Crispy Peanut Butter Chicken
Recipe: https://recipestripper.com/recipes/ff48d136-da03-4128-9468-fbfbfef69418
Original source: https://omnivorescookbook.com/crispy-peanut-butter-chicken/
Recipe image: https://omnivorescookbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/230209_Chinese-Peanut-Butter-Chicken_550.jpg

Extra crunchy crispy chicken bites served with a rich peanut butter sauce that is savory, aromatic, and sweet. Make your favorite takeout peanut butter chicken at home and get a restaurant-level result in no time! {Gluten-Free Adaptable}To make the dish gluten free, use tamari to replace soy sauce, and use dry sherry or chicken broth to replace Shaoxing wine.
Yield: 4
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT25M

Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thigh ((or breast), cut into 1” (2.5 cm) pieces)
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1  egg
- 1/3 cup cornstarch ((or more if needed))
- 1/3 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine ((or chicken broth))
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1 small head broccoli
- 3 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil ((or vegetable oil))
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 2  green onions (, sliced)

Instructions
1. [Prep chicken] Combine chicken thigh, vegetable oil, and salt in a big bowl. Add the beaten egg into the bowl with the chicken. Mix well and let marinate for 10 to 20 minutes.
2. [Prep chicken] Right before cooking, add the cornstarch. Stir to coat chicken, until it forms an uneven coating with a little dry cornstarch left unattached. If the batter is too wet, you can add a bit more cornstarch.
3. [Sauce] Add the peanut butter and water into a medium-sized bowl. Stir and mix until the water is fully incorporated. Add the rest of the ingredients, one liquid at a time, and stir until smooth.
4. [Stir fry] Heat 1/4 cup water in a large skillet over medium heat until boiling. Add the broccoli and cover the pan. Let steam for 1 minute, or until the broccoli reaches the desired texture. Transfer the broccoli to a big plate and set aside. Wipe any excess water from the pan with a paper towel.
5. [Stir fry] Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet until hot. Add chicken all at once and spread into a single layer. Separate chicken pieces with a pair of tongs or chopsticks.
6. [Stir fry] Cook without touching the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden. Flip to brown the other side, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
7. [Stir fry] If there’s no oil in the pan, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil, along with garlic, ginger, and green onion. Cook and stir a few times until it releases the fragrance.
8. [Stir fry] Pour the sauce into the pan. Stir and cook until it thickens slightly, 1 minute or so. Transfer the sauce to a medium-sized bowl.
9. [Stir fry] When you’re ready to serve, pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and serve hot as a main dish. The chicken will remain crispy if you pour the sauce on it right before eating.