Curried Chicken and Peanut Stew: A Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion
This Curried Chicken and Peanut Stew is a delightful recipe I discovered years ago in a newspaper, and it has remained a favorite ever since. The aromatic spices fill your kitchen with enticing fragrances, so be mindful if you have laundry nearby—you wouldn’t want your clothes to absorb those delicious scents! Adaptable and versatile, this stew allows you to use ingredients you may already have on hand, making it not only a satisfying meal but also a convenient one. Whether you choose to serve it alongside crusty bread topped with a dollop of sour cream or over a bed of fluffy rice like my neighbor prefers, this dish is sure to please.
Cook Time and Preparation
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 8
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258.6 |
| Total Fat | 9.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Cholesterol | 60.9 mg |
| Sodium | 340.5 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 14.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g |
| Sugars | 5.8 g |
| Protein | 25.4 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 24 | skinless chicken breasts |
| 1/3 cup | shallot |
| 1 | carrot |
| 1 | celery |
| 1 tablespoon | olive oil |
| 1 tablespoon | curry powder |
| 12 oz | beer |
| 4 cloves | garlic |
| 2 | bay leaves |
| 1 can (14.5 oz) | diced tomatoes |
| 1 | anaheim chilies |
| 1 | mild green chilies |
| 1/4 cup | fresh parsley |
| 1/2 cup | peanut butter |
| 4 cups | hot water |
| 1 cup | chicken broth |
| 1 tablespoon | sugar |
| 1 tablespoon | Splenda sugar substitute |
| 1/4 cup | fresh cilantro |
Instructions
-
Sear the Chicken:
In a large non-stick sauté pan, begin by searing the skinless chicken breasts on each side for approximately 1 minute. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside for later use. -
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
Using the same pan, add 2 teaspoons of olive oil and sauté the shallot, celery, and carrot over low heat for about 5 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant. This step will create a flavorful base for your stew. -
Add Curry Powder:
Sprinkle the sautéed vegetables with the curry powder and mix well, ensuring the spices evenly coat the vegetables, releasing their rich aromas. -
Incorporate the Beer:
Slowly add the beer to the pan, stirring continuously as the mixture thickens due to the heat. This will infuse the stew with a unique depth of flavor. -
Set Aside the Mixture:
Once combined, remove the curry mixture from the heat and set it aside, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Prepare the Stockpot:
In an 8-quart stockpot, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. -
Combine with Chicken:
To the pot, add the seared chicken breasts, bay leaves, and diced tomatoes. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the chicken to cook thoroughly. -
Mix in Curry and Chilies:
After the chicken has simmered, carefully add the prepared curry mixture to the pot along with the chopped chili peppers, parsley, and peanut butter mixed with hot water. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a cohesive stew. -
Simmer the Stew:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, covering the pot again. Let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to deepen and meld together. -
Finish and Serve:
Once the stew has simmered, carefully remove the bay leaves from the pot. Remove the chicken breasts and allow them to cool just enough so that they can be handled safely. Dice the meat into bite-sized pieces and return it to the stockpot. -
Adjust Flavor:
If desired, add the sugar and chopped fresh cilantro to enhance the stew’s flavor. Taste and adjust the seasonings as necessary, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced. -
Enjoy:
Serve the Curried Chicken and Peanut Stew hot, either on its own, alongside crusty bread, or over a generous serving of rice. This delightful dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your stomach!
Conclusion
This Curried Chicken and Peanut Stew is a testament to the joys of home cooking. The fragrant spices, tender chicken, and creamy peanut butter create a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night in, this recipe is bound to impress. Enjoy it with your choice of accompaniments, and savor every delicious bite!
