Description
This vibrant Thai Peanut Chicken features tender chicken breast and crisp vegetables tossed in a velvety, savory-sweet homemade peanut sauce.
Ingredients
1 1/4 pound chicken breast, cut into 2 inch pieces
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup thinly sliced carrots
4 baby bok choy, cut into quarters
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon packed brown sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup chopped salted peanuts
For serving: steamed rice (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add carrots and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons water, then cook, stirring, for 4-6 minutes until water evaporates and carrots soften.
2. Add bok choy to the pan and cook 3-4 minutes longer until bok choy and carrots are tender. Season vegetables with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from pan to a plate and cover.
3. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
4. Heat remaining 2 teaspoons oil over high heat. Season chicken generously, add to pan, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
5. While chicken cooks, prepare the peanut sauce. Combine ginger, garlic, peanut butter, lime juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and 2 tablespoons water in a food processor; blend until smooth. Add more water to thin if needed.
6. Return vegetables to the pan with chicken and cook for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Drizzle peanut sauce over chicken and vegetables. Garnish with chopped peanuts and serve.
Notes
Uniform cuts: Cutting your chicken pieces into consistent 2 inch chunks is key to ensuring they all cook at the same time so you do not end up with some pieces overcooked while others remain raw.
Wiping the pan: Do not skip the step of wiping the pan between the vegetables and the chicken. This prevents any leftover moisture from the veggies from steaming the chicken, allowing it to brown properly instead.
Sauce consistency: The sauce will thicken slightly once it hits the hot pan. If you prefer a more pourable sauce, add an extra tablespoon of water to your processor before blending.
Fresh lime: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice rather than the bottled variety. The brightness of fresh citrus is essential for cutting through the richness of the peanut butter.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A