Peanut Butter Chicken (Recipe)

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Almond butter has less saturated fat, while sunflower seed butter is nut-free.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: whole milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories, while whole milk is more accessible.

soy sauce

🥗Healthier: tamari

💰Cheaper: liquid aminos

Tamari is gluten-free, while liquid aminos are often less salty.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Agave syrup has a lower glycemic index, while maple syrup is a common substitute.

Combine chicken thigh, vegetable oil, and salt in a big bowl. Add the beaten egg into the bowl with the chicken. Mix well and let marinate for 10 to 20 minutes.

Right before cooking, add the cornstarch. Stir to coat chicken, until it forms an uneven coating with a little dry cornstarch left unattached. If the batter is too wet, you can add a bit more cornstarch.

Add the peanut butter and water into a medium-sized bowl. Stir and mix until the water is fully incorporated. Add the rest of the ingredients, one liquid at a time, and stir until smooth.

Heat 1/4 cup water in a large skillet over medium heat until boiling. Add the broccoli and cover the pan. Let steam for 1 minute, or until the broccoli reaches the desired texture. Transfer the broccoli to a big plate and set aside. Wipe any excess water from the pan with a paper towel.

Heat 3 tablespoons of oil in the same skillet until hot. Add chicken all at once and spread into a single layer. Separate chicken pieces with a pair of tongs or chopsticks.

Cook without touching the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom turns golden. Flip to brown the other side, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

If there’s no oil in the pan, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon oil, along with garlic, ginger, and green onion. Cook and stir a few times until it releases the fragrance.

Pour the sauce into the pan. Stir and cook until it thickens slightly, 1 minute or so. Transfer the sauce to a medium-sized bowl.

When you’re ready to serve, pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and serve hot as a main dish. The chicken will remain crispy if you pour the sauce on it right before eating.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens