Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry: A Flavorful Twist on Your Weeknight Dinner

Ever find yourself craving something new for dinner? I know I do! That’s why I’m so excited to share this incredible Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry with you. It’s not your everyday stir-fry, oh no. This recipe takes familiar ingredients and gives them a creamy, dreamy peanut butter hug. It’s a dish that instantly makes a weeknight feel a little more special. My kitchen is my happy place, and sharing delicious finds like this is what Forkful Heaven is all about.

Why You’ll Love This Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

It’s lightning-fast to make. Perfect for those busy weeknights!
The flavor is out of this world – savory, sweet, and wonderfully nutty.

You can swap in your favorite veggies. It’s super versatile.
It’s incredibly satisfying and always a crowd-pleaser.

This recipe offers a delightful change from the usual soy sauce stir-fries.

A Texan Spark in Every Bite: My Culinary Journey

My love for cooking really took root in my Uncle Joe’s Texas restaurant. He was a magician with food. I was just a kid, mesmerized by the clatter of pans and the amazing smells. He didn’t just cook; he created joy. That’s where I learned food brings people together. It’s more than just eating; it’s about connection.

That early inspiration stuck with me. I started playing in my own kitchen, trying to capture that same magic. Some attempts were… interesting! But I kept at it, learning with every dish. This Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry is a perfect example of that journey. It’s a simple idea, but the result is something truly special. It reminds me of those early days, sharing good food and good times. It’s a taste of my history, made for your table tonight.

Gather Your Ingredients for Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

To whip up this amazing Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry, you’ll want the freshest ingredients. Good ingredients make all the difference, trust me! Having everything prepped and ready makes cooking a breeze. Let’s get our shopping list ready so we can create some magic.

Chicken and Marinade Essentials

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Fresh Vegetables for Your Stir Fry

1 cup broccoli florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup snow peas

Crafting the Creamy Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup water (or more, to reach desired consistency)

Garnishes and Serving Staples

1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Cooked rice, for serving

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

Ready to create some magic? Making this Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, homemade meal in no time. I love how quickly everything comes together. It’s perfect for a busy evening.

Marinate the Chicken

First, grab a bowl. Toss your chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Give them a good mix. Let them sit for a bit while you get the other things ready. This step makes the chicken super tender.

Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce

In another bowl, whisk all your peanut sauce ingredients. You want it super smooth. Add a little water if it seems too thick. Keep whisking until it’s a nice, pourable sauce. This sauce is the star of the show!

Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Heat one tablespoon of oil in your skillet or wok. Add the marinated chicken. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked. That usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it’s done, take the chicken out and set it aside.

Sauté the Fresh Vegetables

Now, add the other tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in your broccoli, bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want them tender but still a little crisp. Don’t overcook them!

Combine and Coat with Sauce

Bring the cooked chicken back into the pan with the veggies. Pour that luscious peanut sauce all over everything. Stir it gently. Make sure every piece of chicken and every veggie is coated in that yummy sauce.

Thicken and Serve Your Stir Fry

Let everything cook together for just another minute or two. The sauce will thicken up beautifully. Serve your amazing Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry right away over some fluffy rice. Sprinkle on those chopped peanuts for a nice crunch. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

Want to make your Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry absolutely perfect? I’ve got you covered! Little tweaks can make a big difference. Think about your veggies and how you like your sauce. These tips will help you nail it every time. It’s all about making this delicious dish your own.

Vegetable Variations and Spice Levels

Feel free to toss in other veggies like carrots, mushrooms, or even some thinly sliced onions. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce. It gives it a lovely warmth.

Achieving the Perfect Sauce Consistency

If your peanut sauce is too thick, just add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s just right. You want it to coat everything nicely, not be gloopy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

Do you have questions about this easy chicken stir fry? I’m happy to help! Making a delicious weeknight dinner should be fun, not fussy.

Can I use other kinds of chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs work wonderfully and are often more forgiving if you cook them a minute too long. Just trim any excess fat before cutting them up.

Is this peanut sauce chicken spicy?

The base recipe isn’t spicy, but it’s super easy to add heat! A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce, or some Sriracha drizzled on top, adds a lovely kick.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar?

No worries! Apple cider vinegar or even a splash of lime juice can work in a pinch. It adds that necessary tang to balance the richness of the peanut butter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and chop the veggies a day ahead. Cook the chicken and stir-fry just before serving for the best texture. This is truly one of the best quick dinner ideas.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Stir Fry

Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your amazing Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry, let it cool down completely first. Then, pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3 days. Always make sure your container is clean and sealed tight.

Reheating is simple. Gently warm it up in a skillet over medium-low heat. You might want to add a tiny splash of water or chicken broth if the sauce seems a bit thick. Microwaving works too, just stir it halfway through for even heating. Enjoy your delicious meal again!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry

Here’s a look at the estimated nutrition for one serving of this Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry. Keep in mind these numbers can change slightly based on the exact ingredients you use. It’s a balanced meal with good protein and healthy fats!

Calories: 550
Fat: 30g
Protein: 35g

Carbohydrates: 40g

This is just a general guide, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish!

Share Your Forkful of Heaven Creation!

I truly hope you love making and eating this Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry as much as I do! Did you try it? I’d be thrilled to hear all about your kitchen adventures. Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts. A star rating is also super helpful!

Got a picture? I’d be absolutely delighted if you’d tag me on social media. Seeing your Forkful of Heaven creations brightens my day!

Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry: Divine 5-Minute Secret

Author: Alexander Knight

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry that offers a unique twist on traditional stir-fry flavors. This recipe combines tender chicken and fresh vegetables in a rich, savory-sweet peanut sauce, creating a comforting and exciting meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1 cup broccoli florets

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup snow peas
1/4 cup chopped peanuts

Cooked rice, for serving
For the Peanut Sauce:
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 cup water (or more, to reach desired consistency)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Set aside.

In a small bowl, whisk together all the peanut sauce ingredients: peanut butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and water. Add more water if needed to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the broccoli florets, sliced red bell pepper, and snow peas. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve the Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry immediately over cooked rice, garnished with chopped peanuts.

Notes

You can add other vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, or onions to this stir-fry.
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut sauce.
If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course

Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)

Calories: 550
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 1200mg

Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 23g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g

Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg