Chunky Peanut Chicken
Chunky Peanut Chicken combines tender chicken with a flavorful peanut sauce, accented by tarragon and garlic, creating a rich, savory dish perfect for casual or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 tsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp vegetable oil ⓘ
- 4 skinless and boneless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 c homemade chicken stock or canned chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh tarragon or 2 tsp dried tarragon ⓘ
- 3 medium cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 c chunky peanut butter
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp cayenne ⓘ
- 1/2 c chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1/3 c dry roasted peanuts ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- freshly ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 4 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly.
- In a 1-cup measure, mix the chicken stock with the tarragon; set aside.
- Let the chicken and broth mixture stand at room temperature for 30 minutes to marinate.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the Worcestershire sauce and oil mixture. If you don't have fresh tarragon, dried works too, but use about a third of the amount. You can substitute the chunky peanut butter with smooth peanut butter if preferred, but the texture will differ. Adjust the cayenne to control the heat level to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chunky Peanut Chicken over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce. It pairs beautifully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside the Greatest Casserole Ever for a comforting combination.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it may dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chunky Peanut Chicken contains roughly 629 calories, with 27g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (99% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1550mg per serving (67% 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 frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to fully thaw them before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
What can I substitute for chunky peanut butter?
If you prefer a different nut butter, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used as substitutes, though the flavor will vary. For a nut-free option, consider using tahini.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper or include chopped fresh chilies to the marinade or sauce. Adjust to taste for the desired spice level.
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).