If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and spicy flavors with a velvety sauce that clings to tender chicken and crisp vegetables, look no further than this Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe. It’s a luscious, satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. The creamy peanut butter base adds a wonderful richness while the fresh veggies bring vibrant color and crunch, making every bite a delightful experience that your whole family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key to creating a harmonious taste and texture in this Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe. Each component plays an essential role: the peanut butter contributes creaminess, the vegetables add brightness and crunch, while the perfectly seasoned chicken brings it all together with hearty flavor.
- Creamy peanut butter: Forms the rich, luscious base that defines the sauce’s character.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture to the sauce without overpowering the peanut flavor.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness in a balanced way.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and balances savory elements beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with aromatic warmth and a slight pungency.
- Hot sauce: Brings a gentle heat that livens up the flavor profile.
- Peanut oil (or olive oil): Perfect for stir-frying, it imparts subtle nutty notes and crisps up chicken and vegetables.
- Broccoli florets: Offer vibrant green color and satisfyingly firm texture.
- Baby carrots (julienned): Add sweetness, crunch, and a gorgeous orange hue.
- Red bell pepper (sliced): Provides a mild sweetness and bright red contrast.
- Boneless chicken breast or thighs: The protein star, tender and juicy when cooked just right.
- White pepper: Adds subtle heat without overwhelming other spices.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Paprika: Introduces a mild smoky undertone and beautiful color.
- Cornstarch: Helps to crisp the chicken and naturally thickens the sauce.
- Cooked rice: The perfect base for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Green onions: Fresh garnishes that add a pop of color and mild onion flavor.
- Chopped peanuts: Provide delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor as a finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Sauce
Start by combining all your sauce ingredients in a medium bowl: creamy peanut butter, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and hot sauce. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Setting this sauce aside allows the flavors to meld and gets you ready for the exciting stir-fry process ahead.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the broccoli florets and julienned baby carrots, stirring frequently for about 3 to 4 minutes so they soften just slightly but maintain their crispness. Next, add the sliced red bell peppers and cook another 1 to 2 minutes. Once vibrant and tender-crisp, remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside to keep their bright colors and fresh taste intact.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Cut your boneless chicken into bite-size pieces about 2 inches long. Pat each piece completely dry to ensure they crisp up nicely. Sprinkle the chicken with white pepper, salt, and paprika, then use kitchen tongs to toss the pieces and coat them evenly. Lightly dust with cornstarch and toss again—this step is essential for that golden, crispy exterior.
Step 4: Heat Up the Oil
In the same skillet, pour in 1/3 cup of peanut oil and heat it over medium-high. This amount of oil is perfect for frying your chicken in batches, helping develop that sought-after crisp texture without crowding the pan.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Add the chicken in batches, making sure to leave enough space around each piece so they cook evenly and brown beautifully. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until the bottoms turn a light golden brown and the outsides get crispy. Adjust the heat as necessary throughout cooking to avoid burning and keep that gorgeous texture.
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Carefully wipe away any excess oil from the skillet, then return the cooked chicken pieces to the pan. Give your peanut sauce a quick whisk and pour it over the chicken. Toss everything together gently to ensure each piece is coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce that’s about to thicken perfectly.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
Turn the heat down to medium and let the sauce come to a gentle simmer. The natural cornstarch on the chicken helps thicken the sauce, making it wonderfully velvety and clingy. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Once thickened to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
Step 8: Finish with Vegetables & Garnish
Add the sautéed vegetables back into the skillet with the chicken and tofu sauce, tossing them to combine and warm through. Alternatively, you can serve the veggies on the side if you prefer to keep textures distinct. Garnish the dish with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts to inject extra crunch and a burst of fresh flavor before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra wow factor, top your dish with a handful of chopped peanuts—they add a satisfying crunch and boost the peanut flavor beautifully. Fresh green onions not only look stunning in contrast to the sauce but also bring a mild sharp freshness that lifts the whole dish.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe shines best served over fluffy white rice, which soaks up every last bit of that sumptuous sauce, but feel free to get creative with vegetable fried rice or even noodles for a twist. Simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice are also excellent companions, providing fragrant, comforting support that complements the rich flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl to highlight its vibrant colors and inviting textures. You can also portion into individual bowls layered with freshly chopped herbs like cilantro or mint for a pop of brightness. To impress guests, drizzle a little extra peanut butter sauce around the plate or sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a restaurant-quality touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply transfer them into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen a bit as they rest, making the next-day meal just as delicious, if not better.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if needed by placing cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It will hold well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through so the sauce stays creamy and luscious. If the sauce seems too thick when reheated, add a splash of water to loosen it up and restore its silkiness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of nut butter for this recipe?
While creamy peanut butter is essential for that classic flavor and texture in this dish, you could experiment with almond or cashew butter for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the taste and consistency might change slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
The stir-fry has a gentle kick from the hot sauce, but it’s mild overall. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your heat preference or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
Definitely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The peanut sauce remains delicious and creamy, providing plenty of flavor.
What’s the best way to cook the rice to serve with this stir-fry?
For perfectly cooked rice, rinse it under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then cook with 1.5 to 2 times the amount of water over medium heat. Let it steam off the heat for 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork to keep grains separate and fluffy.
Can I prepare any part of this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save cooking day stress. Chicken can also be seasoned and coated with cornstarch beforehand but fry it fresh for the best crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and easy enough to make any night of the week. Its beautiful balance of creamy sauce, vibrant veggies, and crispy chicken will quickly make it a favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds and surprising everyone with your incredible cooking skills!
Print
Creamy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry with Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American fusion with Asian influences
Description
Peanut Butter Chicken is a deliciously creamy and savory dish that combines tender, crispy chicken pieces with a rich peanut butter sauce and vibrant sautéed vegetables. This recipe perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors, making it an easy yet impressive meal served best with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Sauce
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce
Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons peanut oil (can substitute olive oil)
- 2 ½ cups broccoli florets
- ¾ cup baby carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup cornstarch
- â…“ cup peanut oil (can substitute olive oil)
To Serve & Garnish
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together the creamy peanut butter, chicken broth, low sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and hot sauce in a medium bowl until smooth. Set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the broccoli florets and julienned baby carrots, cooking and stirring frequently for 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add the sliced red bell pepper and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until all vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless chicken into approximately 2-inch pieces and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with white pepper, salt, and paprika, then use tongs to toss and coat evenly. Sprinkle the cornstarch over the chicken pieces and toss again to coat completely.
- Heat oil for frying: In the same large skillet, add â…“ cup of peanut oil and heat over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
- Fry the chicken: Fry the chicken in batches in the hot oil, making sure to leave space around each piece to allow the edges to crisp properly. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until each piece is light brown and crispy on the outside. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- Remove excess oil and add sauce: Carefully pour out excess oil from the skillet, wiping it away if needed. Return all the fried chicken pieces to the skillet. Whisk the prepared peanut sauce again and pour it over the chicken. Toss gently to coat all pieces thoroughly in the sauce.
- Simmer to thicken: Reduce heat to medium and let the sauce heat through and thicken, leveraging the cornstarch coating on the chicken. Stir occasionally and cook until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a few splashes of water to loosen it slightly. Remove from heat once ready.
- Combine or serve vegetables: Add the sautéed vegetables into the skillet with the chicken and sauce, tossing them together, or serve the vegetables on the side according to preference.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with sliced green onions and roughly chopped peanuts. Serve hot alongside cooked white rice, vegetable fried rice, or noodles.
Notes
- For perfectly cooked white rice, rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until water runs clear, then combine it with 1 â…“ cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let it steam, covered, for an additional 10 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- You can substitute olive oil for peanut oil if desired, but peanut oil enhances the nutty flavor.
- Adjust hot sauce amount based on your heat preference.
- Chicken thighs will give you a juicier texture; breasts will be leaner.
- If sauce thickens too much upon standing, gently reheat and add a splash of water to loosen.
