Experience a delightful fusion of flavors with this Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry. Tender chicken pieces are combined with crisp vegetables and a savory peanut sauce, making it a perfect choice for a quick and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and a variety of vegetables, it’s a wholesome option for any meal.
- Flavorful: The rich peanut sauce adds depth and complexity, satisfying your taste buds with every bite.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- Broccoli florets
- Carrots
- Snow peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Fresh ginger
- Soy sauce
- Peanut butter
- Chicken broth
- Honey
- Lime juice
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper
- Roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, chicken broth, honey, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Slice chicken breasts into thin strips. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook until no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions, bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas.
- Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture, stirring to coat evenly.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
- Spicier: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the sauce.
- Nut-Free: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and omit roasted peanuts for those with nut allergies.
- Different Vegetables: Feel free to use other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas based on your preference.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a bit of coconut milk to the sauce can enhance its creaminess and add a subtle tropical flavor.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, using crunchy peanut butter will add texture to the sauce with small peanut pieces.
What type of oil is best for stir-frying?
High smoke point oils like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for stir-frying.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken beforehand?
Marinating is optional. However, a simple marinade of soy sauce and lime juice can add extra flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chop vegetables in advance to save time.
How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy?
Ensure the skillet is hot before adding vegetables and avoid overcrowding to maintain their crispness.
What can I serve alongside this stir-fry?
Serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables may change upon thawing.
How do I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. If too thin, let it simmer longer to reduce.
Are there alternative garnishes I can use?
Chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice make excellent alternative garnishes.
Conclusion
This Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. Its quick preparation and adaptability ensure it will become a favorite for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Enjoy the rich taste and wholesome ingredients that make this dish truly stand out.
Print
Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful meal packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory peanut sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Garnished with roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro, this easy stir-fry will satisfy your cravings with every bite!
Ingredients
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- ⅓ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- ½ cup snow peas
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
-
Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, chicken broth, honey, lime juice, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth. Set aside.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Season sliced chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the onion, bell pepper, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the mixture and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and omit the peanuts.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Spicier Version: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
