If you’re craving a comforting dish that hits every delicious note but comes together in less time than it takes to order takeout, this Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is about to become your weeknight hero. Tender morsels of chicken are coated in a luscious, nutty-sweet peanut sauce, with vibrant bell pepper and just enough aromatics to make your whole kitchen smell amazing. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice or noodles, this dish packs big flavor with minimal fuss—plus, it’s friendly to meal-preppers and all levels of home cooks.

Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is all in the balance of simple, dependable pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each item adds something unique to the flavor or texture, creating a dish that feels both familiar and special.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Tender, juicy protein that soaks up the peanut sauce beautifully. Use whichever cut you prefer.
Vegetable oil: Helps everything sauté evenly and adds a neutral base for all the flavors to shine.
Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a sweet crunch to every bite.
Green onion: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color to both the stir-fry and as a garnish.
Garlic: Classic, aromatic depth—one of the keys to true Chinese-inspired flavor.
Fresh ginger: A little zing for complexity and warmth; fresh really makes a difference here.
Creamy peanut butter: The velvety star of the show, forming the base of that irresistibly rich sauce.
Soy sauce: Lends deep, savory umami and just the right amount of saltiness.
Hoisin sauce: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of smokiness that takes the sauce to restaurant-worthy levels.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the dish and balances all the richness with a gentle tang.
Honey or brown sugar: For that perfect touch of sweetness—choose your favorite or what’s on hand.
Water: Lets you control the sauce’s texture, so you can make it as thick or pourable as you like.
Crushed peanuts and sesame seeds (optional): Boost the crunch and visual appeal for a finishing touch that’s hard to resist.

How to Make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), and 1/4 cup water until the mixture is silky smooth. Give it a taste and adjust the water if you want it thinner. This sauce is the beating heart of Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, so don’t rush this step—smoothness is key to that luscious mouthfeel!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and spread them out so they brown nicely. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. You want edges that get just a little crisp—the perfect canvas for all the flavors to come.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Veggies

Toss in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onion. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the veggies start to soften and those brilliant aromas hit your nose. You don’t want to overcook the pepper—it should remain a little crisp for added texture.

Step 4: Coat with Peanut Sauce and Simmer

Pour your prepared peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every morsel. Let everything simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes even more glossy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more water. Remove from the heat when everything looks irresistibly saucy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle extra green onions, crushed peanuts, or sesame seeds over the top for an eye-catching finish and extra flavor. Serve your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken steaming hot over a pile of rice or your favorite noodles, and just watch how fast it disappears!

How to Serve Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Garnishes

Don’t skip the fun extras here! Chopped green onions and a scatter of crushed peanuts or sesame seeds instantly elevate the look and taste of your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. They provide crunch, color, and a hint of freshness that contrasts perfectly with the rich, nutty sauce.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this dish with fluffy steamed rice—it absorbs all the delicious sauce. For a twist, go with udon noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Stir-fried broccoli, snap peas, or baby bok choy make amazing veggie sides, adding nutrition and a crisp bite alongside the savory chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! For a show-stopping appetizer, scoop the chicken into lettuce cups. Or stack it atop a bed of jasmine rice and drizzle with a little extra sauce for a restaurant-style plating. Packing Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken into meal-prep containers with sliced cucumbers and carrots adds texture, color, and crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce will thicken a little in the fridge, and the flavors even deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch as good—if not better—than dinner!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeeze out extra air, and freeze for up to two months. To prevent the sauce from getting too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water when you reheat it.

Reheating

To enjoy leftovers, simply reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring to keep the sauce from sticking. You can also microwave single portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until steaming hot. Add a splash of water if the sauce looks a little thick, and top with extra green onions or peanuts for a fresh crunch.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will give the sauce extra texture and little pops of roasted peanut flavor. It’s a fun twist if you like more bite in every mouthful of your Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken.

Is there a good substitute for hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin on hand, try a tablespoon of oyster sauce with a small pinch of brown sugar, or even a bit of extra soy sauce mixed with a touch of molasses. The flavors won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get a lovely sweet-savory depth.

Can I make Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for bite-sized cubes of tofu or tempeh, and follow the same cooking method. You’ll get the same bold flavors and creamy sauce, and it’s a fantastic plant-based dinner option.

How spicy is this dish, and how can I add heat?

By default, Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is mild and family-friendly. If you love a little fire, stir in a splash of chili garlic sauce or sriracha into the peanut sauce before simmering, or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! This recipe doubles easily—just use a larger pan if needed, and you’ll have several servings ready to pack for quick, satisfying lunches or an ultra-easy weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

Give yourself the treat of making Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken at home—you won’t believe how much flavor you can create in under half an hour. Every bite feels like comfort food with a playful, nutty twist. I hope you’ll try it soon and discover why it’s one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again!

Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

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

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Description

This Easy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with a rich peanut sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal!

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green onion, sliced (plus more for garnish)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Sauce:

¼ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
¼ to ⅓ cup water (to thin sauce as needed)

Garnish:

crushed peanuts and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and water until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Add Vegetables: Add the garlic, ginger, bell pepper, and green onion, and sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Incorporate Sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with green onions, crushed peanuts, or sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice or noodles.