Liven up your weeknight chicken dinner with this flavorful Peanut Chicken Recipe that even picky eaters love.
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While peanut chicken is most commonly associated with West Africa, I first fell in love with the tasty dish at TAO a popular Asian fusion eatery in New York. While it was served as chicken satay with peanut dipping sauce, the flavors in this peanut chicken recipe are practically identical. I made this delicious dish when I was out of healthy ideas for my picky kids. Everyone in my house is OBSESSED with peanut butter, so why not try to add it to dinner?
While peanut butter is the main ingredient in the sauce, there are distinctive hints of ginger, garlic, and honey, with a nice crunch from crushed peanuts. The chicken is cut into bite-sized pieces, similar to this Homemade Orange Chicken or takeout-like Firecracker Pineapple Chicken. And what I love about this style of chicken is there is no guessing if the chicken is cooked through as it cooks rather quickly.
Aside from being delicious and quick, it is the perfect meal prep dish. I would love to say that I am diligent with meal prep every single Sunday and Wednesday, but that would be a lie. I am, however, great at planning all the meals for the week on Monday morning. I don’t mind shopping a few times a week for the freshest options and really enjoy cooking, most days. ANYWAY, if you are a meal prep person I am jealous of you and this peanut chicken is great for you. Peanut chicken also comes together in one large skillet, so clean-up is a breeze.
Is Peanut Chicken Healthy?
Peanuts and chicken are high in protein, which provides this dish with about 40 grams of protein and only 11 grams of carbs. This a great keto meal, as long as you use no sugar, all-natural peanut butter and skip the honey. I absolutely love the fresh ginger and garlic combo, it might be one of my faves. They both contain antioxidants and are great for boosting your immune system. The sauce is so flavorful you could serve it over broccoli and rice for a vegan option (minus the chicken), but use veggie broth and agave instead. As I mentioned, I made this for my kids. They loved it and I felt great about serving it to them.
How To Perfectly Brown The chicken…
My dad is a chef and the best cooking trick he taught me was to start with a hot pan and then turn down the heat. This is especially true for browning chicken. Allow your pan and oil to get nice and hot, then toss the chicken in and sear it on each side for about a minute before turning down the temperature to medium. The browning and caramelization process work best with no cover on the pan and the meat should be cooked through in about five additional minutes.
Another random tip that has saved me so much time – use kitchen scissors when preparing chicken in cubes or bites. You’re welcome.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Steamed rice, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
Cook
Brown chicken in a skillet.
Mix
Prepare peanut sauce.
Combine
Simmer chicken with sauce, and serve with rice.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Peanut chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat from the fridge, toss the chicken and sauce back into a pan on medium heat. To reheat from the freezer, allow the chicken to thaw first, then reheat.
Sadly, peanuts are the only nut you can’t enjoy on these diets. Though I have not tried it, I bet you could substitute almond butter and crushed almonds, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and skip the honey or use dates. Please let me know if you do and how it comes out!
You sure can! While chicken thighs are higher in fat, they are super tender and a great source of protein.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally peanut chicken is served over white rice, but try to jazz it up with Cilantro Lime Rice or for a low-carb version go with Cauliflower Rice. I love having peanut chicken with Easy Sautéed Broccoli or Asian Inspired Roasted Broccoli. If you plan on serving your peanut chicken as part of a larger meal, I would have Oriental Coleslaw with Asian Dressing and these amazing Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos to accompany the dish.
Peanut Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
-
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, and lime juice until smooth.
-
Pour the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
-
Serve the peanut chicken over steamed rice, garnished with chopped cilantro and peanuts.
Nutrition
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