There’s something truly magical about the combination of creamy peanut butter and savory soy sauce, brought to life with aromatic spices in this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe. The aroma alone is enough to make your mouth water as the flavors come together in perfect harmony.

I first discovered this dish during a potluck at a friend’s house, where it was an instant hit. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to recreate this bold, delicious meal at home. It’s quick, family-friendly, and packed with flavors that are sure to please everyone at the table.

Ready to make your new favorite takeout-inspired dinner? Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You'll Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Get ready to add this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken to your regular meal rotation. It’s a recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and irresistibly satisfying. Here’s why it stands out:

First, this dish is an absolute breeze to prepare. With a handful of pantry staples and just 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that tastes like it came from your favorite Chinese restaurant. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Second, the creamy peanut butter sauce is pure comfort food. Sweet, savory, and just a little spicy, it coats tender chicken pieces in a way that keeps you coming back for more.

If you’re budget-conscious, this recipe is for you. It uses affordable ingredients like chicken thighs and peanut butter, making it a wallet-friendly dinner option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Finally, it’s endlessly adaptable. Want more spice? Add extra chili flakes. Need to accommodate allergies? Substitutions are easy and still delicious.

This recipe is a keeper for its unbeatable combination of simplicity and versatility.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its thoughtfully selected ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe shine:

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the perfect protein for this dish. They’re juicy and flavorful, standing up beautifully to the bold peanut sauce. If you prefer, you can use chicken breast or even tofu as an alternative.

Peanut butter: Smooth peanut butter is the star ingredient, lending a creamy, nutty richness to the sauce. Avoid natural peanut butter with separated oil, as it may alter the texture.

Soy sauce: A mix of light soy sauce and dark soy sauce creates the savory depth that balances the peanut butter’s sweetness.

Rice vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar adds just the right amount of tang, cutting through the richness for a perfectly balanced sauce.

Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are essential for that classic Chinese flavor.

Brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness to round out the sauce, making it irresistible.

Chili flakes: For a bit of heat, red chili flakes are optional but highly recommended. Adjust to your spice preference!

Optional equipment: A large nonstick skillet or wok will make cooking the chicken and sauce seamless.

How To Make This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Creating this delicious dish is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for success:

Prepare the chicken: Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they sear properly in the pan.
Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil). Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant. Stir in peanut butter, soy sauces, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and a splash of water or chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and bubbly.
Combine and simmer: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken.
Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts for added crunch. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Expect bold flavors, creamy textures, and a dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.

Storage Options

Have leftovers? Here’s how to store them:

Refrigerator: Store the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the rice or noodles separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezer: This dish freezes well! Transfer the cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs.

Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or even roasted chickpeas for a plant-based version.
Low-carb alternative: Serve the peanut butter chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
Allergy-friendly: For a peanut-free version, use sunflower seed butter or almond butter.
Extra veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding sautéed bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the skillet before simmering the sauce.
Spice it up: Add a splash of Sriracha or a teaspoon of chili garlic paste for extra heat.

No matter how you customize it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time.

Whether you're looking for a quick dinner or a way to impress guests, Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken has it all. Its creamy, nutty sauce and tender chicken make it an unforgettable meal that’s easy enough for any night of the week. Give it a try and let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen!