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Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 497 reviews

Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is a delightful fusion dish featuring crispy, golden-breaded chicken thighs paired with a creamy, nutty peanut butter sauce. This recipe combines Asian-inspired flavors with comforting textures, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it offers restaurant-quality taste with a crunchy exterior and a rich, smooth sauce that evokes nostalgic memories of classic Chinese buffets.

Ingredients

Scale

Peanut Butter Sauce

  • ½ cup peanut butter
  • ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup water (more if needed)

Chicken Coating

  • 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter (for egg wash)
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Oil for frying (about 1 inch deep)

Instructions

  1. Make the Peanut Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together ½ cup peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and ⅓ cup water until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water gradually to achieve a drizzly consistency.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Flatten the boneless chicken thighs to about ½-inch thickness using a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
  3. Make the Egg Wash: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter until it forms a smooth batter similar to pancake batter.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Place panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish. Dip each flattened chicken thigh first into the egg wash mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then press into the panko breadcrumbs to cover evenly.
  5. Heat Oil for Frying: Pour about 1 inch of oil into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan and heat it to 350°F (175°C).
  6. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack to keep them crisp.
  7. Plate and Serve: Slice the fried chicken thighs and drizzle generously with the prepared peanut butter sauce. Serve immediately, optionally alongside steamed rice or vegetables.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
  • Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
  • The peanut butter in the egg wash helps create extra flavor and a better coating.
  • For a lighter option, consider air-frying or baking instead of deep-frying, though the texture will differ slightly.
  • Add chili oil or sriracha to the sauce for a spicy variation.
  • Store chicken and sauce separately if making ahead; reheat before serving.
  • Substitute chicken breasts, tofu, or shrimp based on preference.
  • To accommodate nut allergies, use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.

Keywords: Chinese peanut butter chicken, crispy chicken recipe, peanut butter sauce, Asian fusion chicken, fried chicken thighs, panko breadcrumb chicken

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/chinese-peanut-butter-chicken-recipe/