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Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken (Creamy Takeout-Style Dinner)

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy peanut butter sauce with savory-sweet depth. A cozy, takeout-style dinner made easily at home.
Prep Time: 15 minutesCook Time: 20 minutesTotal Time: 35 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: Chinese-InspiredKeyword: chinese peanut butter chickenServings: 4 servings

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken
  • 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for extra coating
  • Peanut Sauce
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • ¼ cup water or chicken broth
  • 2 –3 tbsp honey or brown sugar to taste
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
  • Optional Garnish
  • Chopped peanuts
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Toss lightly with cornstarch if using.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken in a single layer until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add garlic and ginger to the pan; cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  4. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, water, honey, and vinegar until smooth. Pour into the pan and stir.
  5. Simmer gently until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated.
  7. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce clings to the chicken.
  8. Garnish and serve warm.

h at home.

If you’re looking for a dependable, flavorful dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated, Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken deserves a permanent place in your recipe rotation. It’s comforting, bold, and endlessly satisfying—the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again.