There's nothing quite like the perfect blend of savory and sweet in a dish, and Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken delivers on every level. Tender chicken pieces coated in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce infused with hints of garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil create an irresistible symphony of flavors.
This recipe was born out of a craving for takeout but with a desire for something more homemade and wholesome. It's quick, easy, and so satisfying – perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. Let’s dive into why this recipe will quickly become your go-to comfort meal.
Why You'll Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this dish. Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken brings together bold flavors and comforting textures, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.
First, the rich, nutty flavor of the sauce is truly the star of the show. Peanut butter combines with soy sauce, honey, and a touch of spice to create a balanced, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of chicken. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite.
This recipe is also incredibly quick and easy to make. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights. Plus, the steps are straightforward, even for novice cooks.
You’ll love how budget-friendly it is. Using pantry staples like peanut butter and soy sauce keeps costs low, while boneless chicken thighs or breasts are affordable and versatile.
Finally, it’s a dish that’s customizable to your tastes. Adjust the spice level, swap out proteins, or toss in your favorite vegetables for a personal touch. It’s as flexible as it is delicious.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the key components and why they work so well together.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my top choice for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter is the foundation of the sauce. It adds a luxurious texture and nutty depth. Avoid natural peanut butter with oil separation, as it can affect the sauce's consistency.
Soy Sauce: This brings a salty, umami element that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter. Use low-sodium soy sauce to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
Honey: A touch of honey adds just the right amount of sweetness to complement the savory elements. Feel free to substitute maple syrup or brown sugar if needed.
Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic infuse the dish with warmth and depth. They’re essential for that authentic Chinese-inspired flavor.
Chili Sauce: For a bit of heat, chili sauce like Sriracha or sambal oelek is perfect. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds an earthy, nutty aroma that ties everything together beautifully.
You’ll also need cornstarch for coating the chicken and thickening the sauce, along with a few basic pantry staples like vegetable oil and water. No special equipment is required—just a trusty skillet or wok and a sharp knife.
How To Make This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Creating this dish is surprisingly simple, and the result is restaurant-quality deliciousness. Follow these steps to make your new favorite dinner.
Start by preparing the chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniformity for even cooking. Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will give the chicken a crispy exterior when cooked.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a generous drizzle of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken in a single layer, working in batches if necessary. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it 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.
Lower the heat to medium and whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, chili sauce, and water in a bowl. Pour this mixture into the skillet and stir until smooth and bubbling. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, thickening slightly.
Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat every piece in the luscious sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through, then drizzle with sesame oil.
Serve your Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a restaurant-worthy presentation. The total cook time is around 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Storage Options
Leftovers of this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken are a treat! Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as the sauce sits, making it even more delicious.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before warming it up.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it warms. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent overcooking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative! Here are some ideas to make it your own.
For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for firm tofu or tempeh. Cook them the same way, ensuring they’re golden and crispy before adding them to the sauce.
Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for extra color and nutrition. Stir-fry them before making the sauce and return them to the skillet with the chicken.
If you prefer a lighter sauce, replace the peanut butter with almond butter or use reduced-fat peanut butter.
To amp up the heat, increase the amount of chili sauce or add red pepper flakes. Conversely, omit the chili sauce for a mild, kid-friendly version.
Swap the rice for quinoa, cauliflower rice, or even a bed of salad greens for a low-carb alternative.
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s rich, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for making memories around the dinner table. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every creamy, nutty bite.
PrintChinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
Delight in this savory and creamy Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe, featuring tender chicken coated in a rich peanut butter sauce with hints of soy, garlic, and ginger. A flavorful, quick, and easy dinner option to satisfy your cravings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add sesame oil. Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
- Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour into the skillet.
- Simmer the sauce for 3–4 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat it in the sauce. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy with steamed rice or noodles!
Notes
- Use smooth peanut butter for a creamy sauce or crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing red pepper flakes.
- Can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. ¼ of the recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
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