Grilled Peanut Butter Chicken with African Spices
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Africa with this Grilled Peanut Butter Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in a luscious blend of creamy peanut butter, zesty lime juice, and aromatic spices, then grilled to perfection. This dish not only satisfies the taste buds but also offers a stunning presentation that’s inviting for any gathering. Serve it alongside fluffy rice or roasted potatoes to absorb the delightful marinade's essence, and enjoy a culinary experience that brings the heart of African cuisine to your table.
6
Servings
500
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken
1 (cut into serving pieces)
peanut butter
1/2 cup (smooth, creamy)
water
1/4 cup (hot)
mayonnaise
1 tablespoon
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
sherry wine
2 tablespoons
soy sauce
1 tablespoon
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
curry powder
1 tablespoon
dried crushed red pepper
1/2 teaspoon
cilantro
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
salt
to taste
freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, hot water, mayonnaise, lime juice, sherry wine, soy sauce, minced garlic, curry powder, crushed red pepper, and chopped cilantro.
2
Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more hot water incrementally until the consistency resembles that of heavy cream.
3
Set aside 1/2 cup of this marinade for basting during the grilling process.
4
Place the remaining marinade in a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken pieces, seal the bag, and squish the contents together to thoroughly coat the chicken in the marinade. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours for optimal flavor absorption.
5
Preheat your grill over medium heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
6
Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it onto the hot grill. Brush the pieces with the reserved peanut butter mixture.
7
Grill the chicken for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with the marinade, until the juices run clear and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair it with rice or roasted potatoes to complete the meal.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
20g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Peanut Butter Chicken with African Spices?
This is a savory and rich dish where tender chicken is marinated in a blend of creamy peanut butter, lime juice, and aromatic spices like curry and red pepper before being grilled.
How long should I marinate the chicken for this recipe?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to ensure optimal flavor absorption.
What sides go well with this peanut butter chicken?
This dish is best served alongside fluffy rice or roasted potatoes which help absorb the delicious essence of the peanut butter marinade.
Can I use chunky peanut butter instead of smooth?
While the recipe calls for smooth and creamy peanut butter for a luscious consistency, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit of extra texture.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the main spices used in the marinade?
The primary aromatic spices include curry powder, minced garlic, and dried crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
It is recommended to lightly oil the grill grates before placing the chicken on the heat.
What is the calorie count for a serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 500 calories.
Can I substitute lime juice with something else?
Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred for its zestiness, but you can use lemon juice as an alternative.
What should I do if the marinade is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick, add more hot water incrementally until it reaches the consistency of heavy cream.
Why do I need to reserve 1/2 cup of the marinade?
The reserved 1/2 cup is used for basting the chicken while it grills to keep it moist and enhance the flavor.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level due to the curry powder and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper, though you can adjust these to your preference.
How long does the chicken take to grill?
The chicken typically takes about 30 minutes to grill over medium heat, turning occasionally.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 35 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though you should cut them into serving pieces as specified in the ingredients list.
What type of wine is used in the marinade?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sherry wine to add depth to the sauce.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
Should the chicken rest after cooking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the grill helps retain its juices.
Is there any cilantro in the recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of finely chopped cilantro is included in the marinade for a fresh, herbal note.
What temperature should the grill be?
The grill should be preheated to medium heat.
Can I use soy sauce alternatives?
Yes, you can use tamari or liquid aminos if you are looking for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is mayonnaise necessary for the marinade?
The tablespoon of mayonnaise helps with the creaminess and emulsification of the marinade, though it can be omitted if necessary.
Does this recipe work for summer grilling?
Yes, it is highly recommended for summer grilling and outdoor gatherings.
What kind of peanut butter is best?
A smooth, creamy peanut butter is best to create a consistent, luscious marinade.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the marinade ingredients together ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to marinate the chicken.
Does this recipe contain salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper should be added to taste.
How much water is added to the marinade?
The recipe starts with 1/4 cup of hot water, with more added only if needed to adjust the thickness.