Description

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.

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.

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.