Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken
This buffet-style Chinese Peanut Butter Chicken is the perfect sweet and savory dish, featuring crunchy fried chicken drizzled with a creamy peanut sauce.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter Use a jar that tastes like childhood for best results.
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1/3 cup water Add more if needed to achieve desired consistency.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound boneless chicken thighs Thighs are juicier and better suited for frying.
- 3 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs Non-negotiable for that crunchy texture.
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter For the egg wash.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, sweetened condensed milk, soy sauce, and water. Mix until creamy, adding more water if necessary.
- Use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken thighs to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, salt, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter until smooth.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
Cooking
- Dredge the chicken in the egg wash, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat about 1 inch of oil to 350°F. Fry the chicken 1 or 2 pieces at a time for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a wire rack.
- Cut the chicken into slices and drizzle with the peanut sauce before serving.
Notes
To keep the breadcrumbs crunchy, avoid overcrowding the pan and serve immediately. If you need to prepare ahead, par-fry and reheat in a hot oven for best results.