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For the Peanut Chicken Skillet, you need the following main items: - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons peanut oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece of ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - ½ cup unsweetened peanut butter You’ll also need some pantry staples to create the sauce: - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon honey - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust to taste) - ¼ cup chicken broth or water To make your dish pop, add these garnishes: - 4 green onions, sliced - Crushed peanuts By gathering these ingredients, you set the stage for a tasty meal. Each item plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, this recipe can shine with fresh ingredients and a few pantry staples. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need chicken, peanut oil, onion, garlic, ginger, bell pepper, broccoli, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, chicken broth, green onions, and crushed peanuts. 1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of peanut oil over medium heat. 2. Cook the Chicken: Add 1 pound of chicken breast pieces. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes. Cook until the chicken is browned and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set it aside. 3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1-inch grated ginger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns clear. 4. Add Peppers and Broccoli: Toss in 1 sliced red bell pepper and 1 cup of broccoli florets. Cook for about 5 minutes. Stir often until the veggies stay crisp but tender. - Heating oil: 1 minute or until hot. - Cooking chicken: 5-7 minutes. - Sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger: 2-3 minutes. - Cooking peppers and broccoli: 5 minutes. - Preparing the sauce: 2 minutes. - Combining all ingredients: 2-3 minutes. Total cooking time is about 25 minutes, making this dish quick and enjoyable. - Cut chicken into small, uniform pieces. This helps them cook evenly. - Do not overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if needed. - Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This gives a nice sear. - Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps it juicy and tender. - Always check that the chicken is cooked through, with no pink inside. To make your peanut chicken skillet shine, focus on fresh ingredients. Use ripe veggies like red bell peppers and crunchy broccoli. They add color and taste. A great tip is to sauté your garlic and ginger until fragrant before adding anything else. This step brings out their flavor. Don't forget the peanut butter! Choose a creamy, unsweetened type for the best sauce. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. Cook just until it's no longer pink. This keeps it juicy. Also, avoid adding too much liquid to your sauce. If it’s too thin, it won’t coat the dish well. Lastly, don’t skip the garnishes! Sliced green onions and crushed peanuts give your dish a nice crunch. Adjusting the spice level is easy. Start with a small amount of sriracha, then taste. If you want more heat, add a bit more. You can also mix in red pepper flakes for a different flavor. If you prefer milder dishes, skip the sriracha. The sweet honey balances flavors nicely, making it a perfect dish for all tastes. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure that the chicken is cut into uniform pieces for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Vegetable Crunch: To maintain the vibrant color and crunch of the vegetables, avoid overcooking them. Aim for a tender but crisp texture. Customizing the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference. Start with less and add more as needed to avoid overpowering the dish. Garnishing for Flavor: Don't skip the garnishes! Sliced green onions and crushed peanuts not only add flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Both add unique tastes. If you want a kick, use spicy peanut butter. You can also swap the veggies. Try snap peas or carrots. Each change brings a new twist. To make this dish vegetarian, replace chicken with firm tofu. Just cube the tofu and sauté it as you would the chicken. For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey. This keeps the dish sweet and tasty without animal products. Peanut butter is great, but you can use almond or cashew butter too. Each nut gives a different flavor. For sauces, try tahini or sunbutter for a nut-free version. Mix up the sauces to keep the meal exciting every time you cook it. To keep your peanut chicken skillet fresh, let it cool first. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to store the rice or quinoa separately to avoid sogginess. When you're ready to eat, heat the leftovers in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. If it's too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps bring back the dish’s creamy texture. You can freeze the peanut chicken skillet for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It lasts about two months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then follow the reheating tips above for best results. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, it’s best to thaw it first. When thawed, the chicken cooks better and tastes great. To thaw chicken, place it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. This method helps keep your chicken juicy and tender. You can serve this dish with cooked jasmine rice or quinoa. Both options soak up the peanut sauce well. For added crunch, consider a side of fresh salad or steamed veggies. You can also pair it with warm naan or whole wheat wraps for a fun twist. To make the recipe low-carb, skip the rice or quinoa. Instead, serve it over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. These options are low in carbs but still yummy. You can also increase the amount of veggies like broccoli and bell peppers for added fiber and nutrients. This blog post explored the Peanut Chicken Skillet, detailing its key ingredients and cooking steps. We discussed tips for perfecting flavor and avoiding common mistakes. You learned how to customize this dish and substitute ingredients for different tastes. I also shared storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. In my final thoughts, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. Enjoy trying new flavors and sharing them with others!

Peanut Chicken Skillet

A delicious and quick skillet dish featuring chicken, vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons peanut oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 0.25 cup chicken broth or water
  • 4 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 serving crushed peanuts (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked jasmine rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the diced onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
  • Toss in the sliced red bell pepper and broccoli florets. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  • In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, and chicken broth until smooth.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • Serve the peanut chicken skillet over cooked jasmine rice or quinoa.
  • Top the dish with sliced green onions and crushed peanuts for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

Adjust sriracha to taste for desired spiciness.
Keyword chicken, peanut, quick meal, skillet