Every family has that one dish—the dish that shows up on busy weeknights, during celebrations, or whenever comfort is needed most. For me, it was always stir fry. But not just any stir fry—it was my dad’s “everything-in-the-fridge” creation. His version wasn’t fancy, but it was always loaded with whatever veggies we had, a quick sauce he whipped up on the fly, and chunks of chicken that turned golden in minutes. It was hearty, wholesome, and quick, perfect for a house buzzing with activity.
Years later, I found myself longing for that simplicity but craving something with a little more punch—a bold, creamy, satisfying twist that felt a bit more grown-up. That’s how this Savory Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry was born. It marries the nostalgia of my childhood with rich, modern flavors. Creamy peanut butter, a touch of heat, sweet honey, and bright lime juice—all swirled into a velvety sauce that clings to juicy chicken and crisp veggies. It’s fast, comforting, and packs a delicious punch in every bite.
Why This Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry Stands Out
The Star of the Show: Peanut Sauce Perfection
The soul of this dish lies in its luscious, savory peanut sauce. Peanut butter is more than just a sandwich spread—it’s the foundation for a sauce that’s nutty, creamy, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. Paired with soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and a touch of honey, it strikes a perfect balance between salty, tangy, and sweet. The addition of chili garlic paste gives it a mild kick, waking up your taste buds without overwhelming the dish.
Quick, Easy & Weeknight Friendly
One of the best things about this stir fry is how effortlessly it comes together. In under 30 minutes, you have a restaurant-quality meal made from simple, pantry-staple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or unexpected guests, this recipe delivers every time without fuss.
Wholesome Ingredients, Bold Flavors
This recipe doesn’t compromise nutrition for taste. It’s protein-packed thanks to lean chicken breasts, fiber-rich with colorful vegetables, and loaded with healthy fats from peanut butter. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit different dietary needs or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
Ingredient Lineup: Simple, Bold & Delicious
For the Juicy Chicken Base:
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
For the Creamy Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy with minimal ingredients)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Directions: Your Path to Stir Fry Bliss
- Sauté the Chicken & Veggies:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil. Cook diced chicken breasts until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside. - Cook the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the diced red bell pepper, yellow onion, and chopped garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. - Prepare the Peanut Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and lime juice until smooth. - Combine Everything:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the peanut sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Finish & Serve:
Remove from heat. Stir in chopped cilantro. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Approximation)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480-550 kcal |
| Protein | 40-45 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18-22 g |
| Fat | 28-32 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5-7 g |
| Fiber | 2-3 g |
| Sugar | 7-9 g |
| Sodium | 850-950 mg |
| Vitamin C | 30-35% |
| Iron | 10-12% |
Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry
While comfort food is often seen as indulgent, this stir fry proves it can also be nourishing:
- High in Protein: Chicken breasts are a lean source of protein, helping to keep you fuller for longer and supporting muscle health.
- Good Fats: Peanut butter offers monounsaturated fats, which are great for heart health.
- Vitamin-Packed Veggies: Red bell peppers and onions bring vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber to the dish.
- Balanced Carbs: Serve it over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice based on your preference for a balanced meal.
Customizable to Fit Every Craving
One of the joys of a stir fry is its adaptability. Here’s how you can make this recipe uniquely yours:
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas.
- Load Up the Veggies: Add broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or bok choy to boost the nutritional profile.
- Dial Up the Heat: Add extra chili garlic paste or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Go Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of traditional rice or noodles.
- Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or almond butter if avoiding peanuts.
How to Store & Reheat Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry
This dish is ideal for meal prep or saving leftovers:
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: While the sauce may slightly change texture, you can freeze cooked chicken and veggies in portions. Thaw overnight before reheating and refreshing with extra sauce, if needed.
Perfect Pairings: Complete Your Stir Fry Experience
Elevate your stir fry night with these pairing ideas:
- Side Ideas: Steamed jasmine rice, soba noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Fresh Additions: Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed peanuts for texture.
- Refreshing Drink: A glass of chilled iced tea, sparkling water with lime, or even a light beer balances out the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes! Crunchy peanut butter works beautifully, adding a little extra texture. Just make sure it’s one with minimal added sugars or oils for the best flavor.
2. Is there a substitute for soy sauce?
If you’re avoiding soy, tamari or coconut aminos are excellent gluten-free and soy-free alternatives. Both provide that salty, umami punch without compromising taste.
3. Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! This sauce pairs well with beef strips, shrimp, pork, or plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your choice.
4. How spicy is this stir fry?
The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on how much chili garlic paste you use. You can easily adjust the heat up or down to suit your taste.
5. Can I make this peanut sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The peanut sauce can be prepared and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir and warm slightly before using.
6. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep. It stores well, reheats beautifully, and the flavors often deepen after a day or two.
A Final Thought: Comfort, Simplicity & Bold Flavor in One Dish
In a world where busy schedules and endless obligations often dictate what ends up on the dinner table, recipes like this Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry offer a welcome reprieve. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a reminder that great food doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s about bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients and transforming them into something memorable and satisfying.
Whether you’re recreating a comforting meal from childhood, experimenting with bold new flavors, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this recipe never disappoints. Each bite carries the warmth of home, the excitement of bold flavors, and the ease of a dish you’ll return to again and again.
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Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken in the Slow Cooker
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This savory Peanut Butter Chicken Stir Fry is a bold, flavor-packed dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce create the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Base:
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy with minimal ingredients)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and sauté the diced chicken breasts until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper, onion, and chopped garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and lime juice until smooth.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, pour in the peanut sauce, and stir well to coat evenly. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat, stir in chopped cilantro, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili garlic paste.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for extra texture.
- Swap chicken with tofu or shrimp for variations.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
