If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet quick enough to whip up after a busy day, then you are going to love this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe. Imagine tender, golden chicken pieces swimming in a luscious, creamy peanut sauce that’s perfectly balanced with savory soy, a touch of sweetness from honey, and a hint of zing from fresh ginger and garlic. This dish is a beautiful fusion of textures and tastes that transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable meal that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. It’s a weeknight lifesaver and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you—each component here is straightforward and vital to crafting the rich, vibrant flavors that make this dish stand out. From the crunchy vegetables adding a freshness to the dish, to the peanut butter building that creamy foundation, every ingredient plays a key role in the perfect balance of taste and texture.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Cut into 1-inch pieces for quick, even cooking while staying juicy.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This helps create a silky coating on the chicken and thickens the sauce just right.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for high-heat stir-frying without imparting extra flavors.
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness that complements the sauce.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: For that perfect tender-crisp bite and nutritional boost.
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce, delivering creamy richness and nutty depth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Provides savory umami and saltiness to balance the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce: Contributes a complex sweetness with a hint of tang.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the peanut butter.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Sweetens the sauce subtly without overpowering other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Offers a toasty aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Injects a fragrant kick that enhances the savory profile.
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Gives a fresh, slightly spicy undertone essential to Asian-inspired cooking.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that wakes up the palate, optional but recommended.
- ¼ cup water: Adjusts the sauce’s consistency for creaminess that just clings.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Perfect garnishes that add a fresh crunch and visual appeal.
- Cooked white rice or noodles: Classic pairings that soak up the sauce perfectly and complete the meal.
How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Coat and Cook the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces in cornstarch, making sure every bite is evenly coated. This little step is a game-changer because it locks in moisture while creating a slight crust that’s essential for texture. Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through—this creates a beautifully caramelized surface that gives the dish extra depth.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Next, toss in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Give them a good stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. You want these veggies tender-crisp so they still have a satisfying crunch and vibrant colors that make the dish pop.
Step 3: Make the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken and vegetables cook, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes, and water in a small bowl. The magic is in the balance—the peanut butter gives creaminess, the soy and hoisin add depth, the honey sweetens, and the vinegar brightens the entire mixture.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Pour the peanut sauce directly into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything well so every bite is coated with that luscious sauce. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings perfectly to the ingredients. The aroma alone is inviting enough to pull you to the table.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top just before serving. These simple additions not only add that final boost of flavor and texture but elevate the dish’s presentation to restaurant-worthy levels. The fresh green onions bring brightness, while the sesame seeds add a delicate nuttiness.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with fluffy white rice or chewy noodles that soak up the sauce beautifully. For lighter sides, steamed bok choy or snap peas are fresh and complementary. If you want to go bold, a crunchy Asian slaw drizzled with a sesame-ginger dressing adds a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken inside lettuce wraps for a fresh, hand-held experience. Or pile it over coconut rice for an exotic touch. If you enjoy a bit of crunch, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top for texture and a double peanut experience. Presentation is all about making this comforting dish feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (and you’ll definitely want some), store the chicken and sauce separately from the rice or noodles in airtight containers in your fridge. The chicken keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as delightful reheated.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and peanut sauce mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much during storage. Reheating slowly preserves the creamy texture and keeps the chicken tender.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Using crunchy peanut butter adds a delightful piece of texture and a bit of extra nuttiness to the sauce, making each bite even more interesting.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce and confirm that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. This way you can enjoy all the flavors safely.
What can I substitute if I don’t have hoisin sauce?
If hoisin isn’t on hand, try a mix of soy sauce with a small amount of honey or brown sugar and a dash of garlic powder to mimic its sweet-savory character.
Can I prepare this recipe with tofu instead of chicken?
Definitely! Firm or extra-firm tofu works wonderfully—just press it well to remove excess moisture, cut into cubes, and follow the same steps for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but nothing overpowering—feel free to adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen and I hope it becomes yours too. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s an inviting way to bring rich, comforting Asian-inspired flavors to your table anytime. Don’t hesitate to make it your own with tweaks and garnishes—after all, cooking is all about joy and discovery. So grab your skillet, and get ready for a meal that’s as rewarding as it is delicious!
Print
Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Easy Chinese peanut butter chicken is a rich, savory, and slightly sweet stir-fry dish inspired by Chinese takeout. Tender chicken pieces are cooked until golden and coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce with hints of garlic, soy, and ginger. It’s quick to make and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Peanut Sauce
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup water (adjust for consistency)
For Serving and Garnish
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked white rice or noodles
Instructions
- Coat the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch until well coated, ensuring the chicken will have a nice crispy texture when cooked.
- Cook the chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: Add the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets to the skillet with the chicken. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant and slightly crunchy.
- Prepare the peanut sauce: While the chicken and vegetables cook, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the peanut sauce into the skillet with the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the peanut butter chicken hot over cooked white rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of water in the peanut sauce to achieve your preferred consistency—less water for thicker sauce, more for thinner.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a great next-day lunch option.
