There’s something so comforting about a meal that brings together sweet, savory, and nutty all in one bite—and that’s exactly what you get with Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken. This dish has a unique charm that goes beyond just flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that’s easy to fall in love with, especially if you grew up with cozy weeknight stir-fries or have a soft spot for takeout classics.

This particular dish takes its cues from traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques but introduces a twist that’s totally unexpected—peanut butter. Yes, that creamy, nutty spread many of us adored as kids becomes the star of the sauce here. And trust me, once you taste how beautifully it melds with soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness, you’ll wonder why you never tried it sooner.

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Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a weeknight lifesaver. It comes together in under 30 minutes, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or crisp veggies. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers a satisfying, protein-packed meal with minimal fuss.

It’s also a recipe that invites personalization. Maybe you like it a little spicier, or maybe you prefer tossing in steamed broccoli or snap peas for a pop of green. No matter how you tweak it, this dish is bound to become a repeat player in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknights when you’re short on time.
Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have at home.
Family favorite: The creamy peanut sauce is a big hit with both kids and adults.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
Comfort food meets takeout flavor: Feels indulgent without being overly heavy.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oil (for frying)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1/2 cup chicken broth
Crushed peanuts and chopped green onions (for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE CHINESE PEANUT BUTTER CHICKEN:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Marinate the chicken
Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces in a bowl with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. This quick marinade helps the chicken stay juicy and gives it that nice, lightly crisped edge once it hits the pan. Let it sit while you prep the sauce.

Step 2: Make the peanut sauce
In a separate bowl, mix together the peanut butter, additional soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, honey, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth. This sauce is thick, rich, and packed with umami. You’ll want to taste-test it here—adjust the honey if you like it a little sweeter.

Step 3: Sauté the aromatics
In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Then toss in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This base sets the tone for the entire dish.

Step 4: Cook the chicken
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Let it sear for a couple of minutes on one side before stirring. Cook until it’s browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes depending on the size of your pieces.

Step 5: Add the sauce
Pour the peanut sauce into the pan with the chicken. Stir well to coat every piece. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat and top with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts and chopped green onions. Serve it hot over steamed rice, or spoon it into lettuce wraps for a lighter twist.

HELPFUL TIPS:

For creamier sauce: Add a splash of coconut milk or a touch more chicken broth while simmering.
Go spicy: If you like heat, add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Use natural peanut butter: For a deeper, more authentic flavor, go with unsweetened natural peanut butter—but regular works just fine too.
Veggie boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bell peppers in the final minutes of cooking.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Fry
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Diet: Dairy-Free

NOTES:

This dish is versatile enough to adapt to whatever’s in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment with textures—cashews instead of peanuts, or adding in a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. It’s a forgiving, flavor-packed recipe you’ll come back to again and again.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 28g
Fat: 26g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works just as well—just be careful not to overcook it to keep it tender.

Is this dish spicy?
Not by default, but you can definitely make it spicy with a little chili paste or sriracha.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats beautifully. Just store the cooked dish in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm it over medium heat on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until hot.

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CONCLUSION

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is one of those dishes that surprises you—in the best possible way. It’s fast, flavorful, and downright comforting. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for one, this recipe makes dinner feel special without the stress. So grab your skillet and a jar of peanut butter, and bring a little cozy magic to your dinner table tonight.

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken