Peanut Chicken

There’s something special about the first time you savor Peanut Chicken. It was a chilly evening, and I was in search of comfort food that could warm my soul. I stumbled upon this recipe while reminiscing about a delightful dish I once had at a cozy restaurant. The creamy, rich flavors of the peanut sauce, combined with tender chicken and a hint of spice, had me hooked. I remember the aroma filling my kitchen as I prepared it, instantly transporting me to a vibrant culinary journey. Each bite was a celebration of flavors that danced on my palate, making me feel right at home. This Peanut Chicken has since become a staple in my kitchen, a go-to for family gatherings or just a simple weeknight dinner.

Shopping List for Peanut Chicken

When it comes to making Peanut Chicken, the ingredients you choose play a pivotal role in crafting the perfect dish. The blend of flavors from the fresh ingredients harmonizes beautifully, transforming simple components into a memorable meal. Let’s explore the key players in this dish that make it irresistible.

• 10 boneless and skinless chicken breasts – The star of the show, offering protein and a tender base for our rich peanut sauce.
• 5 cups cooked coconut spinach – Adds a unique creamy texture and a hint of coconut flavor.
• 2 1/2 cups taro root – Provides a nutty taste and is a delightful addition to the mix.
• 2 cups pearl onions – Sweet and tender, they add depth to our dish.
• 3 1/3 cups peanut sauce – The soul of the recipe, giving richness and unforgettable flavor.
• 3/4 cup chopped peanuts – For garnish, adding a satisfying crunch.
• 3/4 cup cilantro – Freshness that brightens the dish.
• 3/4 cup scallions – Adds a mild onion flavor and vibrant color.
• 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary – For an aromatic touch.
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes – A kick of heat to balance the richness.
• 1/4 cup salt – Essential for seasoning.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness that complements the sauce.
• 3/4 cup diced shallots – Sweet and aromatic, enhancing the flavor base.
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic – A must-have for depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon paprika – For color and mild spice.
• 1/6 cup grapeseed oil – Ideal for sautéing and adding richness.
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut – A surprise texture and tropical flavor.
• 1 cup peanut butter – The creamy base of our sauce, providing richness.
• 8 cups chicken stock – The liquid gold that brings everything together.
• 4 cups coconut milk – Adds creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor.
• 8 pieces star anise – For a unique aromatic element.
• 2 pieces bay leaves – Adds depth to the cooking liquid.
• 3 pieces cinnamon sticks – Infuses a warm spice note.
• 1/6 cup diced dried ginger – For an extra zing.
• 1/4 cup black vinegar – A tangy touch to balance flavors.
• Pinch of salt – To taste.

Peanut Chicken Instructions

Ready to dive into the cooking process for Peanut Chicken? You’re in for a treat! Each step is designed to bring out the best flavors and textures, making this dish a standout. Let’s get started!

1. First, take the chicken breasts and rub them with salt, brown sugar, rosemary, and hot pepper flakes. You want to ensure that the chicken is well-coated, allowing the flavors to penetrate. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes for the seasoning to work its magic.
2. While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the sauce. In a large pot, heat some grapeseed oil over medium heat. Add the shallots, garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika. Sweat the mixture until the shallots become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Next, add in the peanut butter, chicken stock, coconut milk, black vinegar, star anise, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, and diced ginger. Stir everything together until combined. The sauce should be smooth and slightly thickened, rich with flavor.
4. Now, it’s time to add the marinated chicken to the pot. Ensure the pieces are submerged in the sauce. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, allowing the chicken to cook through and absorb all those delicious flavors. This should take about 25 to 30 minutes.
5. While the chicken is cooking, prepare your coconut spinach. In a separate pan, combine the blanched spinach with a touch of coconut milk and season with salt and pepper. This will complement the richness of the Peanut Chicken beautifully. Cook for just a few minutes until heated through.
6. After the chicken has cooked, remove it from the pot and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help retain its juiciness. At this point, you should also discard the star anise, cinnamon sticks, and bay leaves from the sauce.
7. Now, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return it to the pot, stirring to combine with the sauce.
8. Next, add in the taro root and pearl onions to the pot. These will add texture and sweetness to the dish. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing everything to meld together.
9. Once everything is cooked, it’s time to serve! Place a generous scoop of the coconut spinach on each plate, top with the Peanut Chicken mixture, and garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and scallions.
10. Finally, take a moment to admire your creation before diving in. The Peanut Chicken is ready to be enjoyed!

Helpful Notes about Peanut Chicken

As you embark on making Peanut Chicken, here are some tips to ensure your experience is smooth and your dish is delicious!

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Serve your Peanut Chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Garnishes: Feel free to add additional garnishes like lime wedges or sesame seeds to enhance presentation.
• Spice variations: If you enjoy extra heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili peppers as a garnish.

What Complements This Peanut Chicken

When enjoying Peanut Chicken, there are plenty of delightful accompaniments to elevate your meal.

• Steamed Rice: A classic pairing, fluffy rice absorbs the rich sauce beautifully.
• Quinoa: For a nutty twist, serve with quinoa, which adds extra protein.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Complement the dish with a colorful stir-fry to add crunch and freshness.
• Salad: A light salad with a citrus dressing can balance the richness of the chicken.
• Perfect for gatherings: This dish serves well at dinner parties, holiday celebrations, or cozy family meals.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Peanut Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will surely impress anyone at your dinner table. Its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant garnishes make it a standout dish. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. You’ll be creating a meal that not only satisfies the belly but also warms the heart.

Peanut Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Peanut Chicken offers a creamy, rich sauce that's perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken paired with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro makes it irresistible. Try it tonight for a satisfying meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Saucepan
• Chef's Knife

Ingredients

  

• 10 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
• 5 cup coconut spinach
• 2.5 cup taro root
• 2 cup pearl onions
• 3.33 cup peanut sauce
• 0.75 cup peanuts chopped
• 0.75 cup cilantro
• 0.75 cup scallions
• 1 tablespoon rosemary chopped
• 1 tablespoon hot pepper flakes
• 0.25 cup salt
• 0.25 cup brown sugar
• 0.75 cup shallots diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic chopped
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 0.167 cup grapeseed oil
• 0.33 cup coconut shredded
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 8 cup chicken stock
• 4 cup coconut milk
• 8 pieces star anise
• 2 pieces bay leaves
• 3 pieces cinnamon sticks
• 0.167 cup dried ginger diced
• 0.25 cup black vinegar
• 1 pinch salt

Instructions

 

• Chicken breast is rubbed with salt, brown sugar, rosemary, and pepper flakes. Sauce is made with shallots, garlic, smoked paprika, shredded coconut, peanut butter, chicken stock, coconut milk, black vinegar, star anise, cinnamon, bay leaves, and ginger. Blanched spinach is mixed with cumin flavored coconut cream, and diced fried taro root is folded into the spinach. Pearl onions are braised with mango puree and rice vinegar. Garnish with chopped peanuts, scallions, and cilantro.
• Mix all ingredients together. Sweat the shallots, garlic, and spices in the oil. Add the rest of the ingredients and simmer for about 45 min. Take out the star anise, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Season with salt.

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently.
• Freezing: You can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container.
• Pairing: Serve your Peanut Chicken with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
• Garnishes: Feel free to add additional garnishes like lime wedges or sesame seeds to enhance presentation.
• Spice variations: If you enjoy extra heat, consider adding sliced fresh chili peppers as a garnish.

Keyword comfort food, easy Peanut Chicken, Peanut Chicken recipe, Weeknight Dinner

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Meet Bella Banks

I’m the one who makes sure we’re having fun while we work. I love the communal aspect of cooking seven friends in a kitchen can be chaotic, but it’s the best kind of chaos! I cook everything alongside the girls, and I’m often the one setting the table and making sure the “vibe” is right for our photos. I believe that any recipe, no matter how simple or complex, is a celebration.