Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken combines vibrant flavors with the creamy richness of peanut butter, offering a delightful twist on traditional chicken dishes. This captivating meal not only pleases your palate but also provides a nutritious punch. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken checks all the boxes for satisfaction and simplicity.
Why We Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
This dish stands out for several reasons. First, it brings together the wonderful flavors of Chinese cuisine with the comfortingly familiar taste of peanut butter, making it accessible for many palates. The tender chicken mingles beautifully with the rich sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Moreover, you can prepare it in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans. The use of simple ingredients allows you to whip up this meal without requiring a trip to a specialty store. Plus, it’s customizable, letting you adjust the heat level, add your favorite vegetables, or make it gluten-free. The balance of protein, healthy fats, and some carbohydrates from sides makes this meal not just tasty but also nutritious. All these factors contribute to why we love this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken and keep us coming back for more.
Ingredients for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1-2 tablespoons chili sauce (adjust to liking)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Directions
Begin by marinating the chicken pieces. In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and chili sauce. Add the sliced chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are bright and tender.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with chicken and vegetables.
Stir well to combine everything. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked.
Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve the dish over a bed of cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.
How to Serve Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
When serving Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, presentation matters. Aim for vibrant colors on your plate, showcasing the bright vegetables alongside the golden-brown chicken and creamy sauce. Begin by placing a scoop of cooked rice or noodles at the bottom of each bowl. This base not only complements the flavors of the chicken but also soaks up the delicious peanut sauce.
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and vegetable mixture over the rice. You can also drizzle extra peanut sauce on top for an added layer of flavor. Garnish with fresh green onions or chopped peanuts for a delightful crunch and a pop of color.
For a family-style option, serve the dish in a large bowl at the center of the table, allowing everyone to help themselves. Pair your meal with a light salad or steamed greens to enhance the meal and balance the richness of the peanut sauce. For beverage options, consider serving it with iced tea or sparkling water with a slice of lemon to refresh the palate.
Expert Tips for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
To perfect your Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, consider these expert tips. First, use high-quality peanut butter for the sauce. The richness and flavor of natural peanut butter will enhance the overall taste. If you prefer a thinner sauce, increase the amount of chicken broth. Conversely, if you want a thicker consistency, let the sauce simmer a bit longer.
Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Different chili sauces can vary in heat, so start with less and add more as needed. Also, consider adding vegetables based on what you have on hand, such as snap peas or zucchini, to add variety and pack in more nutrition.
Another useful tip is to cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. If you have time, marinate the chicken longer to allow the flavors to develop more deeply. Finally, don’t shy away from garnishing with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts to provide texture and an added visual element that makes the dish even more enticing.
How to Store Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Storing leftover Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is simple and can help reduce food waste. Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This type of storage will keep the chicken fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you want to extend its life, consider freezing the chicken. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, making sure to leave space at the top since the sauce may expand as it freezes. Properly stored, frozen Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
Variations of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
While the classic version of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. One popular variation involves adding more vegetables to boost nutrition. Consider incorporating spinach, green beans, or snap peas to mix in even more vibrant colors and nutrients.
If you’re looking to switch up the protein, feel free to substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Alternatively, you can use shrimp, which cooks quickly and elevates the dish with its unique flavor.
For those who love a bit more heat, add sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can also try different types of nut butters, such as almond or cashew butter, for a different flavor profile while maintaining that creamy texture.
If you’re after a low-carb option, serve the dish over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice or noodles. This not only caters to low-carb diets but also incorporates more vegetables into your meal. Finally, try a garnish of fresh cilantro instead of green onions for a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
FAQ about Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
What makes Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken so special? This dish beautifully merges traditional Chinese flavors with the rich, creamy texture of peanut butter, resulting in a unique taste that is both comforting and satisfying.
Can I make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time and store them separately. It’s best to cook the chicken and vegetables fresh but you can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance.
What can I serve with Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken? This dish pairs excellently with steamed rice or noodles. You might also consider serving it alongside fresh salads or stir-fried vegetables to enhance the meal.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it an excellent option for meal prep throughout the week.
How can I make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken gluten-free? Simply replace soy sauce with a gluten-free version, like tamari, to enjoy this dish without gluten.
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces Ensure uniform pieces for even cooking.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter Use high-quality peanut butter for the best flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce Can substitute with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil For cooking and flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh minced garlic preferred.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced Adds freshness to the dish.
- 1-2 tablespoons chili sauce Adjust based on desired spice level.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth For blending with peanut butter.
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced Use a mix of colors for vibrancy.
- 1 cup broccoli florets Provides nutrition and color.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced Adds sweetness and crunch.
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped For garnishing.
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving Base for serving the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and chili sauce. Add the sliced chicken, ensuring it's well-coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and nearly cooked through.
- Add the sliced bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are bright and tender.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and chicken broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with chicken and vegetables.
- Stir well to combine everything. Let it cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve the dish over a bed of cooked rice or noodles.
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