Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Chinese-inspired peanut butter chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breast pieces cooked in a rich and creamy peanut sauce, perfect served over rice or noodles for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Cooking Base
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Garnish and Serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, low sodium soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared peanut sauce into the skillet with the garlic and ginger. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it thoroughly in the peanut sauce to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and fully coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles as desired.
Notes
- You can add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas to the dish for extra vegetables and nutrition.
- For a spicier version, add chili flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce mixture.
- This dish can be served as well over noodles instead of rice for a variation in texture and flavor.
