Name: Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast, chopped into bite-sized pieces; 3 tablespoons corn starch (or almond flour); 1/4 cup peanut butter; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (or keto teriyaki sauce); 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/2 cup water; 2 tablespoons oil (to fry)

I’m so excited to share this one with you! If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both satisfying and lightning quick, this Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe will become your new best friend. It’s packed with flavor, easy to whip up, and feels like a comforting takeout dish—without any of the guilt or fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step, plus some tips to make sure your stir-fry turns out absolutely perfect every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: You can have dinner on the table in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor Explosion: The peanut butter and hoisin sauce create a sauce that’s rich, savory, and just a little sweet.
Low Carb & Healthy: This dish is light but filling, with lean chicken breast and minimal carbs.
Family Friendly: My family absolutely goes crazy for this, especially on nights when we want comfort food without a ton of effort.

The image shows a close-up of many fried shrimp coated in a shiny, golden brown sauce that looks sticky and thick. The shrimp are arranged closely together, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and small green onion pieces, adding texture and color contrast. The surface underneath has a white marbled texture. The overall look is rich and appetizing, with the shrimp pieces having a crispy yet saucy finish, glowing under warm light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe work in harmony to deliver that perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet notes. You likely have many of these on hand, but here’s what to look for to make it shine.

Chicken breast: I recommend boneless, skinless breast for quick cooking and lean protein. Cut it evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Corn starch: This helps the chicken get that nice, slightly crispy texture and thickens the sauce. Almond flour works well if you’re avoiding grains.
Peanut butter: Choose natural or creamy—either works. This ingredient is the star that makes everything come together.
Hoisin sauce: Adds sweetness and depth. You can swap with keto teriyaki sauce if you want a lower sugar option.
Soy sauce: Brings salty umami flavor. Use low sodium if you prefer less salt.
Sesame oil: Just a touch adds a beautiful, nutty aroma that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic boosts flavor with its aromatic punch.
Water: Helps the sauce reach a silky consistency without being too thick.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for cooking the chicken evenly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love tweaking this Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe based on what I have in the fridge or the mood I’m in. Feel free to make it your own—the possibilities are endless!

Add Veggies: I sometimes throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and crunch. It makes it a one-pan meal.
Make it Spicy: If you love a little heat, a splash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes works wonders.
Keto Friendly: Swap cornstarch for almond flour and use a sugar-free hoisin or teriyaki sauce.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and frying until crispy before mixing in the sauce.

How to Make Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Coat the Chicken for Perfect Texture

Start by tossing your bite-sized chicken pieces with cornstarch (or almond flour). This little trick locks in moisture and gives the chicken a wonderfully silky yet slightly crispy exterior once cooked. Make sure each piece is evenly coated but shake off any excess flour—it helps avoid clumping in the pan.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Peanut Sauce

Next, mix peanut butter, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and water in a bowl until smooth. This sauce comes together quickly and is the magic that transforms simple chicken into something crave-worthy. Pro tip: If your peanut butter is super thick, warming it slightly helps it blend smoothly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Heat your oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all pink is gone. You want each piece golden on the outside but juicy inside—avoid overcrowding the pan for even cooking.

Step 4: Combine Sauce and Chicken and Thicken

Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken and stir to coat every bite. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken beautifully. The smell at this point? Absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for extra texture and color. This little touch adds freshness and makes it look restaurant-level gorgeous.

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Pro Tips for Making Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures even sear and keeps it juicy.
Use Fresh Garlic: It lifts the sauce immensely beyond what garlic powder can do.
Adjust Sauce Thickness: If your sauce gets too thick, a splash more water can loosen it to your liking.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be shy to tweak sweetness or saltiness before finishing—everyone’s palate is a little different.

How to Serve Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with several pieces of golden brown chicken coated in a shiny, thick sauce. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with small white sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions scattered on top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a gray and white striped cloth partially visible beneath it. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish with a generous sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. They add crunch and a little pop of color that makes such a difference. Sometimes I throw on a handful of fresh cilantro if I have it around for a bright, herbal twist.

Side Dishes

This Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy jasmine rice or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it low carb. Steamed broccoli or a quick cucumber salad also complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this stir-fry over a bed of spiralized zucchini noodles for a fun twist. Another favorite is layering it atop a crisp lettuce cup for a fresh, hand-held bite that’s perfect for casual dinners or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover peanut butter chicken stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate any rice or sides so the chicken stays saucy and fresh. When reheating, adding a splash of water helps revive the sauce.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish before with good results. Just cool it completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 2 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring often to prevent burning. Adding a little water or broth keeps the sauce smooth and delicious. Microwave works fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use peanut butter powder instead of creamy peanut butter?

Yes! Peanut butter powder works as a lower-fat alternative. You’ll want to mix it with a little extra water or oil to recreate that creamy sauce texture in this Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free. Swapping cornstarch for almond flour also keeps it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Firm tofu or tempeh are great substitutes for chicken. Just press the tofu well, cut into cubes, and pan-fry until golden before tossing with the sauce.
How can I make this stir-fry less sweet?

You can reduce or omit the hoisin sauce and add a splash more soy sauce or a little rice vinegar for tang to balance out sweetness without losing flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Quick and Easy Peanut Butter Chicken Stir-Fry Recipe has been a lifesaver on my busiest nights, delivering impressive flavors with almost no prep time. I absolutely love how creamy and comforting it is without being heavy or complicated. Give it a try—you’re going to love the way it turns out, and it might just become a regular in your rotation like it did in mine. Trust me, your dinner table will thank you!