Spicy Peanut Chicken

Need to use up leftover chicken? This spicy peanut stir-fry transforms chicken and vegetables into a tangy, sweet and spicy flavor sensation. The peanut sauce is quick to prepare and makes enough for multiple meals. A little goes a long way when it comes to flavor so be sure to store the extra refrigerated in a tightly sealed container and use it on repeat. It's that good! The sauce is great as a dip for vegetables or as a salad dressing (if the sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a tsp of water, or more, to change the consistency). Shredding the chicken creates extra surface area for greater depth of flavor and a creamier texture. Yum!

Ingredients

For the peanut sauce

1 tsp ginger, minced
1 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 cup Tamari (Soy Sauce or low sodium soy sauce can be used as a substitute for Tamari)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp honey
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter (Use natural peanut butter made with only peanuts and salt. Avoid those with added sugar or trans fats)

For the stir-fry

2 tbsp peanut oil
1 cup yellow squash, thinly sliced into strips
1 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced into strips
2 green onions, trimmed and sliced thin (white and green parts)
1 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded (leftover chicken is perfect for this recipe)
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Crushed peanuts for garnish

Preparation

Prep the peanut sauce

In a small bowl, combine the aromatics (ginger and garlic)
Add tamari, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil and honey and whisk until well blended
Add the peanut butter 1/4 cup at a time
Slowly mix together until peanut butter starts to break down then whisk until smooth and creamy

Stir-fry the vegetables

Heat the wok over high heat and add peanut oil
When oil is shimmering, add yellow squash, red pepper and green onion. Cook, stirring constantly, until they start to brown, approximately 3 to 4 minutes

Add the remaining ingredients

Add the chicken and 2 tbsp of the peanut sauce, stir until sauce is well dispersed and chicken is heated through
Remove from heat and stir in lime juice
Sprinkle with chopped cilantro
Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed

Enjoy!

Top with crushed peanuts and serve with white, brown or black rice.

Nutrition Corner

Chicken is versatile, easy to prepare and a common animal protein source in a variety of dishes. With only 122 calories, 3 grams total fat (primarily unsaturated), low cholesterol , 0 carbohydrates and 24 grams of protein, a 3 ounce serving of chicken breast is a lean, healthy way to incorporate high quality protein into a meal. Chicken is also a good source of B vitamins (Niacin, B6 and B12), selenium and phosphorus. When eaten as part of a healthy balanced diet, chicken supports a wide range of functions including metabolism, energy production, brain health, immune function, nerve function and helps maintain lean muscle mass.

Peanut butter comes with a high calorie load however, when eaten in moderation, it is a good source of protein, healthy fats and several vitamins and minerals. A 2 tablespoon serving contains 190 calories, 16 grams total fat (13 grams of which are unsaturated), 8 grams protein, 7 grams carbohydrates and 2 grams fiber. Peanut butter is also a good source of vitamins E, B3 (niacin), B6, folate, magnesium, copper and manganese . Additionally, peanut butter is particularly rich in antioxidants. The plant sterols in peanut butter have been shown to help lower LDL cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage.

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