Easy Chicken Satay Stir Fry: Your Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Peanut Sauce Meal

Craving an exotic, takeout-style meal without the fuss or the extra calories? This Easy Chicken Satay Stir Fry is your answer! It’s a vibrant, aromatic dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional chicken satay — tender chicken, rich peanut sauce, and a hint of spice — straight into your kitchen, transformed into a convenient one-pan stir fry. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this recipe promises a hearty, satisfying meal that the entire family will adore, ready in less time than it takes to order delivery.

Our Chicken Satay Stir Fry recipe is designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort. Forget endless marinating and skewering; we’re taking all those incredible tastes and making them accessible for everyday cooking. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this restaurant-quality dish, featuring succulent chicken pieces coated in a luscious, homemade peanut sauce. It’s not just faster; it’s also healthier and completely customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite vegetables and adjust the spice level to your liking. Get ready to add this irresistible Asian-inspired stir fry to your regular meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Satay Stir Fry

There are countless reasons why this homemade chicken satay stir fry will become a staple in your home. Firstly, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when you need a delicious meal on the table fast. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you can have a flavorful dinner ready in under half an hour!

• Unbeatable Flavor: The star of this dish is undoubtedly the rich, creamy, and slightly spicy peanut sauce. It perfectly coats every piece of chicken, delivering that authentic satay taste in every bite.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Say goodbye to mountains of dishes! This recipe cooks up beautifully in a single large skillet or wok, simplifying cleanup and making your cooking experience even more enjoyable.
• Healthier Than Takeout: By making your stir fry at home, you control the ingredients, ensuring a fresher and often lighter meal compared to commercial takeout options.
• Highly Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic canvas for creativity. Easily adjust the protein, add a variety of vegetables, and tweak the spice level to suit your family’s preferences.
• Family-Friendly: The familiar flavors of chicken and peanut sauce appeal to most palates, making it a guaranteed hit even with picky eaters.

Essential Ingredients for Your Satay Stir Fry

For the best results, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with precise measurements.

For the Irresistible Peanut Satay Sauce:

• Creamy Peanut Butter: The foundation of our satay sauce! Opt for a smooth, natural peanut butter for the best texture and flavor. Avoid varieties with added sugars or hydrogenated oils if possible, as these can alter the taste significantly.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a crucial umami depth. Use a good quality light or low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative.
• Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk (full-fat or lite version) provides a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the peanut and chili. I often use the lite version to keep it a bit lighter, but full-fat will yield a richer sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency and adds another layer of savory flavor. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian option.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: A touch of acidity is key to brightening the sauce and cutting through the richness of the peanut butter.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a hint of sweetness that rounds out the flavors and helps achieve that classic satay balance. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Sriracha Chili Sauce: For that essential kick! Start with 2 teaspoons and add more if you prefer a spicier stir fry. Red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne can also work in a pinch.

For the Flavorful Chicken Stir Fry:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work equally well. Cut them into uniform bite-sized cubes for even cooking. Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender.
• Vegetable Oil: Or another high smoke point oil like canola, grapeseed, or peanut oil, for stir-frying.
• Onion: A small onion, finely chopped, adds a savory base to the stir fry. Yellow or white onions are suitable.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for its aromatic punch.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To season the chicken and enhance all the flavors.

Customize Your Stir Fry: Adding Veggies & Protein Variations

One of the best things about a chicken stir fry is its versatility. It’s a fantastic way to utilize whatever fresh produce you have on hand, transforming it into a vibrant, healthy meal. Don’t feel limited to the suggestions; get creative with your fridge! Just remember to cut vegetables into similar sizes for even cooking.

Vibrant Vegetable Additions:

• Broccoli Florets: Adds a lovely crunch and a boost of nutrients. You can add them with the chicken for a crisp-tender finish.
• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears are delicious when lightly stir-fried.
• Bell Peppers: Red, yellow, or orange bell peppers add sweetness, color, and a pleasant crunch. Slice them thinly.
• Snap Peas or Snow Peas: For a sweet, crisp addition.
• Carrots: Julienne or thinly slice carrots for a touch of sweetness and color.
• Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms add an earthy flavor.
• Baby Corn or Water Chestnuts: For added texture and authentic Asian flair.
• Spinach or Bok Choy: Stir these in at the very end until just wilted.

Protein Alternatives:

While chicken is classic, this peanut sauce stir fry is incredibly adaptable to other proteins. Feel free to swap it out or combine it with:

• Pork: Thinly sliced pork tenderloin or pork loin works wonderfully and absorbs the flavors beautifully.
• Beef: Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain, makes for a hearty stir fry.
• Shrimp: For a seafood twist, add raw shrimp during the last few minutes of cooking, just until pink and opaque.
• Tofu or Tempeh: For a delicious vegetarian or vegan option, press extra-firm tofu, cut it into cubes, and pan-fry until golden before adding to the stir fry. Tempeh also works well.

How to Make This Delicious Chicken Satay Stir Fry

This recipe is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginner cooks and seasoned pros alike. Follow these simple steps for a truly delicious and speedy dinner.

1. Prepare the Satay Sauce: In a medium bowl or a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, chicken broth, rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and Sriracha chili sauce until completely smooth and well combined. Set this flavorful sauce aside. Having it ready makes the cooking process seamless.
2. Cook the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Season your cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Add the seasoned chicken and chopped onions to the hot oil. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is browned on all sides. This browning adds depth of flavor.
3. Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the chicken and onions. Cook for just about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrant aroma. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Pour the prepared peanut satay sauce over the chicken and onion mixture. Stir everything well to ensure all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated. Let the mixture simmer gently for 4-5 minutes. The sauce will begin to thicken, and the chicken will finish cooking through, becoming tender and juicy.
5. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve your delicious homemade chicken satay stir fry immediately over a bed of fluffy rice. Garnish generously with chopped peanuts for extra crunch and a sprinkle of sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness.

Recipe Tips & Expert Suggestions for Success

To ensure your chicken satay stir fry turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Rice Timing is Key: This stir fry cooks very quickly, typically in about 10-15 minutes once you start stir-frying. Plan your rice cooking accordingly so it’s ready at the same time. You can use classic long-grain white rice, aromatic jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Mise en Place (Prep Ahead): Stir-frying is a rapid cooking method, so having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking is crucial. Chop your chicken, mince your garlic, dice your onion, and whisk your sauce ahead of time. This ensures a smooth and stress-free cooking experience.
• Layering Textures and Freshness: While the stir fry is incredibly flavorful on its own, adding toppings elevates the dish. Crushed peanuts provide a delightful crunch, and thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro add a burst of freshness. Don’t hesitate to get creative with lime wedges for a zesty finish or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Vegetable Integration: If you’re adding vegetables, ensure they are cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Harder vegetables like broccoli or carrots can be added with the chicken to ensure they cook to a crisp-tender consistency. Softer vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas can be added a few minutes later, or even with the garlic, to prevent them from becoming overcooked.
• Heat Management: Stir-frying benefits from high heat to achieve that desirable “wok hei” or smoky flavor. Make sure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding the oil and chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the temperature and steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjusting Spice Level: The Sriracha chili sauce gives a moderate kick. If you love heat, feel free to add an extra teaspoon or two. For a milder version, reduce the Sriracha or omit it entirely and add a pinch of sweet paprika for color.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

This chicken satay stir fry makes excellent leftovers, perfect for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover satay stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For maximum convenience, I often store individual portions over rice in separate containers.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed. Alternatively, you can reheat it gently in a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Cook a large batch on the weekend and divide it into individual portions with rice for healthy, flavorful grab-and-go meals during your busy week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this Chicken Satay Stir Fry gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels, especially for peanut butter.

What’s the best way to ensure my chicken is tender?

Cut your chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). Avoid overcooking it, as chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Brown it briefly over high heat, then let it simmer in the sauce just until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can also help keep the chicken more tender.

Can I prepare the peanut sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can! The peanut satay sauce can be whisked together and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This is a great meal prep hack that makes weeknight cooking even faster. Just give it a good whisk again before adding it to the stir fry.

What can I serve with Chicken Satay Stir Fry besides rice?

While white rice is a classic pairing, you can also serve this stir fry with brown rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option), or even noodles like lo mein or rice noodles. A side salad with a light vinaigrette would also complement the flavors beautifully.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of Sriracha chili sauce, which provides a mild to medium level of heat for most people. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the Sriracha to 1 teaspoon or omit it entirely. For those who love heat, feel free to add more Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

More Delicious & Easy Dinner Recipes

If you loved this easy chicken satay stir fry, you’re in for a treat! We have a whole collection of tasty dinner recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights, offering bold flavors and straightforward cooking methods. Explore these other family favorites:

• Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps – A light, fresh, and flavorful meal.
• Chicken Lo Mein – A classic noodle dish that’s better than takeout.
• Spicy Chicken Stir Fry – Another fantastic stir-fry option with a kick.
• Garlic Beef Noodle Bowls – Comforting and full of savory garlic flavor.
• Five Spice Pork Lo Mein – An aromatic and satisfying noodle dish.

Chicken Satay Stir Fry

Chicken Satay Stir Fry – all the delicious flavors of traditional chicken satay served on skewers, but transformed into a quick and easy stir fry served over rice!

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Servings: 4
• Author: Erin Sellin

Ingredients

For the Satay Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
• 1/2 cup Coconut Milk
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
• 2 teaspoons Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha Chili Sauce

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 pound Chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

For Serving and Garnish:

• 2 cups Cooked White Rice
• Chopped Peanuts
• Green Onions or Cilantro, sliced

Instructions

1. Whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce (Peanut Butter, Soy Sauce, Coconut Milk, Chicken Broth, Rice Wine Vinegar, Brown Sugar, Sriracha Chili Sauce) until smooth. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken and chopped onion to the hot oil, cook for 3-4 minutes until browned on all sides.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring until fragrant.
4. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken mixture. Stir to coat everything well and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken and the chicken is fully cooked through.
5. Remove from heat. Serve immediately over rice, topped with chopped peanuts and sliced green onions or cilantro.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 682kcal |
Carbohydrates: 39g |
Protein: 41g |
Fat: 41g |
Saturated Fat: 13g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 23g |
Cholesterol: 107mg |
Sodium: 2198mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 7g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.