Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of ginger, and 2 cloves of garlic. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is mostly smooth. It will be very thick at this point. Add 2 tablespoons of hot water and continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and has a pourable (but not watery) consistency. If it’s still too thick, add more hot water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place)
This is the most important step in any stir-fry. Because the cooking process is so fast, you must have everything prepped and ready to go before you turn on the heat. Cut your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel. Chop all your vegetables, and mince your garlic and ginger for the stir-fry portion. Have everything laid out within arm’s reach of your stove.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet, wok, or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Be careful not to crowd the pan; cook in two batches if necessary. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics and Harder Vegetables
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the 1 tablespoon of ginger and 3 cloves of garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Add the broccoli florets and sliced carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they begin to become tender-crisp.

Step 5: Add the Softer Vegetables
Add the sliced red bell pepper and snap peas to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. You want the vegetables to be cooked but still retain a vibrant color and a noticeable crunch.

Step 6: Combine and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared peanut sauce all over the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together gently to coat evenly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to heat through and thicken slightly as it bubbles.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Serve immediately over your choice of base, and top with your desired garnishes like chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and sliced scallions.