Dinner

Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey November 9, 2025November 9, 2025

Introduction

This Peanut Butter Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are sautéed with fresh vegetables and tossed in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Serve it with your favorite grain or noodles for a satisfying meal.

A white bowl filled half with white fluffy rice on the left side, and on the right side a colorful chicken stir-fry with light brown sauce, bright green broccoli florets, bright orange carrot sticks, and slices of red bell pepper. There are a few chopped peanuts and sesame seeds sprinkled on top, with fresh green cilantro leaves scattered over. A green lime wedge rests on the edge of the stir-fry section. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a small white bowl of peanuts nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch bite-size pieces
4 cups broccoli florets (275 grams)
2 cups julienned red bell peppers (220 grams)
2 cups julienned carrots (185 grams)
3/4 cup peanut sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste
For serving: rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, noodles
For toppings: cilantro, peanuts, sesame seeds, lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Make the peanut sauce according to your preferred recipe or use store-bought. Adjust the flavor to your liking and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low to medium heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same pan with the remaining chicken juices, add broccoli, carrots, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the red bell peppers and continue to sauté for another 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the pan. Pour in the peanut sauce and stir gently to combine. Allow the mixture to warm through for about 1 minute.
Step 5: Serve the peanut butter chicken topped with optional cilantro, peanuts, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice. Pair with your choice of rice, quinoa, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Tips & Variations

Use natural peanut butter to make your own sauce with soy sauce, lime juice, garlic, and a little honey for a fresh flavor.
Add a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for some heat.
Swap vegetables based on what you have, such as snow peas, snap peas, or zucchini.
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of coconut milk along with the peanut sauce.

Storage

Store leftover peanut butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens when chilled, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled halfway on the left with plain white rice, with the right side layered with a colorful chicken stir-fry. The stir-fry has chunky pieces of light golden chicken coated in a creamy sauce, bright green broccoli florets, long orange carrot sticks, and thin red bell pepper slices. The dish is topped with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh green cilantro leaves, with a green lime wedge placed near the top right. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, and a small white bowl with peanuts is partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and tend to stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are larger.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free peanut sauce and tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Always check labels on store-bought sauces to be sure.