Introduction
Peanut butter isn’t just for sandwiches; it can create a delicious and unique flavor profile when paired with chicken. The Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is an easy and quick dish that combines savory and sweet elements, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this satisfying meal that brings a taste of the East to your table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 lb chicken breast, diced
3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
To prepare this delectable dish, start by heating sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook until golden brown. In a separate bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes to create a flavorful sauce. Pour this sauce over the cooked chicken and stir well, allowing it to simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
To serve, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. This dish is best enjoyed hot, served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, making it a complete meal that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Heat the Skillet
Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Add diced chicken to the skillet and cook until it turns golden brown.
Step 3: Prepare the Peanut Butter Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Sauce with Chicken
Pour the peanut butter sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 5: Simmer to Thicken
Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Add Garnishes
Remove from heat and garnish the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the peanut butter chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables for added nutrition.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Spice Level
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Cook techniques
Heating Oil
Heat sesame oil over medium heat in a skillet to achieve the right cooking temperature for the chicken.
Cooking Chicken
Sauté diced chicken until golden brown for optimal flavor and texture.
Making the Sauce
Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated ginger, and optional red pepper flakes for a rich sauce.
Simmering
Pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and simmer for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
Garnishing
Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation.
FAQ
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of texture in your dish.
What can I substitute for sesame oil?
You can substitute sesame oil with olive oil or vegetable oil, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
Yes, you can replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
What can I serve with Peanut Butter Chicken?
This dish pairs well with steamed rice, noodles, or a side of vegetables.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili paste for more heat.
Conclusion
This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe offers a delicious and unique twist on traditional chicken dishes. The combination of creamy peanut butter, savory soy sauce, and fragrant spices creates a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, ensuring a delightful dining experience for family or guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Peanut Butter Tofu Stir-Fry
Swap chicken for tofu in this recipe for a vegetarian option. Simply replace the chicken with cubed firm tofu, and follow the same cooking instructions for a hearty plant-based meal.
Spicy Peanut Butter Shrimp
For seafood lovers, try substituting shrimp for the chicken. Cook the shrimp until just pink and tender, then add the peanut sauce for a delicious spicy kick.
Peanut Butter Chicken Salad
Transform the flavors into a cold salad by tossing the cooked chicken with mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, and a drizzle of peanut dressing for a refreshing meal.
Vegetable Peanut Stir-Fry
For a healthier option, use a mix of seasonal vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas. Stir-fry the veggies with the sauce for a colorful and nutritious dish.
Peanut Butter Chicken Wraps
Create wraps by placing the peanut butter chicken in a tortilla with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts, rolling them up for a tasty on-the-go lunch.
Peanut Butter Noodles
Use the peanut sauce to coat cooked noodles, adding vegetables and protein for a quick and flavorful pasta dish that’s easy to customize.