Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a deliciously creamy and savory dish that combines tender chicken with a rich peanut sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights when you want something flavorful without much fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the chicken pieces in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter and soy sauce until smooth to create the peanut sauce.
- Step 3: Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until warmed through and well combined.
- Step 4: Serve hot with steamed rice or vegetables as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add minced garlic or ginger when cooking the chicken.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the sauce.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
Storage
Store leftover Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove to keep the sauce creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, chicken thighs or tenders work well and remain juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this dish spicy?
Not as written, but you can add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the peanut sauce if you prefer a spicy kick.
PrintChinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich and creamy peanut butter soy sauce glaze, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or sesame oil
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or chili sauce (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the vegetable or sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are cooked through and golden brown on the outside, about 6-8 minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from heat and transfer the chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or your favorite vegetables.
Notes
- Use creamy peanut butter for a smooth sauce; natural peanut butter can work but may alter texture.
- Adjust the water quantity in the sauce to get your preferred consistency.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili sauce.
- This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or jasmine rice.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier results.
Keywords: Chinese peanut butter chicken, peanut chicken recipe, quick Chinese dinner, creamy peanut sauce chicken, easy chicken recipe
