There’s something undeniably comforting about dishes that blend sweet, savory, and just a little bit of spice—and this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken hits all those notes with heartwarming perfection. If you grew up with takeout nights or homemade stir-fry dinners sizzling on the stovetop, this dish might just stir up a little nostalgia. But even if it’s your first time trying it, you’re in for a treat that feels both new and familiar all at once.

The magic of peanut butter in savory cooking is nothing new—it’s been a beloved ingredient in many Asian cuisines for generations. From Thai satay to Sichuan-style sauces, peanut-based dishes have a way of wrapping your taste buds in warmth. This version leans into that comforting richness, blending creamy peanut butter with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey. The result? A sauce so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. It’s the kind of dish you can whip up on a busy weeknight without sacrificing flavor. And if you’re like me, the smell of garlic and ginger sautéing in a pan instantly makes your kitchen feel a little cozier. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or steamed veggies, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Fast and fuss-free: Perfect for busy nights or last-minute dinners
• Family-friendly: The creamy peanut sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike
• Deeply flavorful: A beautiful balance of nutty, sweet, salty, and savory
• Customizable: Easy to adjust the spice level or add your favorite veggies

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp oil (like vegetable or sesame oil)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Crushed peanuts and green onions, for garnish
• Cooked rice or steamed vegetables, for serving

HOW TO MAKE CHINESE PEANUT BUTTER CHICKEN:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start with a hot pan and good energy
   Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. There’s something so satisfying about that sizzle when the chicken hits the pan—don’t rush this part. Let the chicken cook until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Bring in the aromatics
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir for about a minute, just until fragrant. That spicy-sweet aroma? It’s the base of everything delicious in this dish.

1. Build the sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and water until smooth. Pour this golden sauce into the pan with the chicken. Stir to coat everything evenly and reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Simmer to perfection
   Let the sauce bubble gently for 3–5 minutes. If you like your sauce on the thicker side, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it in here. Let it simmer another minute or two until it thickens just right.
3. Serve and swoon
   Spoon the saucy chicken over fluffy white rice or alongside some crunchy steamed broccoli. Sprinkle crushed peanuts and sliced green onions over the top for that final touch of texture and freshness.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Choose the right peanut butter: Go for creamy, unsweetened peanut butter if possible. It lets you control the sweetness of the dish more precisely.
• Swap your protein: This sauce works beautifully with lamb or tofu as well, so feel free to get creative.
• Add veggies: Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli all fit in seamlessly here. Just toss them in while the chicken is cooking.
• Adjust spice to taste: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the peanut butter mix.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stir-fry
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired
• Diet: Dairy-Free

NOTES:

• If using chicken breast, be mindful not to overcook it—thighs tend to stay more tender and forgiving.
• The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit loose at first—it’ll come together beautifully.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. The sauce actually deepens in flavor overnight, so leftovers are even better the next day. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes! Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. It reheats best in a skillet with a splash of water.

Can I make this vegetarian?
You bet—just swap the chicken for tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Tempeh also works great!

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cozy, flavor-packed favorites:

• Easy Szechuan Noodles (Dan Dan Noodles) with Peanut Sauce
• Peanut Crockpot Stir-Fry
• Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
• Pesto Chicken

CONCLUSION

This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a little bowl of comfort, warmth, and bold flavor that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for yourself after a long day or sharing it with family around the table, it’s the kind of dish that reminds you how satisfying simple ingredients can be when they come together just right.

Print