If you’re craving a luscious, creamy, and utterly fuss-free weeknight dinner, Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is about to steal your heart (and maybe even your leftovers game!). Imagine tender bites of chicken enrobed in a silky peanut sauce bursting with savory, sweet, and just the right touch of spice—it’s comfort food at its finest with a delightful Asian twist. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or impressing friends, this dish comes together with mostly pantry staples in under 30 minutes, making it a true staple for anyone who loves big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This crowd-pleaser is packed with simple yet essential ingredients, and each one plays its role in weaving together the unmistakable flavors and textures of Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. From lush creamy peanut butter to aromatic garlic and zingy ginger, here’s everything you’ll need.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and ultimate sauciness in every mouthful.
- Vegetable oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully while keeping it moist and tender.
- Creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce—choose your favorite brand for the richest, smoothest texture.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds depth and that classic umami note without making things too salty.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild tanginess that balances the richness of the peanut butter perfectly.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness that rounds out the sauce and brings everything together.
- Sesame oil: Just a little goes a long way for toasty aroma and authentic Chinese flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for the boldest, most inviting aroma as soon as it hits the pan.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for an unmistakable tingle that keeps the dish lively.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect if you want a gentle heat—add more if you’re after a real kick!
- Water: Helps to thin the sauce to just the right pouring consistency.
- Cornstarch mixed with water: This quick slurry thickens the sauce brilliantly, making it cling to every piece of chicken.
- Green onions and sesame seeds: For a fresh, crunchy, and colorful garnish that pops.
- Cooked white rice: The classic base to soak up every last drop of the creamy peanut sauce.
How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add your bite-sized chicken pieces, spreading them out so each one gets a nice sear. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden on the outside and fully cooked through. This step locks in moisture and gives the chicken a perfect base for the sauce to cling to.
Step 2: Whisk the Peanut Sauce
While the chicken is browning, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes (if desired), and water. Mix until silky smooth—the sauce should be pourable but still creamy. This dreamy mixture is what transforms the chicken into Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken magic!
Step 3: Combine and Simmer
Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the pan. Use a spoon or spatula to coat every piece generously. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer so all the flavors can meld together and wrap around the chicken.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Now, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a quick slurry, then drizzle it into your simmering chicken mixture. Stir continuously as you cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens up and looks beautifully glossy. At this point, everything should smell irresistible, and the sauce should cling to the chicken like a cozy hug.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat, then sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds generously over the top. Serve your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken hot, spooned over a bed of steamed white rice to soak up every drop of that gorgeous sauce.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Garnishes
The beauty of this dish is how little extras can absolutely elevate it! Scatter plenty of chopped green onions and a teaspoon or so of sesame seeds for color, crunch, and a subtle toasty finish. A few more crushed red pepper flakes or a squirt of lime juice can brighten things up if you like a bolder flavor.
Side Dishes
Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken pairs up beautifully with simply steamed jasmine or basmati rice, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a side of quick stir-fried broccoli, crispy snap peas, or even a vibrant Asian-inspired cucumber salad for extra freshness and crunch. These veggies aren’t just filler—they’re key to balancing the creamy, nutty sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a little playful? Try serving the chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dinner, or spoon it over cooked noodles for a peanut “lo mein” twist. You can also make party-worthy skewers by threading cooked chicken and veggies onto sticks for dunking into extra sauce—watch these disappear at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each bite tastier the next day. Be sure to let it cool before sealing to keep everything fresh.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly as well! Pop cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe bag or container, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results. The sauce may thicken a bit after freezing, but a splash of water or broth brings it right back to perfection.
Reheating
For reheating, simply warm the chicken gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often and adding a tablespoon of water if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. The goal is to warm it through without overcooking the chicken or breaking the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and even more flavorful, making them a fantastic swap. Just cut them into similar bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe—you’ll still get that classic Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken taste with maybe a bit of extra tenderness.
Is this dish very spicy?
Not by default. The red pepper flakes are totally optional and easily adjustable. If you’re sensitive to spice, simply leave them out. Want to turn up the heat? Add extra flakes or a squirt of Sriracha!
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out regular soy sauce for your favorite gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double check that all other ingredients are safe and you’ll enjoy Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken that’s perfect for gluten-free eaters.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Vegetables are a welcome addition. Toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or bell peppers along with the chicken, or stir-fry them separately to mix in at the end. Veggies add crunch, color, and a nutrient boost that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
What type Main Course
Creamy, good-quality peanut butter gives you the smoothest, richest sauce. Avoid chunky or natural peanut butters that separate too easily, as they can make the sauce gritty or oily. Regular shelf-stable creamy peanut butter is the way to go for foolproof Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that wins hearts with its comforting flavors and simplicity every single time. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—there’s nothing quite like seeing a table of happy faces enjoying this crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed meal. Don’t forget to make extra for leftovers—it’s even better the next day!
Print
Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful Chinese-inspired dish featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy peanut butter sauce. This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a quick and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed white rice.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
For Garnish and Serving:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds
- Cooked white rice
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and water until smooth.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the chicken, stir to coat. Bring to a gentle simmer, add the cornstarch slurry, and cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead for more flavor.
- Include steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for additional vegetables.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
