Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken combines the richness of peanut butter with savory and aromatic Chinese-inspired flavors, resulting in a dish that’s creamy, nutty, and irresistibly satisfying. This recipe marries tender chicken pieces with a luscious sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser for a dinner party, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

With its balance of textures and flavors, Peanut Butter Chicken is a delightful fusion dish that caters to both adventurous eaters and those who crave comfort food. In this guide, we’ll explore how to create this creamy, flavorful recipe step-by-step.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the Chicken:
   Slice the chicken thighs or breasts into small, evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Coat with Cornstarch:
   In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This step ensures a light, crispy coating and helps the sauce adhere to the chicken.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, chili paste, and chicken broth until smooth and creamy.
2. Adjust Seasoning:
   Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness, saltiness, or spiciness as desired.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Oil:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Cook in Batches:
   Add the chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Sauce

1. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
   In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add a little oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the Sauce:
   Pour the prepared peanut butter sauce into the skillet. Stir constantly to prevent sticking and ensure the sauce is smooth.
3. Simmer:
   Allow the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Return Chicken to the Skillet:
   Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Toss well to coat each piece in the peanut butter sauce.
2. Heat Through:
   Cook for another 2–3 minutes to heat the chicken thoroughly and meld the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Garnishes:
   Sprinkle chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and sliced green onions over the chicken. Add fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Serve:
   Serve the Peanut Butter Chicken over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Chicken:

• Chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and rich flavor. However, chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.

Adjusting the Sauce:

• For a creamier sauce, add a splash of coconut milk.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with additional chicken broth or water.

Customizing Heat:

• Increase or decrease the chili paste or Sriracha based on your spice tolerance.

Stir-Frying Tips:

• Use high heat for a quick sear and to lock in the chicken’s juices.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Steamed Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice pairs beautifully with the rich sauce.
• Noodles: Toss with cooked lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty meal.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy.

Beverages:

• Iced Tea: A refreshing lemon or mint iced tea complements the flavors well.
• Coconut Water: Adds a tropical touch to the meal.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version:
   Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative.
2. Crunchy Addition:
   Add water chestnuts or chopped celery for a satisfying crunch.
3. Sweet and Tangy:
   Incorporate a splash of orange juice or pineapple juice for a citrusy twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Flavorful Fusion: Combines creamy peanut butter with bold Chinese flavors.
3. Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike.
4. Customizable: Easily adaptable to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients.

Conclusion

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a simple yet sophisticated dish that brings together the best of creamy, nutty, and savory flavors. It’s an excellent choice for those looking to spice up their meal routine with a dish that feels indulgent yet wholesome. With this detailed guide, you’ll have everything you need to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy this culinary adventure!

Yield: 4

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken combines the richness of peanut butter with savory and aromatic Chinese-inspired flavors, resulting in a dish that's creamy, nutty, and irresistibly satisfying. This recipe marries tender chicken pieces with a luscious sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleaser for a dinner party, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or stir-fried vegetables.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• For the Sauce:
• ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
• ⅓ cup water or chicken broth (adjust for desired sauce consistency)
• For Garnish:
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• Chopped peanuts (optional)
• For Serving:
• Steamed rice or noodles

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let it marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the sauce.
   
2. Make the Sauce:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, red chili flakes, and water. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Set aside.
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
   
4. Combine with Sauce:
   In the same skillet, pour in the prepared sauce and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently.
   Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
5. Serve:
   Transfer the peanut butter chicken to a serving dish. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some stir-fried bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a complete meal.
• Nut-Free Option: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for an allergy-friendly version.
• Spice it Up: Add a dash of Sriracha or chili oil for extra heat.