Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken with Sweet & Savory Sauce

There is something deeply comforting about the aroma of sizzling chicken coated in a rich, savory-sweet sauce drifting through the kitchen. This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken with Sweet & Savory Sauce is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home, hosting a casual family dinner, or preparing a special weekend treat, this dish brings bold flavor and cozy satisfaction to the table.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from classic Chinese-style takeout flavors that many of us grew up loving, reimagined in a homemade version that is fresher, more wholesome, and bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness creates a silky, flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and crisp vegetables.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a dish that checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. It is quick to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough to customize for your family’s tastes.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation:

• The sauce is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced between sweet and savory.

• It uses simple, easy-to-find pantry ingredients.

• It’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

• The flavors are bold yet family-friendly, making it great for kids and adults.

• It pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

If you love takeout-style meals but prefer homemade cooking, this recipe delivers that restaurant-style taste without leaving your kitchen.

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Ingredients for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together to create a complex, satisfying flavor. All measurements are listed clearly for reliable results.

For the Chicken

• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Peanut Butter Sauce

• 120 g (½ cup) creamy peanut butter

• 60 ml (¼ cup) low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar

• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

• 120 ml (½ cup) warm water or low-sodium chicken broth

For the Stir-Fry Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 cup broccoli florets

• 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced

• 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools ready makes cooking this dish smooth and enjoyable.

• Large frying pan or wok

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk or fork

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Wooden spoon or spatula

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Toss well until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. This light coating helps the chicken develop a golden crust and thickens the sauce slightly later.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Butter Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Add the warm water or chicken broth. Whisk the mixture until smooth and creamy. The sauce should be pourable but still thick and velvety.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Using the same pan, add the sliced bell pepper, broccoli florets, and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. This keeps the vegetables colorful and slightly crunchy, adding texture to the dish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the peanut butter sauce over everything. Stir well to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly. Reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings beautifully to the chicken.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle the dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve the chicken hot over steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles.

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Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chicken

To make sure your dish turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest sauce.

• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water and stir until smooth.

• For extra heat, add ¼–½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili paste.

• Cut chicken pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.

• Don’t overcook the vegetables to keep them bright and crisp.

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Serving Suggestions

This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

Serve it with:

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Brown rice for a healthier option

• Lo mein or rice noodles

• Quinoa for a modern, protein-rich twist

• Steamed dumplings as an appetizer

This dish also works beautifully for meal prep, making it a practical choice for busy weeks.

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How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place it in freezer-safe containers and label with the date.

Reheating Tips

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring in between.

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Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 32 g

• Carbohydrates: 24 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 10 g

Please note that nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize.

Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken

Add 1 teaspoon chili paste or hot sauce to the peanut butter sauce.

Vegetarian Option

Replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.

Extra Crunch Version

Add roasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.

Low-Carb Option

Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes, you can definitely use chunky peanut butter if that’s what you have on hand. Keep in mind that using chunky peanut butter will give the sauce a more textured finish, rather than the perfectly smooth, silky consistency you get with creamy peanut butter. The flavor will remain just as rich and delicious, but you’ll notice little bits of peanuts throughout the sauce. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can briefly whisk the chunky peanut butter with a little warm water or chicken broth before combining it with the other sauce ingredients. This will help break down the larger pieces and create a more cohesive sauce while still providing the nutty flavor and slight crunch.

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2. Is this dish gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. Many store-bought soy sauces contain wheat, which adds gluten, so checking labels is important if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Other than that, all of the main ingredients, including peanut butter, vegetables, and chicken, are naturally gluten-free. Using gluten-free soy sauce won’t affect the taste, and you’ll still enjoy the sweet, savory, and nutty flavors that make this dish so irresistible. For a complete gluten-free meal, serve it with rice or rice noodles rather than wheat-based noodles.

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3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! One of the best things about Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is that it can be prepared in advance. You can cook the chicken and vegetables and store the finished dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you reheat it, the flavors deepen even more, making the dish taste richer and more flavorful than when it was freshly made. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. You can also use a microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through. This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights when you want a quick, satisfying dinner.

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4. Can I add more vegetables or protein?

Yes! This recipe is very versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Adding extra vegetables like snap peas, zucchini, mushrooms, or baby corn is a great way to make the dish even more nutritious and colorful. If you’d like more protein, you can increase the amount of chicken or even add tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just make sure to adjust the sauce quantities slightly to ensure that every piece of chicken or vegetable is evenly coated. This flexibility allows you to make the dish larger for family dinners or smaller for single servings without sacrificing flavor.

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Why This Recipe Works So Well

The magic of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors. The creamy peanut butter forms the base of the sauce, while the soy sauce adds umami depth. Brown sugar and honey bring gentle sweetness, while garlic and ginger add warmth and aroma. The result is a luxurious, restaurant-style dish made easily at home.

This is the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table and turns a simple dinner into a memorable experience.

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Conclusion

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken with Sweet & Savory Sauce is more than just a meal — it’s a comforting, flavor-packed experience that transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and satisfying enough to become a family favorite.

If you are looking for a recipe that combines ease, rich flavor, and crowd-pleasing appeal, this dish is the perfect choice. Try it once, and it will quickly become a regular part of your home cooking routine.

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