Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe

Description

Peanut Butter Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken simmered in a savory peanut butter sauce. This dish has influences from West African and Thai cuisines, offering a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and slightly spicy flavors. It pairs well with rice, quinoa, or noodles.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika

For the Peanut Butter Sauce:

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky)

• 1 cup coconut milk (or chicken broth for a lighter version)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tsp chili flakes or hot sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp curry powder (optional for extra depth of flavor)

• ¼ cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)

• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

3. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onions until soft (about 3 minutes).

4. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Everything

5. Stir in peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, chili flakes, and curry powder. Mix well until the sauce is smooth.

6. Bring to a simmer, then add the cooked chicken back into the pan.

7. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

8. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

9. Garnish with crushed peanuts, cilantro, or green onions.

10. Serve over cooked rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal.

• Pair with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans.

• Add extra chili sauce if you like it spicier!

Tips & Variations

✔ For extra creaminess, use full-fat coconut milk.
✔ For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
✔ Want it spicier? Add more chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
✔ Swap protein: You can use tofu, shrimp, or beef instead of chicken.
✔ Nut-free alternative: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

(Assuming 4 servings)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Protein: ~35g

• Carbohydrates: ~15g

• Fats: ~30g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sodium: ~600mg

(Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Health Benefits of Peanut Butter Chicken

✅ Rich in Protein – Helps in muscle growth and repair.
✅ Healthy Fats – Peanut butter provides good monounsaturated fats.
✅ Boosts Energy – Great for post-workout meals.
✅ Contains Antioxidants – Garlic, ginger, and lime juice support immunity.
✅ Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free when using tamari instead of soy sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or coconut milk.

Q2: Can I freeze Peanut Butter Chicken?

Absolutely! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Q3: Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Reduce or omit the chili flakes for a mild, creamy peanut sauce that kids will love.

Q4: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes, crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture to the dish!

Q5: What’s the best way to make it more saucy?

Add an extra ¼ cup of coconut milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

Let me know if you need any adjustments or customizations! 😊🍛