There's nothing quite like the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken filling your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. This dish combines tender chicken, a rich peanut butter sauce, and just the right amount of spice to create a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
The first time I tried this recipe, I was looking for a quick, satisfying dinner that used pantry staples. Now, it’s a household favorite that never fails to impress. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try!
Why You'll Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Get ready to fall in love with the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is not only tasty but also incredibly easy to prepare.
First off, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With a cook time of under 30 minutes, it’s perfect when you’re short on time but still want a homemade, restaurant-quality meal.
Another reason to adore this dish? It’s budget-friendly. Using simple, affordable ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, and chicken, you can whip up a meal that feels indulgent without breaking the bank.
Best of all, it’s a versatile recipe that adapts to your taste. Whether you like your sauce extra spicy or prefer it mild, this dish is customizable to suit your family’s preferences. Serve it over rice, noodles, or even a bed of steamed vegetables for a meal that feels fresh every time.
Ready to dive into the details? Let’s explore the ingredients that bring this recipe to life.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one works together to create a harmony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best choice for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender, even after cooking. However, if you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work just as well – just be mindful of the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the star of this sauce, giving it that signature richness. Opt for natural peanut butter if you want to avoid added sugars and oils, but regular varieties also work perfectly for a slightly sweeter touch.
Soy Sauce: This adds depth and a salty, umami punch to the dish. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake, but don’t skip this ingredient – it’s essential for authentic flavor.
Honey or Brown Sugar: A hint of sweetness balances the peanut butter and soy sauce. Honey gives the sauce a silky texture, but brown sugar is a great substitute if you don’t have honey on hand.
Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic provide the aromatic base for the sauce, enhancing its complexity. If fresh isn’t available, ground ginger and garlic powder can work in a pinch.
Optional Heat: Add a splash of Sriracha, chili flakes, or even a spoonful of chili garlic sauce for some heat. You can adjust this to suit your spice tolerance.
For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet or wok, a whisk for blending the sauce, and a good knife for slicing the chicken. Let’s move on to how it all comes together!
How To Make This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Making this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is as straightforward as it is satisfying. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a meal that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot.
Start by preparing your chicken. Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them lightly with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and let it heat until shimmering. Add the chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove it from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to let them burn – this step builds the aromatic base of the dish.
Next, whisk together the sauce. Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), a splash of water, and your chosen heat element (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, adjusting the water to reach your desired consistency.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, stirring to coat it evenly in the luscious peanut butter sauce. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or your favorite vegetables, garnished with chopped green onions or crushed peanuts for an extra crunch. Enjoy the symphony of flavors in every bite!
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken store beautifully, making it an ideal meal prep option.
For refrigeration, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
If you’d like to freeze it, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving on high, as this can dry out the chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken makes it a recipe you’ll want to experiment with. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the chicken for tofu or seitan. Pan-fried tofu cubes hold up wonderfully in the peanut butter sauce.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for a similar creamy texture without the nuts.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp or thinly sliced beef for a fresh take.
- Sweet and Spicy Twist: Add a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a zesty sweetness that pairs beautifully with the heat.
However you choose to make it, this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it – the possibilities are endless!
PrintChinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a delicious fusion dish featuring tender chicken coated in a creamy peanut butter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast, diced
- 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook the sauce on low heat until smooth and slightly thickened. Add red pepper flakes for spice, if desired.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can substitute almond butter for peanut butter for a different flavor.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
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