Peanut Sauce With Grilled Chicken
A rich, flavorful peanut sauce with fresh ginger, garlic, and cilantro pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, offering a balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes for any meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well.
- Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
- Store in a sealed container until ready to use.
- Keeps for several weeks in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider using almond butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor profile. You can also add a bit of sriracha for extra heat if desired. To enhance the sauce's depth, try incorporating a splash of rice vinegar. Fresh ginger is preferable, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch; just reduce the amount slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut sauce pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, making it a perfect complement for a chicken salad or rice bowl. For a complete meal, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or quinoa. It also works well as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls or as a dressing for cold noodle salads.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover peanut sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. When ready to use, you may need to stir in a little water or chicken stock to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken when chilled. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peanut Sauce With Grilled Chicken contains roughly 145 calories, with 5g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2405mg per serving (105% 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 make this peanut sauce in advance?
Yes, this peanut sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. It actually benefits from sitting, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using, as separation can occur.
What can I substitute for the chili oil?
If you don't have chili oil, you can use sesame oil with a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Alternatively, hot sauce can be mixed in to achieve the desired spice level. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Is there a way to make this sauce less sweet?
Absolutely! To balance the sweetness of the honey, you can reduce the amount used or incorporate more lime juice or soy sauce to enhance the savory notes. Tasting as you go will help you achieve the right flavor balance.
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).