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Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 Minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the rich, nutty, and slightly spicy flavors of your favorite takeout to your kitchen! Tender pieces of chicken are coated in a creamy, savory peanut butter sauce infused with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a hint of chili for a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something indulgent yet homemade. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for an authentic touch. With its bold flavors and minimal prep, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (smooth or chunky, as preferred)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth (adjust for desired consistency)
For Serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice (or noodles)
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the peanut butter sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the peanut butter chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Chinese
