Chicken With Peanut Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts are baked with a flavorful peanut sauce, sautéed onions, garlic, and apple, creating a savory and slightly sweet dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Trim fat from chicken breasts and place in a lightly oiled baking dish.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet and sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
- Spread the sautéed onion, garlic, and chopped apple over the chicken.
- Gradually add chicken broth to the peanut sauce, beating with a fork until smooth.
- Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken pieces.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake until chicken is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting almond butter for peanut sauce for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used; just skip the baking step and warm the dish until heated through. For added texture, consider tossing in some chopped bell peppers or snap peas during the sautéing step to enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken with peanut sauce over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce. A side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad would complement the dish beautifully. For a hearty meal, pair it with cornbread or browse more American recipes that feature robust flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chicken with peanut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, you can rewarm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Peanut Sauce contains roughly 365 calories, with 9g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 22g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 592mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, this peanut sauce works well with turkey or pork as alternatives. Be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you choose, as cooking times may vary. For example, pork tenderloin may cook faster than chicken breasts, so monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, which will absorb the flavors of the peanut sauce beautifully. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly, and ensure to cook the tofu until golden for added texture.
What can I do if I don't have peanut sauce?
If you don't have peanut sauce on hand, you can make a quick substitute using smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, and a bit of honey or maple syrup mixed with water to achieve a sauce-like consistency. This will help replicate the creamy, sweet, and savory flavors that peanut sauce provides.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).