Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe

Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight is a fusion of spicy and savory flavors. This recipe combines the robust flavors of curry, chili, cayenne pepper, and cinnamon with the comforting creaminess of peanut butter. The added texture of spaghetti and chunks of chicken give it a satisfying bite. It's a unique dish that will delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more.

Photos of Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe

Some ingredients that may not be commonly found in your pantry include Thai chili garlic sauce and extra chunky peanut butter. Thai chili garlic sauce adds a spicy kick and depth of flavor to the dish. You can find this in the Asian aisle of most supermarkets. Extra chunky peanut butter, on the other hand, not only adds a creamy texture to the dish but also provides delightful chunks of peanuts for an added crunch.

Ingredient List for Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Curry powder: Adds a warm and savory flavor.

Thai chili garlic sauce: Provides heat and depth of flavor.

Ground cayenne pepper: Increases the spiciness of the dish.

Ground cinnamon: Gives a slight sweet and woody flavor.

Soy sauce: Adds a savory, umami taste.

Spaghetti: Serves as the base of the dish, soaking up the sauce.

Peanut oil: Used for frying, it has a high smoke point and mild flavor.

Chicken breast: Provides lean protein.

Water: Helps to dilute and blend the sauce.

Extra chunky peanut butter: Adds creaminess and crunch to the dish.

Green onions: Gives a fresh, sharp flavor.

Chow mein noodles: Adds a crunch topping to the dish.

One reader, Florence Osburn says:

This spicy peanut chicken delight is a flavor explosion! The combination of curry, chili garlic sauce, and peanut butter creates a rich and satisfying sauce. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the crunchy chow mein noodles add the perfect texture. It's a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors!

Florence Osburn

Techniques Required for Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

How to cook the spaghetti: Boil water in a saucepan and cook the spaghetti for 8 to 12 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.

How to cook the chicken: Heat peanut oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 8 minutes until it's beginning to brown and the inside is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

How to make the peanut sauce: In a saucepan, stir together the peanut butter and water over medium heat until smooth and the peanut butter is melted. Then, pour in the curry-chili sauce and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

How to serve: Place the noodles in a large bowl, top with the chicken, and spoon the peanut sauce over the top. Sprinkle with green onions, garnish with chow mein noodles, and serve.

How To Make Spicy Peanut Chicken

Whip up a mouthwatering Thai-inspired dish of spicy peanut chicken, made with tender noodles and chicken, smothered in a savory sauce, for a fuller meal!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1½tspcurry powder
2tbspThai chili garlic sauce,(Sriracha), or to taste
1½tspground cayenne pepper,or to taste
½tspground cinnamon
2tspsoy sauce
½lbspaghetti,uncooked
1tbsppeanut oil
2large chicken breast,halves, skinless, boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
3½cupswater
2cupsextra chunky peanut butter
4green onions,coarsely chopped
½cupchow mein noodles

Instructions

Combine the curry powder, Thai chili garlic sauce, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and soy sauce in a small bowl, then set aside.
Fill a saucepan with water, and bring it to a boil. When the water is boiling, drop in the spaghetti and cook for 8 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
Heat the peanut oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until barely smoking, then drop in the chicken.
Cook and stir for 5 to 8 minutes until the chicken is just beginning to brown and the inside is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the skillet, and set aside.
Stir together the peanut butter and 3½ cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and the peanut butter is melted.
Pour in the curry-chili sauce, and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes, until the sauce is thickened.
Place the noodles in a large bowl, top with the chicken, and spoon the peanut sauce over top.
Sprinkle with green onions, garnish with chow mein noodles, serve, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 617.41kcal
Fat: 40.52g
Saturated Fat: 8.52g
Trans Fat: 0.11g
Monounsaturated Fat: 19.71g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.94g
Carbohydrates: 39.10g
Fiber: 4.84g
Sugar: 7.82g
Protein: 30.18g
Cholesterol: 36.80mg
Sodium: 126.22mg
Calcium: 61.26mg
Potassium: 595.42mg
Iron: 2.27mg
Vitamin A: 24.26µg
Vitamin C: 2.34mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

To ensure your peanut sauce has a smooth and creamy texture, it's crucial to whisk it continuously while it's heating up. This not only prevents the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan but also helps to evenly distribute the heat, allowing the peanut butter to melt uniformly. Additionally, using chunky peanut butter adds a delightful crunch to the sauce, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Spicy Peanut Dish

Plan ahead: Prepare all your ingredients and kitchen tools before starting the cooking process to save time and avoid any last-minute scrambling.

Multitask: While one component is cooking, use that time to prepare the next step of the recipe to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Prep in bulk: Consider making a larger batch of the recipe and freezing individual portions for quick and easy meals in the future.

Use kitchen gadgets: Utilize tools like food processors, blenders, and slow cookers to streamline the cooking process and reduce hands-on time.

Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils, pots, and pans as you cook to minimize the post-cooking cleanup.

Substitute Ingredients For Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe

Curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala is a flavorful Indian spice blend that contains many of the same spices as curry powder, such as cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, but with a slightly different flavor profile.
Thai chili garlic sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha is a popular hot sauce made from chili peppers, garlic, and vinegar, which can provide a similar spicy kick to the dish.
Ground cayenne pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and a rich, smoky flavor to the dish without being as spicy as cayenne pepper.
Ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground nutmeg: Ground nutmeg can provide a warm, slightly sweet flavor similar to cinnamon, but with a more earthy and nutty undertone.
Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce that has a similar savory and umami-rich flavor, making it a suitable substitute in this recipe.
Spaghetti - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles can be used as a gluten-free alternative to spaghetti and will work well with the flavors of the dish.
Peanut oil - Substitute with sesame oil: Sesame oil can provide a nutty flavor and aroma similar to peanut oil, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Chicken breast - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken, providing a similar protein-rich component to the dish.
Water - Substitute with coconut milk: Coconut milk can add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Extra chunky peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can provide a nutty and creamy consistency similar to peanut butter, while adding a slightly different flavor to the dish.
Green onions - Substitute with chives: Chives can offer a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color, similar to green onions, as a garnish for the dish.
Chow mein noodles - Substitute with rice noodles: Rice noodles can be used as a gluten-free alternative to chow mein noodles and will complement the flavors of the dish.

Presenting Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight in Style

Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use colorful and vibrant ingredients to add visual appeal and make the dish pop.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures to the dish. Consider adding a crispy element, such as crunchy chow mein noodles, to contrast with the creamy peanut sauce and tender chicken.
Balance the flavors: Ensure that the dish strikes a perfect balance of flavors. The spicy elements should be complemented by the rich and nutty peanut sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Highlight the protein: Showcase the perfectly cooked chicken as the star of the dish. Slice the chicken into elegant pieces and arrange them strategically on the plate to draw attention to the protein.
Garnish with precision: Use finely chopped green onions as a delicate garnish to add a pop of color and a subtle onion flavor. The garnish should be meticulously placed to enhance the overall presentation.
Create a focal point: Design the plating to have a central focal point, drawing the eye to the dish's main elements. Consider using the spaghetti as a base and arranging the chicken and sauce in an artful manner.
Use high-quality dinnerware: Select elegant dinnerware that complements the colors of the dish. The choice of plate can enhance the overall presentation and elevate the dining experience.
Incorporate negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to breathe. Avoid overcrowding the plate, allowing each element to shine individually.

Essential Tools for Making Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and straight sides, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
Skillet or wok: A flat-bottomed pan with sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and stir-frying.
Spatula: A kitchen tool with a broad, flat, blunt blade, used for mixing, spreading, and turning ingredients.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and straight sides, used for boiling, stewing, or making sauces.
Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients, stirring, and mixing.

Storing and Freezing Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Allow the spicy peanut chicken delight to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the dish, transfer the cooled chicken and peanut sauce to separate freezer-safe containers. The spaghetti noodles can be stored in another container or plastic bag.
When ready to freeze, label the containers with the date and contents, and place them in the freezer. The spicy peanut chicken delight will keep for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
To reheat, thaw the chicken, peanut sauce, and noodles in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat the peanut sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to thin it out.
Reheat the chicken and noodles in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Assemble the reheated components in a serving bowl, garnish with fresh green onions and chow mein noodles, and enjoy your leftover spicy peanut chicken delight!

How To Reheat Leftover Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Reheat the spicy peanut chicken delight in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the pan. This method will help maintain the texture of the chicken and the noodles, while also allowing the flavors to meld together.
If you prefer a moister dish, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the pan while reheating. This will help loosen up the peanut sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick or dry.
For a quick and easy reheating option, use the microwave. Place the spicy peanut chicken delight in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the dish is heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the chicken to become tough and the noodles to become mushy.
If you have leftover peanut sauce, reheat it separately in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly to prevent burning, and add a little water or chicken broth if needed to thin out the sauce. Once heated through, pour the sauce over the reheated chicken and noodles.
For a crispy texture, reheat the spicy peanut chicken delight in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the dish in an oven-safe container. Cover with foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last few minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.

Interesting Fact About Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Spicy peanut chicken delight is a popular dish in Thai cuisine, known for its bold flavors and creamy peanut sauce. It's a delicious combination of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors that create a delightful culinary experience.

Is Making Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight at Home Economical?

This spicy peanut chicken delight recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The use of common ingredients like chicken breast, spaghetti, and peanut butter keeps the cost reasonable. However, the quantity of peanut butter required might slightly increase the overall cost. The dish offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it a budget-friendly option for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Is This Spicy Peanut Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spicy peanut chicken delight recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes lean protein from the chicken breast and healthy fats from the peanut butter. The green onions add a touch of freshness and nutrients. However, the recipe also contains a significant amount of sodium from the soy sauce and chow mein noodles, as well as added sugars and unhealthy fats from the Thai chili garlic sauce and peanut butter. The high amount of cayenne pepper and curry powder may also be too spicy for some individuals, potentially causing digestive discomfort.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos for a healthier alternative
Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter to reduce added sugars
Replace the spaghetti with whole grain noodles or zucchini noodles for added fiber and nutrients
Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish, such as bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy, to boost the nutritional value
Reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and curry powder to make the dish less spicy and more accessible to a wider range of palates
Use a healthier cooking oil, such as coconut oil or avocado oil, instead of peanut oil
Skip the chow mein noodles as a garnish to reduce the sodium content further

Editor's Opinion on Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

This recipe combines the bold flavors of curry, chili, and peanut butter to create a tantalizing dish. The combination of spices and peanut butter creates a rich and aromatic sauce that perfectly coats the tender chicken and spaghetti. The addition of chow mein noodles adds a delightful crunch, while the green onions provide a fresh and vibrant finish. Overall, this dish offers a harmonious balance of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors that will surely delight the taste buds.

Enhance Your Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus: Roast the asparagus with olive oil, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a flavorful and healthy side dish.

Mango Salsa: Mix together diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice for a refreshing and tropical accompaniment to the spicy peanut chicken delight.

Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Whip up some creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet and savory side dish.

Grilled Pineapple: Grill slices of pineapple until caramelized for a juicy and tangy addition to the meal.

Tasty Alternatives to Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Spicy Peanut Tofu Stir-Fry: This flavorful stir-fry combines crispy tofu, colorful vegetables, and a spicy peanut sauce for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Coconut Curry Shrimp: This aromatic and creamy coconut curry shrimp is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or naan bread.

Mango Chicken Salad: This refreshing and vibrant salad features juicy mango, tender chicken, and a zesty lime dressing for a light and satisfying meal.

Butternut Squash Soup: This velvety smooth soup is made with roasted butternut squash, aromatic spices, and a touch of cream for a comforting and nourishing dish.

Berry Crumble: This irresistible dessert is made with a medley of fresh berries, a buttery crumble topping, and a hint of cinnamon for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Spicy Peanut Chicken Delight

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic, and herbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Whip up a creamy and flavorful dip by combining spinach, artichokes, and a blend of cheeses. Bake until bubbly and golden, then serve with crispy tortilla chips or bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

Apple Pie: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a classic apple pie, with a flaky golden crust and tender, cinnamon-spiced apples. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of spicy and peanut flavors, creating a tantalizing dish that will excite your taste buds. The use of curry powder, Thai chili garlic sauce, and cayenne pepper ensures a robust and aromatic experience. The addition of soy sauce provides depth of flavor, while the creamy peanut butter sauce adds richness. The inclusion of chicken guarantees a satisfying and protein-packed meal. With the aromatic blend of cinnamon and the crunch of chow mein noodles, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure.

Share your thoughts on the Spicy Peanut Chicken Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know how it turned out for you!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Feel free to use your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even rice noodles.

Is there a substitute for the chunky peanut butter?

If you don't have chunky peanut butter, you can use smooth peanut butter instead. You can also add some chopped peanuts for a bit of crunch.

Can I make this dish less spicy?

Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit the Thai chili garlic sauce. You can always adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Of course! You can use tofu, shrimp, beef, or even just vegetables for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

How can I store the leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. It should keep well for a few days.