Fragrant Ginger Peanut Chicken
A delightful dish inspired by classic Thai flavors, featuring tender chunks of chicken breast infused with mild curry spice, garlic, and fresh ginger. Coated in creamy coconut milk and savory nam pla, this dish offers a rich depth of flavor with a gentle sweetness from sugar and a delightful crunch from roasted peanuts. Serve with jasmine rice for a comforting and aromatic meal. Customize the recipe with optional broccoli and scallions to add vibrant color and extra nutrition.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
1.5 - 2 lbs (cut into 1-inch chunks, boneless and skinless)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
fresh ginger
1-inch piece (peeled and minced)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (preferably homemade)
neutral oil
2 tablespoons (none)
small onion
1 (sliced)
roasted peanuts
1/3 cup (chopped)
sugar
1 tablespoon (none)
nam pla
1 tablespoon (none)
coconut milk
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
2
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
3
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken starts to brown and is no longer pink on the outside, about 5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the chopped peanuts, sugar, nam pla, and coconut milk into the skillet. Mix well and allow the sauce to simmer gently. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 5 to 10 minutes.
5
Serve the fragrant ginger peanut chicken immediately, paired with aromatic jasmine rice.
6
Optional: To include vegetables, parboil 1/2 head of broccoli and 6 scallions (cut into 2-inch lengths) for about 3 minutes until just tender. Drain and add to the skillet along with the chicken, increasing the coconut milk to 3/4 cup total to accommodate the additional ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fragrant Ginger Peanut Chicken?
It is a delightful dish inspired by classic Thai flavors, featuring tender chicken breast chunks infused with curry, garlic, and ginger in a creamy coconut sauce.
What cut of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 1.5 to 2 lbs of boneless and skinless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be cut into 1-inch chunks.
What are the main flavor components?
The main flavors come from fresh ginger, minced garlic, curry powder, coconut milk, and savory nam pla.
What is nam pla?
Nam pla is a savory Thai fish sauce that adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
Does this dish have a crunchy texture?
Yes, the addition of 1/3 cup of chopped roasted peanuts provides a delightful crunch.
How do I prepare the fresh ginger?
You should peel and mince a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger.
What type of curry powder is recommended?
The recipe suggests using one tablespoon of curry powder, preferably homemade.
How long do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the sliced small onion for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the chicken, garlic, ginger, and curry powder in a large bowl and mix well to marinate.
What type of oil should be used?
Use 2 tablespoons of a neutral oil for cooking the chicken and onions.
At what heat should I cook the chicken?
After sautéing the onions, increase the heat to medium-high before adding the marinated chicken.
When do I add the peanuts and coconut milk?
Incorporate the chopped peanuts, sugar, nam pla, and coconut milk after the chicken starts to brown and is no longer pink.
How long should the sauce simmer?
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for about 5 to 10 minutes until it thickens and the chicken is fully cooked.
What is the recommended side dish?
The dish is best served with aromatic jasmine rice for a comforting meal.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is customizable; you can add parboiled broccoli and scallions.
How do I prepare broccoli for this dish?
Parboil 1/2 head of broccoli for about 3 minutes until just tender, then drain and add to the skillet.
How should scallions be prepared?
Cut 6 scallions into 2-inch lengths and parboil them along with the broccoli for 3 minutes.
Do I need more coconut milk if I add vegetables?
Yes, increase the coconut milk to a total of 3/4 cup to accommodate the additional ingredients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Is this dish considered spicy?
The dish features a mild curry spice and offers a gentle sweetness, making it aromatic rather than overly hot.
What type of onion is used?
The recipe calls for 1 small onion, sliced.
How much sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar to provide a gentle sweetness.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients listed for the standard version of this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 2 minced garlic cloves for the marinade.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include Thai, peanut chicken, ginger, curry, coconut milk, and easy dinner.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy dinner and a comfort food dish.
Can I use a wok for this?
Yes, you can use either a large nonstick skillet or a wok to prepare this meal.
What is the weight of chicken needed?
You will need between 1.5 and 2 pounds of chicken breasts.
What gives the sauce its creamy texture?
The creamy texture is achieved by simmering the ingredients in 1/2 cup of coconut milk.