Chicken with Peanut Butter: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
This article provides a mouth-watering recipe for chicken with peanut butter, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We'll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking tips, ensuring you create a flavorful and satisfying dish. We’ll also discuss ways to optimize this recipe for different dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4 people. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: Use your favorite brand; natural peanut butter works well too, but you might need to add a tablespoon or two of water to adjust the consistency.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Provides saltiness and umami.
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Enhances the aroma and flavor.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: A classic flavor enhancer.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a little heat.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: For garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For added texture and visual appeal.
- Cooked rice or noodles: To serve alongside your chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust the consistency with a tablespoon of water if needed to achieve a smooth, pourable sauce.
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Cook the Chicken: You can cook the chicken in several ways:
- Pan-frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Slow Cooking: Place chicken breasts in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
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Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, add it to the peanut butter sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If pan-frying or baking, you can do this directly in the pan or baking dish. If slow cooking, transfer the chicken to a bowl before adding the sauce.
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Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using). Serve the chicken with cooked rice or noodles.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Stir-fry some broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas and add them to the sauce with the chicken.
- Make it healthier: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and a smaller amount of honey or maple syrup. Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey or maple syrup.
- Thicken the sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it. A cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) can also be added to thicken the sauce.
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