Peanut Butter Chicken Recipe
A creamy and rich dish with tender chicken pieces, this Peanut Butter Chicken is a delightful Asian-inspired recipe that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend meal. The smooth peanut butter combines beautifully with the savory flavors of chicken stock, creating a luxurious sauce that coats each piece of chicken. With a slight kick from the chili oil (or smoked paprika), this dish packs a punch while remaining easy to prepare.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Breasts | 300 grams |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 1, chopped |
| Chicken Stock | 3/4 cup |
| Peanut Butter (smooth) | 3/4 cup |
| Chili Oil (or smoked paprika) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black Pepper Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Sunflower Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 15 Minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: Asian
Course: Dinner
Diet: High Protein, Non-Vegetarian
Instructions
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Heat Oil and Sauté Onions: Start by heating sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
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Cook Chicken: Once the onions are soft, add the boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white and begins to cook through.
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Season: Add the chili oil (or substitute with smoked paprika), followed by salt and black pepper powder. Continue to stir to coat the chicken and ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Keep the heat on medium throughout the cooking process to avoid burning the ingredients.
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Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Next, add the chopped tomato and chicken stock to the skillet. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken is fully tender and cooked through.
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Stir in Peanut Butter: Once the chicken is tender, reduce the heat to low. Add the peanut butter to the skillet, stirring constantly to ensure it blends well with the chicken and stock. The sauce will begin to thicken as you stir.
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Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, feel free to add a little more chicken stock or hot water to achieve your desired consistency. If the sauce is not thickening enough, add a bit more peanut butter and stir until it thickens.
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Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has reached a creamy, thick consistency, remove from heat. Serve your Peanut Butter Chicken hot with lemon rice or as a side dish alongside Sri Lankan Chicken Curry and Tawa Paratha for a complete and satisfying meal.
Additional Tips:
- Protein Boost: For an extra protein punch, you can add tofu or boiled eggs to the dish.
- Variations: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili oil or smoked paprika. Alternatively, for more spice, increase the chili oil or add chopped fresh chilies along with the onions.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, especially a fragrant lemon rice, or you can enjoy it as part of a larger meal with other traditional Sri Lankan dishes or flatbreads like Tawa Paratha.
Peanut Butter Chicken is a versatile and flavorful dish that combines the rich creaminess of peanut butter with tender, juicy chicken. Whether served on its own or as part of a larger spread, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!
