Name: Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your choice of oil); 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 zucchini, chopped; 1/2 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional); 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky); 1/4 cup soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a healthier option); 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat); Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish); Optional: Crushed peanuts and lime wedges for serving

A savory and slightly spicy skillet dish with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy peanut sauce. This one-pan meal is packed with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, it combines protein-rich chicken with colorful vegetables and a deeply flavorful peanut sauce that brings the whole dish together. It’s healthy, adaptable to what you have on hand, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Plus, everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your delicious creation. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution or planning your weekly meal prep, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience.

Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs create the protein foundation of this dish. They cook quickly and absorb the savory peanut sauce beautifully. You can use either cut based on your preference – thighs tend to be more flavorful and forgiving, while breasts are leaner.

Olive oil helps brown the chicken and sauté the vegetables without sticking. Any neutral cooking oil you have on hand will work perfectly.

Red bell pepper adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to the skillet. Its mild flavor complements the peanut sauce while providing excellent vitamin C.

Zucchini contributes a tender-crisp texture and mild flavor that absorbs the sauce wonderfully. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables without overpowering the dish.

Onion creates an aromatic base that enhances all the other flavors. When sautéed, it becomes sweet and mellow, adding depth to the dish.

Garlic infuses the entire skillet with its distinctive aroma and flavor. Fresh is best, but pre-minced garlic works in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Fresh ginger brings a bright, zingy note that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce. While optional, it adds an authentic touch to the Asian-inspired flavors.

Peanut butter forms the creamy, nutty base of the sauce. Either smooth or chunky works well, depending on your texture preference. Natural varieties with minimal ingredients typically yield the best flavor.

Soy sauce provides that essential umami flavor and saltiness that makes the sauce irresistible. Low-sodium versions work well if you’re watching your salt intake.

Rice vinegar adds a necessary tang that balances the rich peanut butter and sweet honey. Its mild flavor won’t overwhelm the dish like stronger vinegars might.

Honey sweetens the sauce slightly and helps it caramelize beautifully when cooking. It balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and acidity of the vinegar.

Sriracha brings optional heat that you can adjust to your preference. A little goes a long way in providing a pleasant background warmth.

Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy finish that brightens the rich flavors of the dish. If you’re not a cilantro fan, flat-leaf parsley or sliced green onions make excellent alternatives.

Directions

Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the ginger (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha (if using) until smooth and well combined. Add a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.
Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges. Serve with rice, quinoa, or over greens for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for an individual.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal per serving

Variations

Protein Swap: Replace chicken with thinly sliced beef, shrimp, or firm tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

Vegetable Variations: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Try adding broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms based on what’s in your refrigerator.

Spice Levels: Increase sriracha or add red pepper flakes for more heat. For a milder version, skip the spicy elements entirely.

Thai-Inspired: Add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste to the sauce and a splash of coconut milk for a Thai-inspired variation.

Lower Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb alternative.

Nutty Twist: Replace peanut butter with almond butter for a different flavor profile and allergen-friendly option.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often develop further after a day, making this dish excellent for meal prep.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers, cool completely before freezing, and leave some space for expansion.

Reheating from Refrigerated: Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and heat on medium-low until warmed through.

Reheating from Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, then reheat as above. Alternatively, reheat directly from frozen using the microwave’s defrost setting first, then regular heating.

Freshening Up Leftovers: Add a splash of lime juice and fresh herbs after reheating to revitalize the flavors. A sprinkle of crushed peanuts adds back the texture that may soften during storage.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this skillet dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter if I have allergies?

Absolutely! You can use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini as alternatives. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, but they all work well in creating a creamy sauce.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, both excellent gluten-free alternatives. Double-check your peanut butter ingredients as well, though most are naturally gluten-free.

What can I serve with this peanut chicken skillet?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles. For a lower-carb option, serve it over mixed greens or spiralized vegetables.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Replace the chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables. For a vegan version, substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

How spicy is this dish?

With the recipe as written, it has a mild to medium heat level. You can easily adjust by omitting the sriracha altogether for no spice, or increasing it for more heat. Adding red pepper flakes is another way to increase spiciness.

Can I use natural peanut butter or does it need to be the processed kind?

Natural peanut butter works beautifully in this recipe and is actually preferred for its genuine peanut flavor. Just make sure to stir it well before measuring if it has separated.

How do I prevent the peanut sauce from becoming too thick?

If your peanut sauce becomes too thick, simply add water, chicken broth, or even a splash of coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Bell peppers of any color, broccoli, carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, and bean sprouts all work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times as needed for harder vegetables.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Most children enjoy the mild peanut flavor in this dish. For a kid-friendly version, reduce or omit the sriracha and consider serving the sauce on the side for picky eaters to control their portion.

Conclusion

This Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is more than just a quick weeknight dinner—it’s a versatile, flavor-packed meal that brings together protein, vegetables, and a crave-worthy sauce in one convenient dish. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or just looking to expand your recipe repertoire, this skillet creation delivers satisfaction with minimal effort.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. From swapping proteins to changing up vegetables based on what’s in season, you can make this dish your own while maintaining its core deliciousness. The peanut sauce ties everything together with its perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes.

Try it once, and we’re confident it will become a regular in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!