Recipe Ingredients
To start, gather the essentials:
- 2 lbs of chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup of smooth peanut butter
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 tbsp of soy sauce
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp of curry powder
- 1 tbsp of honey
- 1 tsp of chili flakes (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Cooked rice, for serving
Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Mix the chicken pieces with the soy sauce, a clove of minced garlic, and the grated ginger. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Create the Peanut Sauce
In a bowl, combine the peanut butter, coconut milk, honey, curry powder, and chili flakes. Whisk together until smooth. Adjust the consistency with chicken broth if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Then, stir in the scallions and bell peppers. Cook until the vegetables are slightly softened.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the marinated chicken to the center. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink.
Step 5: Combine and Simmer
Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Stir to combine. Simmer for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is thickened.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Taste the peanut butter chicken and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve over a bed of rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Flavor Profile
The peanut butter chicken dish offers a medley of flavors. The creaminess of the peanut sauce, the fragrant aroma of the coconut milk, and the subtle heat from the chili flakes create a harmonious blend that's both comforting and exciting. The peppers add a pop of color and little bursts of sweetness to complement the savoriness of the chicken and the richness of the sauce. Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and a cool beverage to round out the meal.
Health Benefits
While the indulgent flavors might suggest otherwise, this peanut butter chicken recipe can be a part of a balanced diet with a few mindful tweaks. Peanut butter provides healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Chicken contributes lean protein, and the use of coconut milk can offer a variety of health benefits, including improving heart health. It’s essential to use natural peanut butter with no added sugars or oils to keep the dish as nutritious as possible. Controlling portions and balancing it out with a variety of vegetables and whole grains can make this a meal that's as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
We encourage you to immerse yourself in the creative process of cooking this delectable peanut butter chicken dish. Share your experience with us and other food aficionados in the community. Don't forget to explore more tantalizing recipes on our blog and keep discovering the joy of home cooking. As always, the lure of a well-crafted meal lies not just in its taste, but in the memories and enjoyment it brings to the table. Happy cooking!
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