Looking for a dinner that’s packed with flavor and protein? This Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry is a winner! It’s quick to make, uses ingredients you probably already have, and is super satisfying. We’re talking tender chicken coated in a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce with lots of colorful veggies. It’s a meal that feels like a treat but is good for you too. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss.
This dish is a fantastic way to get more protein into your diet. Chicken is a lean protein source, and the peanut butter adds even more protein along with healthy fats. Plus, all those veggies bring vitamins and fiber to the table. It’s a complete meal that will keep you full and energized.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (use low sodium if you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more, depending on how spicy you like it)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup warm water (you might need a little more to thin the sauce)
- Optional toppings: chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, sesame seeds
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Step By Step Making
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper. This helps them get a nice sear.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, broccoli florets, and snap peas. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender. You want them to still have a little bite to them.
- Add Aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, and warm water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of warm water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the ingredients.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together gently to coat evenly. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and all the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Serve the Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutritional Value
A serving of this Spicy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry, when made with the ingredients listed and served over rice, typically contains approximately 499 Calories, 40 grams of Protein, and 64 grams of Carbohydrates. Please note that these values can vary slightly based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used. For instance, a different preparation of “healthy chicken stir fry” might have around 677 calories with 23% protein.
Health Benefits
This dish is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to boost their protein intake. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which is crucial for building and repairing muscles. Getting enough protein can also help you feel fuller for longer, which aids in weight management. The peanut butter in the sauce contributes additional protein and healthy fats. Including plenty of vegetables in your stir-fry adds essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are great for overall health and digestion. Chicken itself is also a source of nutrients like Vitamin B12, tryptophan, and zinc.
If you enjoy flavorful, protein-packed meals, you might also like our Warm Moroccan Chickpea Tagine. It’s another great option for a satisfying and healthy meal from Azeely.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by azeely.com for general informational purposes only.
