Have you ever wondered how the simple combination of peanut butter and chicken could create such a mouth-watering dish? Well, it turns out that this delicious recipe has a fascinating history that dates back to West Africa.

The idea of using peanuts in savory dishes has been around for centuries, with peanut sauces being a staple in many African cuisines. Over time, this idea traveled to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade, where it evolved into the popular dish we know today as peanut butter chicken.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just a few basic ingredients combined in the perfect way to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

The creamy richness of the peanut butter pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. And the best part? It’s easy to make, even for beginners in the kitchen. With just a few simple steps and some pantry staples, you can create a dish that will impress your friends and family.

So, if you’re looking to mix up your dinner routine with a unique and flavorful dish, look no further than simple peanut butter chicken. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. So grab your ingredients, tie on your apron, and get ready to experience the magic of peanut butter chicken.

Expert Tip: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas for extra color and nutrition.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Lean and versatile, chicken breasts are a popular choice for a variety of dishes. Rich in protein, they can be cooked in many ways, making them a staple in many kitchens.

Oil: Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing the onions and garlic, oil adds flavor and helps prevent sticking. Olive oil, vegetable oil, or coconut oil can be used depending on personal preference.

Onion: Adding a sweet and savory flavor to the dish, onions are a common ingredient in many recipes. They are often used as a base for building flavor in a dish.

Garlic: Famed for its strong flavor, garlic is a versatile ingredient that adds depth and complexity to dishes. It is often used alongside onions to enhance the overall taste of a dish.

Coconut Milk: Creamy and rich, coconut milk adds a delightful tropical flavor to the dish. It also helps to thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.

Peanut Butter: Providing a nutty and creamy element to the dish, peanut butter adds richness and depth of flavor. It also helps to create a thick and luxurious sauce.

Coriander Powder: With a warm and citrusy flavor, coriander powder adds a subtle depth to the dish. It is a common spice used in many cuisines around the world.

Cumin Powder: Earthy and aromatic, cumin powder adds a warm and spicy flavor to the dish. It pairs well with coriander powder and enhances the overall taste.

Salt: Enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients, salt is a crucial seasoning in any dish. It helps to balance the flavors and bring out the natural tastes.

Black Pepper: Adding a mild heat and subtle spice, black pepper helps to elevate the flavors of the dish. It is a versatile spice that complements many ingredients.

Coriander: Fresh and citrusy, coriander leaves are often used as a garnish in dishes for added freshness and color. They can also be used in marinades or sauces for an extra burst of flavor.

Peanuts: Crunchy and nutty, peanuts add texture and depth to the dish. They can be used as a garnish or incorporated into the sauce for added flavor and protein.

Expert Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken, as this can prevent proper browning. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Peanut Butter Chicken over steamed rice for a comforting and filling meal.
• Garnish the dish with freshly chopped coriander and chopped peanuts to add visual appeal and additional flavor.
• Pair the dish with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad to add variety and balance to the meal.
• For an extra kick of heat, serve the Peanut Butter Chicken with a side of chili garlic sauce or chili flakes on the side.
• Accompany the meal with a refreshing beverage such as iced tea or a citrus-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate and enhance the dining experience.

These serving suggestions are designed to complement the flavors and textures of the Peanut Butter Chicken, providing a well-rounded and satisfying dining experience for you and your guests.

Expert Tip: For added depth of flavor, toast the coriander and cumin powders in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?

You can control the level of heat in the Peanut Butter Chicken by adjusting the amount of black pepper and chili flakes according to your preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount of black pepper or omit the chili flakes altogether.

Can I use other cuts of chicken instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the thickness of the cuts.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Peanut Butter Chicken ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

While creamy peanut butter is typically used for this recipe to create a smooth and velvety sauce, you can certainly use crunchy peanut butter if you prefer a bit of added texture. Just keep in mind that the sauce will have a chunkier consistency.

Can I freeze leftovers of the Peanut Butter Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze any leftover Peanut Butter Chicken in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Korean Fried Chicken
• Kung Pao Chicken
• Chicken Manchurian
• Chicken 65
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Peanut Butter Chicken

by Nabeela Kauser

Dive into the world of flavours with my delightful peanut butter chicken recipe. Explore its rich history, origins, and get insights into its preparation difficulty. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delicious dish!

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Thai

Servings 4

Calories 516 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 4 Chicken Breasts Diced
• ▢ 2 tbsp Oil
• ▢ 1 Onion Diced
• ▢ 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• ▢ 400 ml Coconut Milk
• ▢ 200 g Peanut Butter
• ▢ 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• ▢ 1 tsp Salt
• ▢ 1 tsp Black Pepper
• ▢ Coriander chopped for garnish
• ▢ Peanuts chopped for garnish

Instructions

• Begin by heating up some oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add the chicken to the pan and cook for around 5-7 minutes, until it’s browned on all sides. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
• In the same pan, cook the onion and garlic until they’re softened, which should take around 2-3 minutes.
• Add the coconut milk, peanut butter, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
• Return the cooked chicken back to the pan and stir it to coat it with the peanut sauce.
• Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
• Serve the peanut butter chicken over steamed rice and garnish it with some freshly chopped coriander. To add some extra texture and crunch, you can also sprinkle some chopped peanuts on top.

Notes

Make sure to stir the peanut butter sauce frequently while it simmers to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

If you want to make a vegetarian version of this dish, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.

Using creamy peanut butter will give the dish the best texture and flavour.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done so merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 516kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 9gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 693mgPotassium: 458mgFibre: 2gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 72mgIron: 4mg

Keyword Chicken, Dinner, Food, Meat, Recipe

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