If you’re craving something that effortlessly fuses creamy peanut butter goodness with the irresistible flavors of Chinese takeout, this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is about to steal your heart (and probably your weeknight dinner routine). Every bite is rich, savory, just a little bit sweet, and it lands perfectly on a bowl of fluffy white rice. The best part? It comes together in less than half an hour, no fancy skills—or ingredients—required! Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight supper or impressing friends on a Friday night, this is comfort food done right, with just the right hint of adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple, everyday staples create the magic behind Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. Each ingredient here isn’t just a background player—they all shine, bringing flavor, texture, and color to create a dish you’ll want on repeat.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces for juiciness and quick cooking.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for sautéing that lets every other flavor stand out.
- Creamy peanut butter: The hero ingredient lending that glorious, velvety sauce.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory umami without making things too salty.
- Rice vinegar: For just the right touch of tanginess to wake up your palate.
- Honey: Balances all the savory flavors with a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Bring aromatic, punchy depth to the sauce.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Adds warmth and a touch of zesty brightness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For that gentle spicy kick (or a bold one, your call!).
- Water: Helps the sauce achieve that perfectly pourable consistency.
- Green onions (sliced): A pop of color and gentle onion flavor to finish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Lovely for crunch and a classic garnish.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect soft, starchy base that soaks up every bit of sauce.
How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil shimmers, add your chicken pieces, spreading them out for an even, golden sear. Let them cook—undisturbed at first—so they get those tasty browned bits on the outside. After about 6 to 8 minutes, the chicken should be cooked through and have a little crispiness on the edges.
Step 2: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken is sizzling away, whisk together your peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water in a bowl. Keep whisking until the mixture is totally smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! This becomes your magical sauce, ready to transform the chicken into something extraordinary.
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
When the chicken is cooked, turn the heat down to medium-low. Pour your peanut sauce into the skillet, watching it cascade over the chicken. Stir so every piece is evenly coated. Let everything simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens just enough to cling beautifully to each bite of chicken, turning glossy and luscious.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Remove your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken from the heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds (if you like). Serve it all immediately over hot, fluffy white rice and get ready for dinnertime applause!
How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Garnishes
Elevate every serving with a shower of fresh green onions and a pinch of sesame seeds. Not only do they add a pop of color and crunch, but they also make each bite feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish is deliciously hearty over white rice, but you can also round things out with steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or a cool cucumber salad. Those crisp vegetables contrast perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For something fun, serve your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken family-style in a big bowl and let everyone help themselves. Or try rolling the chicken and rice into lettuce cups for a playful handheld twist! Small bowls with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts also make it extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, and don’t forget to pack up any leftover rice and garnishes separately to keep them fresh.
Freezing
If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooled chicken and peanut sauce (without rice or garnishes) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken juicy and prevent separation of the peanut sauce. Microwaving for a minute or two also works for quick meals!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute and will add even more juiciness and flavor. Just trim any excess fat and follow the same instructions—you might want to add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Is Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken spicy?
The dish is naturally mild, but if you add the red pepper flakes (or even a dash more), you’ll get a gentle, warming heat. It’s totally customizable, so make it as spicy—or not—as your heart desires.
What vegetables go well with this dish?
Steamed broccoli, snap peas, or colorful bell peppers are wonderful stir-in or side options. Try tossing some veggies into the skillet for the final few minutes, or serve them on the side for a splash of color and crunch.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can whisk together the peanut sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a stir before adding it to the skillet—you might need an extra splash of water if it thickens while chilling.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and double-check any brands of peanut butter and vinegar for possible gluten-containing additives. Serve with gluten-free rice or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a truly satisfying, quick, and flavor-packed dinner, give Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken a place on your table this week. It’s one of those crowd-pleasing recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Go ahead—get your skillet out and treat yourself to something wildly 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
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory and nutty flavors of this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. Tender chicken pieces coated in a rich peanut sauce, served over fluffy white rice, make for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/3 cup water
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- cooked white rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water until smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken, simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over white rice.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs for a different texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for more heat. Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
