Peanuty Chicken Stir Fry {recipe}

If you have ever watched me cook, you know that I am definitely not a recipe follower.  I love coming up with new pasta sauce and stir fry combinations.

I've been wanting to try my hand at a spicy peanut stir fry sauce for a while.  Here is what I came up with for last night's dinner.

Spicy Peanutty Chicken Stir Fry

2 whole chicken breasts, sliced into bite size pieces
1/3 c. peanut butter
1/2 c. water
2 T. soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 T. brown sugar
2 t. rice wine vinegar
2 T. vegetable oil
4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 t. crushed red pepper
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
2 c. chopped broccoli
1 medium red onion, quartered and sliced
1/2 c. unsalted peanuts

In a small bowl, blend the peanut butter, water, soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar; set aside.  In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat.  Add the garlic and red pepper;  saute for about 1 minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.  Add the chicken, and stir fry for about 5 minutes until the chicken pieces are white.  Add the broccoli and onions and stir fry until broccoli is bright green and just becoming tender; about 3 minutes.  Stir in peanut butter mixture.  Cook, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.  Toss in peanuts and serve over brown or white rice.

Hints:
Thinly sliced carrots would be a tasty and colorful addition.
Up the red pepper to 1 t. for added spiciness.
Not a meat fan?  Substitute 1 block diced firm tofu for the chicken.


I loved that the peanuts added just the right crunch to the dish.  It was great served over steaming brown rice.  And, is a great leftover lunch the next day!