Make Ahead

Peanut Chicken and Broccoli

January 11, 2010
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves Six
Author Notes

There is nothing fancy about this dish, but it is delicious, economical and very family friendly. You probably have just about everything you need right in your refrigerator and pantry. You will see children consume great amounts of broccoli. It also provides a perfect opportunity to use whole wheat pasta as it's flavor and texture is a plus here. —healthierkitchen

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1 pound whole wheat spaghetti or thin spaghetti, prepared according to directions, 1/2 cup cooking water reserved (I like Garofalo and Rustichella D'Abruzzo brands but any Italian brand should be fine)
  • 1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 large clove garlic, minced
  • 1 large head broccoli (should be about 4 - 6 cups - I like a lot), cut into florets
  • 6 tablespoons natural, crunchy peanut butter
  • 4 - 5 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (start with 4 and see if it seems like you need to thin the sauce)
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 scallions, chopped (optional)
Directions
  1. In either the microwave or a steamer insert set into a saucepan, steam the broccoli until it is bright green but still a little crisp. Take off the heat place broccoli into a bowl so that it is no longer in a hot pot or over steaming water.
  2. In a wok or deep saute pan coated with the peanut or canola oil, cook chicken pieces over high heat until chicken is just turning white, about 5 - 7 minutes.
  3. Add the onion and garlic to the pan and continue to cook until onion is soft and chicken is cooked all the way through. If the pan seems dry, add a splash of soy sauce.
  4. Add steamed broccoli to the pan and lower burner to medium.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the peanut butter, soy sauce, and lemon juice to make a paste. Add the mixture to the pan and mix well, adding 1/4 to 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. Make sure broccoli and chicken pieces are well coated.
  6. Serve over the whole wheat pasta with sriracha sauce on the side for those who prefer a hotter dish. Garnish with scallions.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

  • Jennifer Sheridan Moss
    Jennifer Sheridan Moss
  • christina@afroditeskitchen
    christina@afroditeskitchen
  • healthierkitchen
    healthierkitchen
  • aargersi
    aargersi

10 Reviews

Jennifer S. August 6, 2017
Tasty! Definitely needs some heat. The fussy kids loved it.
 
I love the combination of peanut and broccoli - tasty and healthy!
 
gmwillis March 27, 2011
Excellent quick evening meal. We will make this again!!!!
 
healthierkitchen March 28, 2011
so glad you liked it gmwillis! And, thanks for letting me know.
 
Lindseytriestocook August 8, 2010
Thank you so much for sharing a delicious recipe using everyday ingredients. I will add this to the rotation!
 
healthierkitchen August 10, 2010
Thanks Lindsey! Hope you like it.
 
healthierkitchen April 26, 2010
Thrilled you liked it aargersi! Thanks.
 
healthierkitchen April 22, 2010
Great! Hope you like it.
 
aargersi April 23, 2010
Made it, LOVED IT, will be making again!!!!
 
aargersi April 22, 2010
Wow, I missed this when you first posted it, sounds wonderful and yes, we DO have all of this in the pantry ... saved to recipes!!!!