Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 cups water
• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
• teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoons chopped fresh ginger root
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• cup chopped green onions
• cup unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

Directions

1. Combine water and rice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
2. While the rice is cooking, mix the soy sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl and set it aside.
3. In a skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the chicken, garlic, and ginger, and cook, stirring frequently, until the chicken is lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and add the broccoli, green onions, peanuts, and the soy sauce mixture to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring often, until the broccoli is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
5. Serve the chicken-broccoli mixture over the cooked rice.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains approximately:

• 360 Calories
• 11g Fat (14% Daily Value)
• 2g Saturated Fat (9% Daily Value)
• 34mg Cholesterol (11% Daily Value)
• 410mg Sodium (18% Daily Value)
• 43g Carbohydrates (16% Daily Value)
• 3g Dietary Fiber (9% Daily Value)
• 2g Sugars
• 21g Protein (42% Daily Value)
• 29mg Vitamin C (32% Daily Value)
• 52mg Calcium (4% Daily Value)
• 3mg Iron (18% Daily Value)
• 418mg Potassium (9% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is a delightful dish combining tender chicken with crispy broccoli and a rich, spicy peanut sauce. This dish, a favorite among food lovers around the world, embodies the balance of sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors typical of Thai cuisine. Its origins can be traced to Thailand, where peanut sauces are frequently used in a variety of dishes, adding a creamy, nutty element to the overall flavor profile. The dish is often served over rice to complement the savory sauce and bring all the components together in a satisfying meal.

Origins and History

Peanuts are a staple in many Southeast Asian cuisines, and their use in cooking dates back centuries. In Thailand, peanuts are often incorporated into dishes like satay, pad Thai, and various curry-based recipes. While the specific history of Thai Peanut Chicken is not well-documented, it is a reflection of the broader tradition of combining peanuts with chicken in Thai cooking. This practice stems from the influence of Chinese immigrants in Southeast Asia, who introduced peanut-based sauces to the region. Over time, the local cuisine adapted, infusing these dishes with indigenous Thai ingredients such as lime, fish sauce, and chili.

Regional Variations

In Thailand, the flavor profile of peanut chicken can vary significantly depending on the region. For example, in northern Thailand, the dish may be paired with a more aromatic and herbal sauce, featuring ingredients like lemongrass or kaffir lime leaves. In contrast, southern Thailands version might be spicier, with a greater emphasis on chilies and a more pronounced sourness. Regional variations reflect the diverse range of ingredients available across Thailands different provinces, where local produce and flavors come together to create unique interpretations of traditional dishes.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Thai Peanut Chicken is often compared to other dishes featuring peanut sauce, such as Indonesian satay or Malaysian chicken with peanut sauce. However, it stands out due to its distinctive combination of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce, which gives the dish a savory depth that other peanut-based dishes may lack. While Indonesian satay tends to feature skewered meats grilled over an open flame, Thai Peanut Chicken is typically cooked in a wok or skillet, which imparts a different texture and flavor to the chicken. Additionally, the inclusion of vegetables like broccoli and green onions in this recipe adds a freshness and crunch that balances the richness of the peanut sauce.

Where Is Thai Peanut Chicken Typically Served?

This dish is commonly found in Thai restaurants worldwide, often featured in the "stir-fry" section of the menu. Its a popular choice for those looking to indulge in something savory and slightly spicy, while also offering the comforting appeal of peanut butter. In Thailand, similar dishes may be served as part of a larger meal, accompanied by jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a variety of other dishes. In Western countries, Thai Peanut Chicken is frequently enjoyed as a weeknight dinner, served over rice or noodles for a complete, hearty meal.

Interesting Facts

1. Thai cuisine has a rich history of balancing five key flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Thai Peanut Chicken exemplifies this philosophy with its combination of spicy cayenne, tangy vinegar, salty soy sauce, and the sweetness of peanut butter.

2. Although peanuts are often associated with American and Western cuisine, they are widely used in Southeast Asia, where they are considered a crucial ingredient for creating complex sauces and dips.

3. The popularity of Thai Peanut Chicken has grown significantly in recent years due to the rise of "fusion cuisine," which combines elements of traditional Thai cooking with ingredients or techniques from other cultures. This dish has become a beloved option in both casual and fine dining establishments, as well as home kitchens.

Conclusion

Whether you are a seasoned fan of Thai cuisine or a newcomer to its unique flavors, Thai Peanut Chicken is a must-try dish. Its history, regional diversity, and savory appeal make it a quintessential part of the Thai culinary tradition. Enjoying this dish at home is not only an opportunity to explore authentic Thai flavors but also a chance to add a bit of adventure to your dinner table.

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