Chicken Peanut Butter Stir Fry
A creamy, savory stir‑fry blending silky peanut butter sauce with crisp vegetables and tender chicken, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or hearty gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken, cut into strips or 2-inch cubes ⓘ
- onions, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, green pepper, red pepper or any vegetable combination you prefer ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1 tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 tbsp peanut butter ⓘ
- 2 tbsp soy sauce ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp ground ginger ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and slice vegetables into thin pieces.
- Heat 2‑3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium to high heat.
- Add the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, until tender.
- Remove the vegetables to a separate container; add the chicken to the hot skillet.
- Cook the chicken, stirring constantly, until the pink is gone.
- Return the vegetables to the skillet.
- Stir water and cornstarch together, then add the remaining ingredients (peanut butter, soy sauce, ground ginger, crushed red pepper if using) to create a smooth sauce.
- Make a well in the chicken and vegetables; pour the sauce in.
- Stir fry for an additional 2‑3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve the stir‑fry over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth. You can swap out the chicken for tofu or shrimp for a different protein option. If you prefer a little sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce. Keep the vegetable variety flexible; try using snap peas or zucchini for a fresh twist, similar to what you might find in Chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal. You can also serve it with a side of crispy spring rolls or a simple green salad for added crunch. For a fusion twist, serve it alongside Ginger-Glazed Chicken Wings to create a diverse family meal that everyone will enjoy.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Peanut Butter Stir Fry contains roughly 68 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (47% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1394mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen vegetables for this stir fry?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a convenient substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding them to the skillet. Cooking time may be slightly reduced since frozen vegetables are often pre-blanched.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I want a gluten-free option?
You can use tamari sauce, which is gluten-free, or coconut aminos for a soy-free alternative. Both options will give your stir fry the necessary umami flavor without the gluten.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more crushed red pepper or include sliced fresh chili peppers. You can also drizzle some sriracha or chili garlic sauce into the stir fry right before serving for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).