Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken (Buffet Style) is truly a delightful dish that brings together the savoriness of chicken with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. This unique recipe combines various textures and tastes, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings or family dinners. The tenderness of the chicken paired with the creamy peanut sauce creates a flavor explosion that is often hard to resist. Not only does this dish taste amazing, but it’s also uncomplicated to prepare, making it a great option for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for something new to try.
Why We Love This Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
What makes this Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken stand out is its incredible balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is perfectly golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The signature peanut sauce adds an irresistible creaminess that complements the chicken beautifully. This buffet-style dish is versatile, allowing you to serve it in various appealing ways. Whether you’re preparing a family meal, hosting a gathering, or just looking for something special to treat yourself, this dish delivers on taste and presentation.
Ingredients for Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (plus 1 tablespoon for the egg wash)
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying
How to Make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken Directions
Making Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is straightforward and can be broken down into easy-to-follow steps. You’ll start with the star of the dish — the peanut sauce. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of peanut butter, 1/4 cup of sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 1/3 cup of water. Stir these ingredients together until they form a creamy consistency. If you find the sauce too thick, feel free to add a little more water until it reaches your desired creaminess.
Next, prepare the chicken. Take your boneless chicken thighs and flatten them to about 1/2-inch thickness. A meat mallet works wonderfully for this step, allowing for even cooking and tenderness.
In a shallow dish, whisk together 3 large eggs, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and an additional tablespoon of peanut butter to create an egg wash that will help your chicken stick to the crumbs. Then, place 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish for coating.
Now, it’s time for the fun part. Dip each flattened chicken thigh into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly so the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.
In a large skillet, heat about an inch of oil over medium-high heat. Aim for a temperature of about 350°F — you can test this by dropping a small piece of bread in; if it sizzles, you’re good to go. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken and drain them on a wire rack.
Once the chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce generously over the top. This finishing touch adds warmth and beauty to your dish, elevating it to another level. Optionally, you can garnish with some chopped scallions, cilantro, or crushed peanuts to enhance its aesthetic appeal.
How to Serve Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Serving Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is as simple as it is satisfying. You can present it on a beautiful platter, allowing your guests to help themselves to the chicken pieces. Pair it with steamed rice, which serves as a wonderful base for soaking up any leftover peanut sauce. Alternatively, you could opt for a light salad, which adds a refreshing crunch to each bite.
For added flair, consider garnishing the platter with lime wedges or additional chopped herbs. You can also showcase a selection of sides like bok choy or sautéed vegetables to complement the main dish. If you’re hosting a buffet-style gathering, placing each component in stylish bowls allows guests to personalize their plates, making mealtime interactive and fun.
Expert Tips: Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
To elevate your Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken even more, here are a few expert tips. First, ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying. If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb excess oil and become greasy instead of crispy.
Don’t be shy about experimenting with the peanut sauce. For a spicier kick, try adding a dash of sriracha or chili paste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, an extra drizzle of sweetened condensed milk can help.
You might also want to double the peanut sauce if you anticipate guests will love it as much as you do. Having extra on hand is always a good idea as it can also serve as a fantastic dipping sauce.
Finally, ensure that you use high-quality panko breadcrumbs for the best texture. They create a delightful crunch that enhances the overall experience.
How to Store Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
If you find yourself with any leftover Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken, storing it properly is essential for maintaining its flavor and texture. First, allow the chicken to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers of chicken with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the oven to restore some of its crispiness.
Variation of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
While the classic recipe is a hit, there are several variations of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken that you might enjoy experimenting with. For a healthier twist, consider substituting the chicken thighs for skinless, boneless chicken breasts. This change will result in a leaner dish while still keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
Another variation includes incorporating vegetables. You could add thinly sliced bell peppers or broccoli to the peanut sauce for added nutrition and crunch. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with tofu, ensuring it’s pressed and dried properly before coating and frying.
To change the flavor profile, think about adding spices like ginger or garlic to the peanut sauce for an additional depth of flavor. Each variation can bring something unique to the table while still maintaining that signature peanut butter richness that everyone loves.
FAQ
What is Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken (Buffet Style)?
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken (Buffet Style) is a delightful dish featuring tender, crispy chicken pieces coated in a rich and creamy peanut sauce. It is perfect for gatherings and offers a unique blend of flavor and texture.
Can I make Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s properly stored and reheat before serving for the best taste.
What can I serve with Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken?
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, light salads, or sautéed vegetables. You can also serve it with extra peanut sauce for dipping.
How do I store leftovers of Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken?
Cool the leftovers completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken wrapped tightly in plastic wrap.
Are there any variations to the Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken recipe?
Yes! You can replace chicken thighs with chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version, and you can add different vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter Plus 1 tablespoon for the egg wash
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water Add more if needed for desired consistency
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs Flattened to 1/2-inch thickness
- 3 large eggs For the egg wash
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs High-quality for best texture
Instructions
Prepare Peanut Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk, 2 teaspoons soy sauce, and 1/3 cup water.
- Stir until it forms a creamy consistency, adding more water if needed.
Prepare Chicken
- Flatten boneless chicken thighs to about 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together 3 large eggs, 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and an additional tablespoon of peanut butter to create an egg wash.
- Place 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish for coating.
Coat and Fry Chicken
- Dip each flattened chicken thigh into the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated, then transfer it to the panko breadcrumbs.
- Press lightly so the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.
- Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and drain them on a wire rack.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces and drizzle the remaining peanut sauce over the top.
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