnishes for a colorful and eye-catching presentation that’s perfect for sharing with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to stop at just one serving!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep deliciously for up to 3 days, making this dish great for quick lunches or dinner the following day.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zipper bag. It’s best enjoyed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Reheating
Reheat your stored Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave just until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating helps maintain the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well in this recipe and will still soak up the sauce beautifully. Keep in mind that thighs tend to be more tender and flavorful, but breast is a leaner option if you prefer.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default, but the optional crushed red pepper flakes allow you to customize the heat level. Feel free to add more or less depending on your spice tolerance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. This swap won’t affect the flavor too much and keeps it safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the peanut sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat gently and toss with freshly cooked chicken for a speedy meal.
What else can I add to make it more nutritious?
Including steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas alongside the chicken boosts the nutritional profile and adds great texture and color to your meal.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe is a delight whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends. It hits all the right notes—creamy, sweet, savory, and slightly tangy—and comes together quickly without fuss. I promise once you make it, it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, perfect for those busy days when you want something comforting but effortless. Give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a deliciously creamy and flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a rich peanut butter sauce with authentic Chinese-inspired flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines the savory taste of soy and hoisin sauces with the sweetness of honey and a hint of spice, all served best over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch until evenly coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce heat to medium. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and begins to simmer, approximately 2–3 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the chicken evenly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra crunch, stir in chopped peanuts before serving.
- Chicken thighs add more flavor and tenderness, but chicken breast works just as well.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
