Chicken in Peanut Curry is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a luscious peanut butter-based curry sauce. Infused with warm spices and coconut milk, this dish has a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, perfect for serving over rice or with naan bread.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste (or curry powder)
- 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Steamed rice or naan bread (for serving)
Instructions:
- Cook the chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the curry paste:
- Stir in the red curry paste (or curry powder) and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
- Make the peanut curry sauce:
- Add the peanut butter, coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce (if using), and lime juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken to the pan:
- Add the browned chicken back to the skillet, along with any juices from the plate. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste the curry and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or additional lime juice as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts. Serve the chicken in peanut curry over steamed rice or with naan bread.
This Chicken in Peanut Curry is creamy, aromatic, and packed with bold flavors. It’s a satisfying and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy meal!
