The tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and rich satay sauce come together in this stir-fry to create an irresistible meal. The creamy peanut butter sauce adds a smooth, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken and veggies.
Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight meals or impress your guests with a unique dish, this Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and provides a great balance of protein and vegetables. Plus, it’s fully customizable — add more chili paste for extra heat or swap out the veggies based on what you have in your fridge. This dish will soon become a family favorite!
Full Recipe:
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500g (1 lb) chicken breast, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 onion, thinly sliced
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1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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1 zucchini, thinly sliced
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1 cup snow peas
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2 tablespoons soy sauce
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2 tablespoons peanut butter
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1 tablespoon brown sugar
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon ginger, minced
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1 teaspoon chili paste (optional)
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1/2 cup coconut milk
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1/2 cup chicken stock
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
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Add sliced chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add onion, red bell pepper, and zucchini. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender.
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Add snow peas and stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, chili paste (if using), coconut milk, and chicken stock.
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Return chicken to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and stir to coat everything evenly.
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Simmer for 5-6 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is cooked through.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry – A Delicious Takeout Favorite at Home
The Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry is a flavorful, made-from-scratch recipe that has all the essential qualities of a favorite Chinese takeout dish but without the need for complex ingredients or techniques. While it differs from the more traditional Malaysian and Thai satay, this dish brings its own unique spin with an easy-to-make, tasty satay sauce that will satisfy your cravings in no time. This dish is a perfect example of how Chinese cuisine evolves to cater to diverse tastes, and it holds a special place in many homes due to its simplicity, flavor, and convenience.
A Satay Sauce That Delivers Full Flavor
One of the things that make this stir-fry unique is the satay sauce, which is much different from the coconut-heavy versions found in Malaysian and Thai cuisines. It’s less peanut-centric and lacks the crushed peanuts typically found in other versions of satay. Instead, it boasts a stronger, more pronounced flavor that comes from a blend of satay seasoning. This simplified sauce gives the dish an unforgettable savory taste that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken and crunchy vegetables.
The sauce itself is made with a blend of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, such as peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sriracha, among others. This homemade approach allows you to avoid the often difficult-to-find Jimmy’s Satay Sauce used by Chinese takeout restaurants, but you still get the same satisfying flavor that people love. By combining these everyday ingredients, you can recreate the beloved dish at home, knowing exactly what goes into it.
Tender Chicken for the Perfect Stir-Fry
Chicken thigh is the preferred choice for this dish, as it’s more tender and juicy compared to chicken breast or tenderloin. However, if you prefer chicken breast, there’s a simple technique you can use to tenderize it, known as velveting. This method, commonly used in Chinese restaurants, involves using baking soda to break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a softer, more succulent texture that mimics restaurant-quality chicken. This step is optional but can significantly improve the dish’s final result.
A Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that it’s designed to be quick and simple, perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something flavorful but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The recipe doesn’t require any grinding of peanuts or chopping of fresh lemongrass, which can be a time-consuming task in some satay dishes. Instead, lemongrass paste is used, providing the flavor of fresh lemongrass without the hassle. Additionally, the ingredients are accessible, and there’s no need for specialty equipment, making this recipe both efficient and accessible for home cooks.
While this stir-fry is fast and easy, it doesn’t compromise on flavor. The combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a rich satay sauce ensures that every bite is packed with mouthwatering tastes. You can also make the dish your own by customizing the vegetables or adjusting the level of heat with extra sriracha or chili paste if desired.
The Convenience of a Homemade Satay Sauce
In the past, replicating the takeout version of this dish meant searching for specific store-bought sauces, some of which might not be available in all areas. But with this homemade satay sauce, you can achieve the same rich flavor without relying on store-bought brands. By using ingredients like peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and coconut milk, you can create a flavorful sauce from scratch that works wonders in this stir-fry. This homemade approach gives you full control over the flavor, and you can tweak the ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Perfect for Family Meals or Entertaining
Not only is this Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also an excellent dish to serve when entertaining guests. The vibrant colors of the stir-fried vegetables, coupled with the glossy, savory sauce, make for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to scale the recipe up for larger groups or family gatherings. Serve it with steamed rice, or for a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully as a substitute.
A Versatile Recipe for Any Occasion
This recipe’s versatility is one of its standout features. If you want to make it vegetarian or vegan, you can easily swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh. The stir-fry sauce can also be customized to suit different tastes—whether you prefer it spicier with extra sriracha or milder for younger palates, this dish can be adapted for any occasion. The combination of fresh, healthy ingredients and the irresistible satay sauce means that it can be enjoyed by people with a variety of dietary preferences.
The Joy of Cooking Chinese Takeout at Home
For those who love Chinese takeout but are looking for a healthier, more homemade option, this Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry is a fantastic choice. It offers the same delicious flavors you’d expect from your local Chinese restaurant but is made using fresh, whole ingredients that you control. Plus, it’s a fun dish to prepare with the whole family or as part of a meal prep routine for the week. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to make it on autopilot, knowing you’re getting a meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chinese Satay Chicken Stir-Fry is a fantastic recipe to add to your collection. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. With tender chicken, a homemade satay sauce that brings all the right flavors to the table, and the flexibility to cater to different tastes and dietary needs, it’s no surprise this dish is a favorite. Whether you’re looking for a midweek dinner or something to serve to guests, this stir-fry ticks all the boxes. Try it today, and enjoy the rich, savory flavors that make Chinese takeout so irresistible—all made from the comfort of your own kitchen.