Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken (Buffet Style)

A delicious Chinese buffet peanut butter chicken recipe, perfect for meal prep. Serve with rice, noodles or vegetables. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

This easy Chinese buffet peanut chicken recipe can be prepared in under an hour. Use bite-size chicken pieces for faster cooking. Cook under moderate heat to ensure the cornstarch slurry thickens to the desired consistency.

Ingredients of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken

Peanut butter adds a bold, nutty flavor that complements the savory flavors of hoisin sauce and soy sauce in this Chinese buffet style recipe. It is easy to prepare and a quick weeknight dinner meal that can be made using ingredients found in most grocery stores.

Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite size pieces, adds protein to this dish. The chicken pieces are coated with cornstarch before being fried to give it a crunchy texture that is perfect for eating with the luscious, creamy peanut sauce. If you prefer, skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for the chicken breasts.

Soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil and water are mixed together to create the Chinese buffet peanut sauce in this recipe. The sauce is then whisked into the cooking chicken to coat and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened. The sauce can be adjusted in terms of its spiciness by adding crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.

To reduce the sodium in this recipe, you can substitute soy sauce for low-sodium soy sauce or use tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free. It is best to fry the chicken in batches in order to avoid overcrowding the pan and to ensure even cooking. Also, the chicken will continue to cook in the peanut sauce once it is added, so make sure not to overcook the chicken.

Process of Preparation

Peanut butter is a staple ingredient for this Chinese Buffet Style recipe and it adds a nutty, creamy texture to the sauce that is balanced by soy sauce, ginger, garlic and more. This dish is great for meal prep and can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. It also works well in the slow cooker.

The preparation for this easy Chinese main is relatively quick. First, cut the chicken breasts into bite size pieces. Then, mix the chicken and cornstarch in a bowl until all of the chicken is coated. Next, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside.

While the chicken is frying, make the sauce in a separate mixing bowl. This is where all of the flavors are coming together. In this simple peanut sauce, there is soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, hoisin sauce and of course – peanut butter!

To make the sauce extra delicious, we also add a bit of coconut milk and sugar into the mixture. This combination creates a rich and thick sauce that balances out the peanut flavor and all of the other flavors. Lastly, use real peanut butter (not PB2) as it will taste much better than the flavored stuff.

Cooking

Peanut butter chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your whole family will enjoy. Juicy tender chicken thighs and crunchy vegetables are cooked in homemade peanut sauce with Asian-inspired flavors.

The savory flavors of soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic are perfectly balanced with the sweet and creamy flavor of the peanut butter sauce. Choose a creamy, unsalted peanut butter for the best flavor. Add fresh ginger for an extra punch of tangy and spicy goodness in this recipe.

Cook the chicken and vegetables until they are cooked through and tender. Then pour in the luscious peanut sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another minute or so until the sauce is heated through.

Serve this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Buffet Style over rice or noodles. Brown rice or even cauliflower rice work well. Frozen veggies like steamed broccoli, carrots, or snap peas also work great. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sriracha for added heat and a delicious zingy flavor.

This is a great meal to make ahead for busy weeks. You can assemble the chicken and sauce in a airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Just reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you are ready to enjoy it. You can also make this recipe with beef instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.

Serving

The best thing about this recipe is that you don’t need to buy any special Asian herbs or spices. It’s a typical restaurant-quality dish that you can prepare at home in about 30 minutes. It’s also ideal for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For the best flavor and texture, use boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and browning. Use a little bit of oil to prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet while cooking. Be sure to stir the sauce regularly while cooking to prevent it from scorching or burning. The cornstarch slurry in the sauce helps thicken the mixture to make it creamy and smooth. It’s important to cook the dish over medium heat, as higher temperatures can cause the sauce to scorch and become gloppy.

Serve Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Buffet Style with rice or noodles and a side of vegetables or salad. Try wilted spinach, sauteed mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for some added nutrition. Enjoy with a glass of pomegranate lemonade or a glass of sparkling water with lime.

This buffet-style peanut butter chicken is a delicious lunch or dinner that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s quick and easy to make, and the sauce can be made ahead of time if desired. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.