Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with the creamy goodness of peanut butter. As I first tasted this dish at a local Chinese restaurant, I was instantly captivated by the harmonious blend of savory and nutty flavors. This recipe has roots in the fusion of traditional Chinese cooking and Western ingredients, making it a beloved choice for many families around the world.
What I love most about Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is its incredible taste and texture. The tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a luscious peanut sauce that is both creamy and slightly sweet, creating a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Not only is this dish delicious, but it is also incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. Whether you’re serving it over rice or alongside steamed vegetables, Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Preparing the Chicken
- Start by washing your hands and ensuring your workspace is clean. This is crucial for food safety.
- Take the chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
Making the Peanut Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. This combination creates a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Set the peanut sauce aside while you cook the chicken. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits.
Cooking the Chicken
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sear the chicken.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them.
- Next, add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring, allowing them to brown nicely.
- After 5-7 minutes, stir the chicken to cook the other sides. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You can check this by cutting into a piece or using a meat thermometer (165°F is the safe temperature for chicken).
Combining Chicken and Sauce
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up. The goal is to have a creamy, luscious sauce that clings to the chicken.
Serving the Dish
- While the chicken is simmering, prepare your rice or noodles according to package instructions. I love serving this dish over fluffy jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.
- Once the chicken is ready, remove the skillet from heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more soy sauce or honey depending on your preference.
- To serve, place a generous scoop of rice or noodles on each plate. Top with the peanut butter chicken, ensuring you get plenty of that delicious sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts for added crunch and flavor. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a delightful texture to the dish.
Storing Leftovers
- If you have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
- Start by washing your hands and ensuring your workspace is clean. This is crucial for food safety.
- Take the chicken thighs or breasts and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Set the peanut sauce aside while you cook the chicken.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, spreading them out in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes without stirring.
- Stir the chicken to cook the other sides, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes until fully cooked (165°F).
- Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken.
- Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces in the sauce. Let it simmer for about 3-5 minutes.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up.
- Prepare your rice or noodles according to package instructions.
- Once the chicken is ready, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve a generous scoop of rice or noodles on each plate, topped with the peanut butter chicken and sauce.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Conclusion:
In summary, this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners with a dish that is both comforting and packed with flavor. The creamy, nutty sauce combined with tender chicken creates a delightful harmony that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it over steamed jasmine rice, toss it with noodles, or even enjoy it in a wrap with fresh veggies for a quick lunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding some sautéed bell peppers or broccoli for an extra crunch and a pop of color. You can also adjust the spice level by adding a dash of chili oil or some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped up this delicious dish, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation! Let’s spread the love for this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken together. Happy cooking! Print
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken: A Delicious Recipe to Try Tonight
Description
Enjoy a deliciously creamy Peanut Butter Chicken, featuring tender chicken pieces enveloped in a rich peanut sauce. This dish is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, served over rice or noodles, making it a delightful family favorite!
Ingredients
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