Description

When East meets West in the kitchen, magical things happen — like this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Peanut Butter Sauce:

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon grated ginger

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup water (adjust for consistency)

1/4 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional for heat)

For Serving (Optional):

Chopped scallions

Crushed peanuts

Steamed jasmine rice or noodles

Stir-fried vegetables

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine chicken with soy sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch. Toss to coat and let sit while you prepare the sauce and heat the pan.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth. Adjust water for desired consistency — it should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even browning.

Step 4: Add the Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Pour in the peanut sauce and toss to coat the chicken. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the chicken.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped scallions and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Swap the protein – Try tofu, shrimp, or pork instead of chicken
Make it spicy – Add more sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes
Low-carb version – Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce cups

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 15
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 7 g
Fat: 25 g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 36 g

Keywords: Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken