Chicken with peanuts

Chicken with Peanuts – a delicious and quick recipe

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

I invite you to discover a delicious recipe that combines the refined taste of chicken with the crunchiness of roasted peanuts. This Chicken with Peanuts recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your family's taste buds.

A short story about Chicken with Peanuts

This recipe has its origins in Asian kitchens, where peanuts are often used to add a crunchy texture and a unique flavor to meat-based dishes. Peanuts are not only a delicious ingredient but also very nutritious, being rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, the combination of juicy chicken and roasted peanuts provides a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors, and the dish is often served with rice to complete the culinary experience.

Ingredients

- 250 g raw peanuts
- 1/4 cup oil (preferably sunflower or peanut oil for a stronger flavor)
- 250-300 g chicken breast, cut into cubes
- 1/2 leek (or green onion, according to preference)
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
- A bit of celery (optional, for added flavor)

Preparation techniques

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing and cutting the chicken breast into equal-sized cubes, about 2-3 cm. This will ensure even cooking. Slice the leek thinly and cut the bell peppers into strips. If you choose to add celery, chop it finely.

2. Roasting the peanuts: In a wok or deep frying pan, pour in the oil and let it heat up. Add the raw peanuts and fry them for 15-20 seconds until they turn golden and fragrant. Be careful not to leave them too long, as they can burn easily. Once done, remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

3. Cooking the chicken: In the same pan, add the chicken cubes. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the meat changes color and turns white on all sides. This process will take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Adding the vegetables: Once the chicken is cooked, add the leek and bell peppers. Mix well and let the vegetables soften slightly for 2-3 minutes. They will add extra color and flavor to the dish.

5. Seasoning: Sprinkle salt and sugar over the mixture. Mix the cornstarch with the 3 tablespoons of cold water to form a paste, then pour this mixture into the pan. The cornstarch will help thicken the sauce and add a silky texture.

6. Finalizing the dish: Add the roasted peanuts to the pan and gently stir, being careful not to crush the peanuts. Let everything simmer for 1-2 minutes so that the flavors meld perfectly.

7. Serving: Transfer the dish to a platter and serve warm, alongside boiled rice that will absorb the delicious flavors of the sauce.

Practical tips

- Perfect rice: If you want to prepare rice to serve alongside, use one cup of rice to two cups of water. Cook it on low heat, covered, for 18-20 minutes. Long-grain or basmati rice are excellent choices to accompany this dish.

- Variations: You can experiment with other vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli, to add more colors and nutrients. You can also use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to reduce the salt intake.

- Other combinations: Chicken with peanuts pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade, which will complement the dish's flavors.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken and peanuts, which provide healthy fats. Peanuts contain antioxidants, vitamins E and B, and minerals like magnesium and phosphorus. The vegetables add fiber and essential vitamins, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I replace peanuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can use cashews or roasted almonds to vary the texture and flavor.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add finely chopped chili pepper or chili sauce at the end for an extra kick.

3. Is this recipe suitable for a diet?
Yes, it is a relatively low-calorie recipe but high in protein, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet.

4. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make the chicken with peanuts a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving.

This Chicken with Peanuts recipe is not only an excellent choice for a quick dinner but also a way to bring a touch of variety to your menu. I hope you enjoy every bite and that you experiment with the ingredients to create new and delicious versions! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 250 g raw hazelnuts, 1/4 cup of oil, 250-300 g chicken breast, 1/2 leek (can also be green onion), 1/2 yellow bell pepper, 1/2 red bell pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon starch, a little celery (optional, not mandatory)

 Tags:  chicken breast hazelnuts