Spicy Peanut Chicken has a ginger and cayenne kick that give this healthy lunch option some powerful flavor.  It’s an easy-to-make dish that should be part of your lunch or dinner menu.  

Let’s Make Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe!

I love this quick and easy recipe because it is full of flavor and a family favorite. We like to try it with the ingredients below or with the suggested substitutes like fresh ginger. I also often make this without the bell pepper because they aren’t my favorite!

Oh! A note about “spicy”. What is so great about making spicy foods at home is that you can modify the level of heat based on your taste and your family’s tastes. We live in Texas where spicy has a hotter definition than other places in the world! The first time, add the spice a little at a time until you get to the desired heat level.

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Ingredients for Spicy Peanut Chicken

• 1/4 cup reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 2 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground cayenne pepper
• 1 Tbsp Peanut oil (like you didn’t see that coming)
• 1 lb Chicken Breasts or Thighs, cut into one inch pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/3 cup dry roasted peanuts
• 3 green onions, chopped

Directions for Spicy Peanut Chicken

Step 1

In a mixing medium bowl, combine broth, starch, sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat.  Add peanut oil and coat sides of wok (or skillet).

Step 3

Add chicken, garlic, and ginger.  Stir fry until chicken is no longer pink in center.

Step 4

Add bell pepper and stir-fry for 1 minute.

Step 5

Add starch mixture to wok.  Cook and stir about one minute or until sauce thickens (NOTE: If using all-purpose flour or substitute like arrowroot, see Modification possibilities below for additional instructions).

Step 6

Garnish with green onions and have yourself a wonderful meal.

Recipe Modification possibilities

• 1 Tbsp arrowroot flour or 3 Tbsp of all-purpose flour of your choosing.  If using all-purpose, flour will thicken the sauce, but add 4-5 minutes of cook time to reduce raw flour flavor.
• Stevia instead of sugar.
• Reduce cayenne pepper for less heat/kick.
• Vegetable/olive/grapeseed oil for peanut oil.
• Fresh ginger root; seal and cover after use (will be good for four months if frozen).
• Less peanuts for reduced sodium, fat, and calories.

What did you think of this easy spicy peanut chicken recipe? Is it a family favorite at your house too?