Chicken with Peanut Sauce: How to prepare this popular dish in Africa & Asia

Chicken with peanut sauce is a popular dish in many cuisines, particularly Southeast Asian and African. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce, offering a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors. The sauce, made from peanuts or peanut butter, often includes ingredients like coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and spices, creating a deeply flavorful and aromatic coating for the chicken. This dish is both versatile and easy to prepare, often served with rice, noodles, or vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.

How Chicken with Peanut Sauce is Prepared The dish begins by cooking the chicken—either grilled, sautéed, or roasted—until it's tender and juicy. The peanut sauce is prepared separately by combining peanut butter with other ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and lime juice to enhance its flavor. The sauce is then poured over the chicken or served as a dip on the side.

Basic Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup smooth peanut butter

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup coconut milk (or water for a lighter version)

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ginger, grated

1 teaspoon chili flakes or sriracha (optional, for heat)

Optional garnish: chopped peanuts, cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

2. Prepare the Peanut Sauce:

In a small saucepan, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk (or water), lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes.

Stir continuously over medium heat until the sauce is smooth and heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce for saltiness, lime juice for tanginess, or honey for sweetness.

3. Serve:

Slice the cooked chicken and pour the peanut sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges if desired.

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or sautéed vegetables, offering a flavorful and comforting meal. The creamy peanut sauce provides a unique taste, blending the richness of peanuts with the freshness of lime and the warmth of ginger and garlic.