Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Name: Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup broccoli florets; 1 cup snap peas; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/4 cup warm water; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional); Cooked rice, for serving

Author: Tessa

Published: August 15, 2025

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Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce has been my go-to for those busy weeknights when I crave something incredibly flavorful but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. There’s nothing quite like the joy of transforming simple ingredients into a vibrant, delicious meal in under 30 minutes. I remember years ago, always reaching for takeout menus, convinced that authentic Asian flavors were too complicated to recreate at home. But through countless experiments and a deep dive into stir-frying techniques, I discovered just how easy and rewarding it is to make dishes like this from scratch.

This recipe isn’t just fast; it’s packed with tender chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a luscious, savory peanut sauce that will make your taste buds sing. As someone who has spent years developing family-friendly recipes with an Asian twist, I can confidently say this stir-fry hits all the right notes for both convenience and taste. It’s truly a weeknight wonder that brings a smile to everyone’s face at the dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

This Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce isn’t just another recipe; it’s a weeknight savior! I know you’ll fall in love with it for so many reasons, making it a regular in your meal rotation. It’s truly a dish that delivers on convenience, flavor, and wholesome goodness, all in one pan.

Lightning Fast: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Endlessly Customizable: Use whatever veggies you have on hand – it’s incredibly forgiving!
Flavor Explosion: The rich, savory peanut sauce is utterly addictive and coats every bite beautifully.
Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about.

The Irresistible Appeal of Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

The magic of this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry lies in its perfect symphony of flavors. That creamy peanut sauce brings a delightful balance of savory, a touch of sweet, and a hint of spicy that just dances on your palate. It completely satisfies those takeout cravings, but with the fresh, wholesome goodness only a homemade meal can provide.

Essential Equipment for Your Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Making a fantastic Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce doesn’t require a kitchen full of gadgets, but a few key pieces of equipment will make your cooking experience much smoother and more efficient. The most crucial item is a really good large skillet or, even better, a wok. This allows for high heat and even cooking, which is essential for that perfect stir-fry texture.

Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for high-heat cooking and tossing ingredients.
Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For quick and uniform veggie prep.
Whisk: To get that peanut sauce perfectly smooth.
Medium Bowl: For marinating the chicken.

Ingredients for a Perfect Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

Crafting a truly perfect Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce starts with gathering the right ingredients. I’ve broken them down into logical groups to make your prep even easier. Each component plays a vital role in building those incredible layers of flavor and texture, so let’s get everything ready!

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce - detail 1

For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup packed broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
For the Creamy Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a kick!)
For Serving: Cooked rice

Key Ingredients for Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry Marinade

The marinade for this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is where the magic begins for tender, flavorful chicken. The soy sauce infuses a rich umami depth, while the cornstarch works wonders to tenderize the chicken and create a silky coating. A touch of sesame oil adds that distinct aromatic note that signals delicious Asian-inspired cooking.

Fresh Vegetables for Your Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

For this stir-fry, I love using a colorful mix of vegetables that offer both crunch and nutrients. The 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced, and a green bell pepper bring sweetness and vibrant color. Crisp 1 cup snap peas add a delightful pop, while broccoli florets and shredded carrots round out the nutritional punch. Feel free to swap in your favorites!

Crafting the Creamy Peanut Sauce for Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

The star of our Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is definitely this creamy peanut sauce. It’s all about balancing flavors: 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter provides a rich, nutty base, thinned with 1/4 cup warm water. Then, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar adds a lovely tang, and 1 tablespoon honey brings a touch of sweetness. For a little heat, I love to add 1 teaspoon sriracha.

How to Prepare Your Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Making this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is a breeze once you have all your ingredients prepped. The key to a successful stir-fry is high heat and quick cooking, so make sure your pan is hot and your ingredients are ready to go. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. I’ll walk you through each part, from marinating to that final, glorious toss in peanut sauce.

Marinating the Chicken for Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

The first step to a tender and flavorful Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is giving your chicken a little love. In a medium bowl, combine your chicken pieces with the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or even longer in the fridge if you have the time. This simple step locks in moisture and adds a foundational layer of flavor.

Cooking the Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry Components

Now, let’s get cooking! Heat your olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add your marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside. Next, add your red and green bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until they’re crisp-tender. Finish this stage by adding the minced garlic and grated ginger, stir-frying for just 1 minute until fragrant.

Assembling and Finishing the Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

While your veggies are stir-frying, whisk together the peanut butter, warm water, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha (if you’re using it) in a small bowl until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Once your vegetables are ready, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour that luscious peanut sauce over everything, tossing gently to ensure every piece of chicken and every vegetable is coated. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly and clings beautifully to the ingredients. Serve your amazing Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry immediately over fluffy cooked rice!

Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce - detail 2

Tips for a Fantastic Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry Experience

To truly elevate your Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce, I’ve got a few golden rules I always follow. First, never overcrowd your pan. If you add too much at once, the temperature drops, and your ingredients will steam instead of stir-fry, leading to soggy results. Cook in batches if necessary! Always use high heat; that’s the secret to crisp-tender veggies and beautifully seared chicken. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the sriracha in the peanut sauce to hit your perfect spice level. Finally, save time by chopping all your vegetables and prepping your sauce before you even turn on the stove.

Achieving the Best Texture in Your Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

The key to a stellar stir-fry is texture. For perfectly tender chicken, ensure it’s cut into uniform 1-inch pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly. For the vegetables, chop them roughly the same size so they become crisp-tender at the same time. Never overcook them; you want a slight bite, not mush! High heat and quick cooking are your best friends here.

Variations for Your Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce

One of the best things about this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry is how incredibly adaptable it is! If chicken isn’t your thing, feel free to swap it out for firm tofu, shrimp, or even thinly sliced beef or lamb. For vegetables, the sky’s the limit! Try adding sliced mushrooms, bok choy, or zucchini. You can also play with the spice level by adding more sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of chili garlic sauce for an extra kick. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Common Questions About Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

I get a lot of questions about how to best enjoy and adapt this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry, and I’m always happy to share my insights! Whether you’re thinking about meal prep, dietary needs, or just making sure your leftovers are as delicious as the first bite, here are some common queries I hear from fellow home cooks.

Can I make this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry gluten-free?

Absolutely! Making this Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry gluten-free is quite simple. The main ingredient you’ll need to swap is the soy sauce. Just opt for a gluten-free tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce. Always double-check the labels on your other ingredients, especially the peanut butter, to ensure they’re free from hidden gluten. Enjoy!

How long does Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry last in the refrigerator?

Your delicious Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any uneaten portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until it’s warmed through. Sometimes a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry

Please remember that the nutritional values provided here are estimates. They can vary significantly based on the specific brands of ingredients you use, how much oil is absorbed, and exact portion sizes. This information is intended as a general guide, not a precise dietary calculation, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re getting in each delicious serving of Chicken and Veggie Stir-Fry.