This Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a quick and flavorful dish featuring ground chicken, crunchy slaw, and a creamy peanut sauce. It’s packed with umami-rich flavors from soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and garlic. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, and garnish with fresh herbs and lime for extra brightness.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

⅓ cup smooth peanut butter
3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (preferably low-sodium)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
1 pound ground chicken (preferably dark meat)
¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (12- to 14-ounce) bag coleslaw, broccoli slaw mix, or a combination (about 5 cups)
Optional garnishes: Thinly sliced scallions, chopped fresh cilantro leaves, lime wedges, hot sauce
For serving (optional): Cooked rice or noodles

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the peanut sauce
In a medium bowl, stir together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons of toasted sesame oil until well combined. It may look curdled at first but will smooth out as you mix.

Step 2: Cook the chicken
Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, salt, and black pepper. Cook, breaking up the meat into small pieces, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add garlic and vegetables
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the coleslaw mix and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4: Combine with peanut sauce
Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well until everything is evenly coated. The sauce will thin out as it mixes with the heat and juices. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve
Garnish with scallions, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce if desired. Serve on its own or with cooked rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrients (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 769
Total Fat: 46.0g (70.8% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 9.1g (45.7% DV)
Carbohydrates: 56.3g (18.8% DV)
- Fiber: 6.0g (24.0% DV)
- Sugars: 31.5g
Protein: 34.1g (68.1% DV)
Sodium: 1238mg (51.6% DV)

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Quick & Easy: This skillet meal takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
One-Pan Convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning fewer dishes to wash.
Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein from ground chicken, healthy fats from peanut butter, and fiber from fresh vegetables, this dish is both nourishing and delicious.
Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap out the vegetables, or use a different protein to fit your preferences.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy peanut sauce makes this dish appealing to kids while still being flavorful enough for adults.

The Perfect Peanut Sauce

The star of this dish is the peanut sauce, which is creamy, nutty, and packed with bold flavors. Here’s why it works so well:

Peanut Butter: Provides richness and a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory elements of the dish.
Soy Sauce: Adds a deep umami taste that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.
Rice Vinegar: Brings a tangy contrast that brightens up the dish.
Toasted Sesame Oil: Enhances the overall nuttiness while adding depth and warmth.

This sauce ties everything together, coating the chicken and vegetables in a velvety, flavorful layer that makes every bite irresistible.

Why Ground Chicken Works Best

Ground chicken is an excellent protein choice for this dish because:

It Cooks Quickly: Ground chicken browns in just a few minutes, making this recipe perfect for busy nights.
It Absorbs Flavors Well: Because it has a mild taste, it soaks up the peanut sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
It’s a Lean Protein Option: While dark meat is preferred for juiciness, both light and dark meat work well in this dish.

If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.

The Role of Vegetables in This Dish

This skillet meal is not only about protein and sauce—it also includes a generous serving of vegetables for added crunch, flavor, and nutrients.

Coleslaw or Broccoli Slaw Mix: Pre-packaged slaw mixes make this recipe incredibly easy while adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Garlic: A must-have for any flavorful skillet dish, garlic enhances the depth of the sauce and the overall savoriness of the meal.
Scallions & Cilantro (Garnish): These fresh herbs provide a final touch of brightness and freshness.

You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas, to make this dish even more colorful and nutrient-dense.

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is delicious on its own, serving it with a starch makes it even more satisfying. Here are a few options:

Steamed White or Brown Rice: A classic pairing that absorbs the creamy peanut sauce beautifully.
Noodles: Toss the skillet mixture with rice noodles, udon, or even spaghetti for a heartier meal.
Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that still soaks up the flavors of the dish.
Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken and vegetables in crisp lettuce cups.

Customizing the Recipe to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is how versatile it is. Here are some ways to customize it:

Make it Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a chopped fresh chili for heat.
Use Different Proteins: Swap out ground chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef.
Adjust the Peanut Sauce: For a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of honey. For a more intense umami flavor, increase the soy sauce slightly.
Add More Crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts on top before serving for an extra crunchy texture.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This dish is great for meal prep because it reheats well and stays fresh for several days. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing: The chicken and vegetable mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

This Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is packed with wholesome ingredients that provide a variety of health benefits:

High in Protein: With 34g of protein per serving, this dish helps build and repair muscle while keeping you full.
Healthy Fats: The peanut butter and sesame oil provide essential fats that support brain health and keep you satisfied.
Fiber-Rich: Thanks to the coleslaw mix and optional brown rice, this dish provides a good amount of fiber for digestion.
Low in Added Sugar: The natural peanut butter and soy sauce give enough flavor without needing excessive sugar.

Why This Recipe Works for Any Occasion

Busy Weeknights: With minimal prep and one-pan cooking, this dish is perfect for a quick dinner.
Meal Prep: It stores well, making it an excellent option for prepping ahead of time.
Family-Friendly: Kids love the creamy peanut sauce, making it a great way to introduce new flavors to picky eaters.
Entertaining Guests: Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it an impressive yet easy dish to serve at casual gatherings.

Conclusion

Peanut Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner that satisfies every craving. With its creamy, nutty sauce, tender ground chicken, and crunchy vegetables, it delivers the perfect balance of richness, umami, and freshness. Whether served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this dish is highly customizable and fits any dietary preference.

Easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and bursting with flavor, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even casual entertaining. Once you try this skillet dish, it’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen!

0 Shares