Peanut Chicken

Peanut Chicken is a deliciously rich and creamy dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a luscious peanut sauce that’s slightly sweet, savory, and just a little spicy. Inspired by Thai and Indonesian cuisine, this dish is packed with flavor from ingredients like garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and coconut milk.

Whether served over steamed rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps, Peanut Chicken is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. The creamy peanut sauce adds a luxurious texture, while the spices and aromatics bring depth and complexity.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even a special gathering where you want to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Creamy & Flavorful – A perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors.
• Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or in wraps for variety.
• Healthy & Protein-Packed – A nutritious meal with lean chicken and healthy fats from peanut butter.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels and ingredients to fit your taste preferences.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 cup of peanut chicken

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for a crispier texture)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
• ¾ cup coconut milk (or water for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or lime juice for extra tang)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon water (if needed, to thin the sauce)

For Garnish & Serving:

• ¼ cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 green onion, sliced
• Steamed rice or noodles, for serving
• Lime wedges, for squeezing on top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch until well coated.
• Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes while you prepare the sauce. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it a slight crisp when cooked.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and black pepper.
• Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy (about 3-5 minutes).
• If the sauce is too thick, add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
• Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

• Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned and cooked through.
• Reduce heat to low, then pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken.
• Stir everything together, letting it simmer for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Serve & Garnish

• Serve the Peanut Chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles.
• Sprinkle with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and green onions.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to enhance the flavors.

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Ingredient Background

Why Use Peanut Butter?

Peanut butter gives this dish its signature creamy texture and nutty flavor. It also adds healthy fats and protein, making the dish more satisfying. Natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils is best for authentic, rich flavor.

Why Coconut Milk?

Coconut milk adds a velvety, creamy consistency while balancing the saltiness of soy sauce and the spice from sriracha. It also provides a hint of natural sweetness that complements the peanut butter.

The Role of Soy Sauce

Soy sauce brings umami depth to the dish, making it savory and well-balanced. For a gluten-free alternative, use coconut aminos.

Technique Tips

• Marinate the chicken for at least 5 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
• Cook over medium-high heat to sear the chicken and lock in juiciness.
• Adjust the peanut sauce consistency by adding water or more coconut milk.
• Add extra spice with more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Peanut Chicken Wraps: Serve in warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and carrots.
• Peanut Chicken Salad: Toss with crisp greens and a light sesame dressing.
• Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry: Add bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots for extra veggies.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
• Double the peanut sauce to use as a dipping sauce for veggies or spring rolls.
• Store leftovers properly to keep the flavors fresh.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Peanut Chicken

• Increase sriracha to 1 tablespoon.
• Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for more heat.

2. Low-Carb Peanut Chicken

• Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Replace honey with a low-carb sweetener.

3. Vegan Peanut “Chicken”

• Use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.
• Add more vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of coconut milk to loosen the sauce.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Game Night: Serve in small bowls with extra dipping sauce.
• Family Dinner: Pair with a side of steamed vegetables.
• Potluck Dish: Double the recipe and serve buffet-style.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth peanut butter?

Yes! Chunky peanut butter works just as well as smooth peanut butter. It adds extra texture to the sauce with little peanut bits, which can make the dish even more enjoyable. If you prefer a creamier texture, stick with smooth peanut butter, but if you like a little crunch, chunky peanut butter is a great option.

2. What can I use instead of coconut milk?

Coconut milk adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, but there are a few alternatives if you don’t have it or prefer a different flavor:

• Almond milk – Lighter than coconut milk but still creamy.
• Chicken broth – Adds a savory depth but makes the sauce thinner, so you may need to add more peanut butter or a cornstarch slurry to thicken it.
• Heavy cream or whole milk – Creates a rich, creamy texture without the coconut flavor.
• Greek yogurt – A great high-protein alternative for a slightly tangy twist.

3. Can I make this dish nut-free?

Yes! If you have a peanut allergy or just want a nut-free version, try these substitutes:

• Sunflower seed butter – The closest alternative to peanut butter in both texture and taste.
• Tahini (sesame seed paste) – Gives a different but delicious depth of flavor.
• Soy butter – A great allergy-friendly option.
• Cashew or almond butter – If you’re only avoiding peanuts but can eat other nuts.

4. How do I thicken the peanut sauce if it’s too thin?

If your peanut sauce is too runny, try one of these methods to thicken it up:

• Simmer it longer – Cooking the sauce on low heat for an extra 3-5 minutes will help it naturally thicken as moisture evaporates.
• Add more peanut butter – Stir in an extra tablespoon of peanut butter at a time until it reaches the desired thickness.
• Use a cornstarch slurry – Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water and stir it into the sauce while simmering.
• Reduce coconut milk or broth – Use less liquid next time for a naturally thicker sauce.

5. Can I make this Peanut Chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes! Making Peanut Chicken in a slow cooker is an easy, hands-off way to prepare this dish. Here’s how:

• Place the chicken (whole or diced) into the slow cooker.
• In a bowl, mix the peanut sauce ingredients (peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, honey, vinegar, garlic, and spices).
• Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
• Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.
• Shred the chicken or leave it whole, then serve with rice, noodles, or vegetables.

6. Can I meal prep this dish?

Absolutely! Peanut Chicken is perfect for meal prep because it stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to do it:

• Store in the fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for later: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat properly: Warm in a pan over medium heat with a splash of coconut milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.

7. What vegetables go well with Peanut Chicken?

Adding vegetables can make this dish even more nutritious and colorful. Some great options include:

• Bell peppers – Adds sweetness and crunch.
• Broccoli – Absorbs the peanut sauce well and adds fiber.
• Carrots – Brings a natural sweetness and slight crunch.
• Zucchini or mushrooms – Adds extra texture and mild flavor.
• Spinach or bok choy – Wilts beautifully into the sauce for added greens.

8. What’s the best protein substitute for chicken?

If you want to try this dish without chicken, here are some excellent alternatives:

• Tofu – Firm tofu works best; pan-fry before adding to the sauce.
• Tempeh – Adds a nutty, hearty flavor that pairs well with peanut sauce.
• Shrimp – A quick-cooking, seafood alternative.
• Beef or pork – Thinly sliced strips work great.
• Chickpeas or lentils – A plant-based protein alternative that soaks up the sauce.

9. Can I add extra spice to this dish?

Yes! If you love spicy food, here are some ways to turn up the heat:

• Increase the sriracha or chili flakes in the sauce.
• Add chopped Thai chilies for an extra fiery kick.
• Sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while cooking.
• Drizzle with chili oil before serving.

10. Can I serve Peanut Chicken cold?

Yes! This dish tastes delicious both hot and cold. A chilled version works great for:

• Cold noodle salads – Toss with cooked and cooled soba noodles or rice noodles.
• Lettuce wraps – Serve in crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing summer meal.
• Sandwich filling – Use cold Peanut Chicken as a spread inside a wrap or sandwich.

Conclusion

Peanut Chicken is creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavors, making it a perfect dish for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or special occasions. With tender chicken, a rich peanut sauce, and plenty of customization options, this recipe is easy to make and highly versatile.

Whether you enjoy it spicy, mild, with rice, noodles, or in a wrap, this Peanut Chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Try it today and enjoy a comforting, protein-rich meal packed with delicious flavors!

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