If you’re craving something bold, nutty, and utterly satisfying, you need to try Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. This dish is a weeknight hero: juicy chunks of chicken tossed in a silky, savory peanut sauce with just a hint of spice, all in under thirty minutes! It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll turn to again and again, whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing friends. The combination of creamy peanut butter, a splash of soy, and a touch of honey creates a sauce that’s downright craveable. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that disappears fast—so don’t be surprised if you’re licking the plate!

Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is how it transforms simple ingredients into something magical. Each component brings its own flair to the table, from the rich nutty base to the pops of freshness on top. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each piece matters:

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces, these cook quickly and soak up all the delicious sauce.
Vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil for stir-frying, giving the chicken a golden sear without overpowering flavors.
Creamy peanut butter: The star of the show—this gives the sauce its signature creamy texture and nutty depth.
Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory, umami-rich saltiness without making the dish too salty.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and gentle acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the flavors and enhance the sauce’s gloss.
Hoisin sauce: Lends a sweet-salty complexity that’s classic in Chinese-American dishes.
Sriracha (optional): For those who like a little heat, this adds a spicy kick—totally adjustable to taste.
Water: Loosens the sauce so it glides over every piece of chicken.
Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a savory punch.
Fresh ginger, grated: Bright, peppery ginger lifts all the flavors and adds warmth.
Green onions, sliced (for garnish): A fresh, mild oniony crunch to finish.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a little extra texture and a pop of nutty flavor on top.
Cooked jasmine or white rice: The perfect base to soak up every drop of that luscious peanut sauce.

How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add those bite-sized chicken pieces and let them sizzle away for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to turn golden on the outside and cook through completely, locking in juiciness. Give them a gentle stir now and then so every side gets a little attention—don’t rush this part, as a good sear means maximum flavor!

Step 2: Whisk Up the Peanut Sauce

While your chicken is browning, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if you’re feeling spicy), water, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Aim for a smooth, pourable sauce—the kind you can’t resist sneaking a taste of! This is where all those bold, contrasting flavors come together in perfect harmony.

Step 3: Coat and Simmer

Once your chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, pour that irresistible peanut sauce right into the skillet. Stir to coat every piece, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the mixture simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally as the sauce thickens and wraps itself around the chicken. The kitchen will smell amazing right about now—get ready for everyone to wander in, asking what’s for dinner!

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the saucy chicken over fluffy bowls of jasmine or white rice. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and, if you like, a scattering of sesame seeds for that final flourish. Serve it up piping hot for maximum enjoyment. It’s that easy—dinner is done!

How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is more than just a finishing touch—it adds color, texture, and an extra layer of flavor. Sliced green onions provide a fresh crunch that balances the creamy sauce, while a sprinkle of sesame seeds brings a subtle nuttiness and a pleasing contrast. If you want to take it up a notch, add a handful of chopped roasted peanuts or a few cilantro leaves for some extra flair and freshness.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company! Pair it with simple steamed broccoli, crisp snap peas, or sautéed bell peppers for a veggie boost that complements the rich peanut sauce. A light cucumber salad tossed in rice vinegar is also a great way to add something cool and refreshing to your table. And, of course, don’t forget the fluffy jasmine rice—essential for soaking up every last drop of that savory sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to get a little playful? Try serving Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held twist—perfect for parties or lighter meals. For a family-style dinner, pile the chicken and sauce onto a big platter and let everyone build their own rice bowls. You can even turn leftovers into wraps with a little shredded cabbage and carrots for a lunchtime treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as tempting as the first round!

Freezing

If you want to get ahead on meal prep, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Let everything cool completely, then pack into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently until hot throughout. You can also microwave single servings—just cover loosely and heat, stirring halfway through, until piping hot.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy during cooking. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces the same way you would with chicken breasts—your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken will turn out even richer and more succulent.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely. Swap out the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh, and follow the same method. The sauce is naturally vegetarian, so you won’t miss out on any flavor—just be sure to press the tofu well so it crisps up nicely in the pan.

What can I use if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

If you’re out of hoisin, a dash of extra soy sauce with a little more honey or brown sugar will get you close. You could also try oyster sauce (if you’re not vegetarian) for a slightly different, but still delicious, result.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Easy! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and check that your hoisin sauce is also gluten-free. Serve with plain rice, and you’ve got a gluten-free version of Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken that everyone can enjoy.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! This dish is a hit with kids, especially if you skip or reduce the sriracha for a milder, creamy peanut flavor. The sweetness from honey and the mild nuttiness make it a comforting, family-friendly dinner option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine, give Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken a try—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor can come from such an easy recipe. It’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation. I can’t wait for you to taste just how delicious homemade can be!

Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and easy Chinese-inspired peanut butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with a hint of spice, perfect for a weeknight dinner served over jasmine rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Cooking

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (optional for heat)
1/2 cup water
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Garnish and Serving

2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Cooked jasmine or white rice for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until browned on all sides and fully cooked through.
Make the peanut sauce: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, hoisin sauce, sriracha (if using), water, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
Combine and simmer: Once the chicken is cooked, pour the peanut sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings nicely to the chicken.
Serve and garnish: Serve the peanut butter chicken hot over cooked jasmine or white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

This dish can be made with chicken thighs for added flavor and tenderness.
Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the skillet for a more complete and colorful meal.
Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level or omit it entirely for a kid-friendly version.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Chinese-American