Quick & Easy Peanut Chicken Stir Fry: A Family-Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Transform your weeknights with this incredibly quick and utterly delicious Peanut Chicken recipe. Featuring tender pieces of chicken coated in a rich, savory peanut sauce, served over fluffy rice and garnished with a sprinkle of crunchy peanuts, this dish is designed for speed and flavor. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings the vibrant tastes of Asian-inspired cuisine right to your family table in under 30 minutes.
Chicken satay is a beloved classic, often enjoyed as a grilled appetizer with its signature rich peanut butter dipping sauce. While the idea of peanut butter with chicken might initially sound unconventional to some, the magic truly happens when it’s combined with a harmonious blend of soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. The result is a deeply savory, slightly sweet, and wonderfully complex flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
This particular Peanut Chicken recipe elevates that classic flavor into a full-fledged meal, perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s designed to be on your table in approximately 20-30 minutes, making it an ideal solution when you crave something flavorful and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding.
What Is Peanut Sauce? Exploring This Versatile Condiment
Peanut sauce, often known as satay sauce or bumbu kacang in its Indonesian origin, is a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s a versatile, aromatic sauce primarily made from ground roasted peanuts, which lend it a distinctive creamy texture and nutty flavor. Beyond its core ingredient, the sauce typically incorporates a complex balance of sweet, savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy elements.
While deeply rooted in Indonesia, where it accompanies a vast array of dishes from satay skewers to gado-gado, peanut sauce has gained immense popularity worldwide. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it an excellent accompaniment for grilled meats, stir-fries, noodle dishes, and fresh salads. The specific blend of ingredients can vary regionally and even by family recipe, but the fundamental appeal remains consistent: a delicious, comforting sauce that adds incredible depth to any meal.
If you’re already a fan of the classic grilled chicken satay you find in restaurants, you might enjoy our Chicken Satay Stir Fry, which transforms this beloved appetizer into a complete stir-fry dinner. It showcases how adaptable and delicious a well-made peanut sauce can be.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Peanut Sauce
Creating a vibrant and flavorful peanut sauce from scratch is surprisingly simple, especially when you have the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into our irresistible sauce and why each component is essential:
- Coconut Milk: This forms the creamy base of the sauce, providing a luscious texture and a subtle sweetness that balances the other strong flavors. Full-fat coconut milk is recommended for the richest result.
- Peanut Butter: The star of the show! Use a smooth, unsweetened peanut butter for the best control over the sauce’s sweetness. If you prefer a bit of texture, a crunchy peanut butter can also work.
- Soy Sauce: Adds a crucial umami depth and savory saltiness. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you are mindful of salt intake, or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
- Rice Wine Vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the peanut butter and coconut milk, lifting the overall flavor profile.
- Sesame Oil: A small amount of toasted sesame oil goes a long way, infusing the sauce with a wonderfully nutty and aromatic fragrance.
- Chili Garlic Paste: This ingredient is key for introducing a gentle warmth and a pungent kick. You can adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level, from mild to fiery. Sriracha is a good substitute if you don’t have chili garlic paste.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds an indispensable aromatic foundation, contributing to the sauce’s robust flavor.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger brings a zesty, slightly spicy, and incredibly fragrant element that brightens the sauce and adds a layer of complexity.
- Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end provides a vibrant, citrusy tang that awakens all the flavors and prevents the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Enhancing Your Peanut Chicken with the Best Stir Fry Vegetables
While our recipe features carrots and red bell pepper for their vibrant color and satisfying crunch, the beauty of a stir fry lies in its versatility. You can easily customize the vegetable component based on what you have on hand, what’s in season, or what your family enjoys most. The key is to select vegetables that cook relatively quickly and retain some of their crispness.
Here are some excellent choices for your peanut chicken stir fry, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal:
- Broccoli: Cut into small florets, broccoli adds a wonderful texture and a dose of nutrients.
- Bell Peppers: Besides red, yellow, orange, or green bell peppers can be used. They offer sweetness and a beautiful spectrum of colors.
- Cauliflower: Another great option, especially if you’re looking for a low-carb addition. Break it into small florets.
- Sugar Snap Peas: These bright green peas add a delicate sweetness and a satisfying snap.
- Water Chestnuts: For a truly authentic Asian stir-fry crunch, water chestnuts are a fantastic choice, adding a unique texture.
- Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms absorb the sauce beautifully and add an earthy depth.
- Bok Choy: A leafy green that cooks quickly and adds a fresh, slightly bitter note.
- Carrots: Shredded or thinly sliced carrots contribute natural sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- Baby Corn: Adds a delightful crunch and a mild, sweet flavor.
- Other Options: Don’t hesitate to experiment with green beans, zucchini, snow peas, or even thinly sliced onions or bamboo shoots.
When selecting your vegetables, aim for a variety of colors and textures to make your dish visually appealing and more exciting to eat. Remember to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Peanut Chicken
Making this peanut chicken stir fry is straightforward and designed for efficiency. Follow these simple steps to bring this flavorful meal to your table in no time:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. Browning adds a fantastic depth of flavor.
- Add the Vegetables: Introduce your harder vegetables, such as diced red bell pepper and shredded carrots, to the pan with the chicken. Continue to cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain a slight crispness (al dente). The chicken should be almost fully cooked at this point.
- Whisk the Peanut Sauce: While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare your sauce. In a liquid measuring cup or a small bowl, combine all the peanut sauce ingredients: coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and fresh lime juice. Whisk vigorously until the sauce is completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want more spice or a touch more tang.
- Combine and Simmer: Pour the whisked peanut sauce directly over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to ensure the sauce evenly coats everything. Allow it to cook for just a couple of minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, clinging to the chicken and vegetables. Be careful not to overcook, as the sauce can become too thick.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the heat immediately. Serve your delicious Peanut Chicken generously over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, top with chopped roasted peanuts and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, if desired.
For the perfect accompaniment, consider making Instant Pot Jasmine Rice. It cooks effortlessly while you prepare the chicken, ensuring that your entire dinner is ready in about 20 minutes!
Smart Tips & Variations for Your Peanut Chicken
This Peanut Chicken recipe is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to fit into any lifestyle or dietary preference. Here are some of our top tips to make your cooking experience even better:
- Speedy Vegetable Prep: If you’re really pressed for time and don’t feel like chopping, a bag of frozen stir-fry vegetables is a fantastic shortcut. Simply add them to the pan during step 2 and cook until tender-crisp. No one will ever know!
- Using Pre-Cooked Chicken: Have leftover cooked chicken from another meal, or a rotisserie chicken? This recipe is perfect for repurposing it! Skip the initial browning step. Instead, add the pre-cooked chicken to the pan along with the vegetables to reheat and absorb the flavors of the sauce. This shaves even more time off your dinner prep.
- Low-Carb Friendly: For those following a low-carb diet, this dish is easily adaptable. Simply swap the traditional rice for cauliflower rice, broccoli rice, or even zucchini noodles. The rich, flavorful peanut sauce is so satisfying that your family probably won’t even notice the carb reduction!
- Make it Vegetarian or Vegan: Easily transform this into a meat-free meal by replacing the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes and pan-fry until golden before adding the vegetables. Marinated and pan-fried tempeh also works wonderfully, soaking up all the delicious peanut sauce.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: The chili garlic paste offers a customizable level of heat. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more to taste. For those who love a spicy kick, feel free to increase the amount.
- Protein Alternatives: Beyond chicken and tofu, this peanut sauce pairs wonderfully with shrimp, thinly sliced beef, or even ground turkey. Adjust cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
- Meal Prep Perfection: This dish is fantastic for meal prepping. Cook a larger batch and divide it into airtight containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Peanut Chicken leftovers store beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. This makes them ideal for packing delicious and satisfying lunches for the next day!
Explore More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes
If you loved this Peanut Chicken, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic Asian-inspired dishes from our collection:
- Spicy Asian Noodles
- Air Fryer Egg Rolls
- Cashew Chicken
- Crispy Sesame Chicken
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Chicken Lo Mein
- Thai Green Curry Chicken
Peanut Chicken with Rice
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Stir Fry
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Peanuts, chopped, for garnish
- Cilantro, (optional garnish, chopped)
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup peanut butter, smooth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil, toasted
- 2 teaspoons chili garlic paste, adjust to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
-
In a large skillet or wok, heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces well with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the pan and sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
-
Add the diced red bell peppers and shredded carrots to the pan. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the chicken is fully cooked through.
-
Meanwhile, in a 2-cup measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the peanut sauce (coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, and lime juice) until completely smooth.
-
Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for just a couple of minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables.
-
Remove from heat. Serve immediately over warm cooked rice, topped with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, if desired. Enjoy your quick and flavorful Peanut Chicken!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Loved this recipe? Share your thoughts below!
Join our vibrant community on Facebook! It’s a fantastic place to share your favorite recipes, ask questions, and stay updated on all the exciting new creations from Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts (so you never miss a new recipe!).
Be sure to follow me on Instagram and tag #dinnersdishes so I can see all the wonderful recipes YOU make!
Stay connected and never miss a post by following me on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram