Peanut Chicken Traybake
Nut butters are so versatile, especially peanut, and whenever I run out, I just make my own. It’s cheaper and easier. And it can be used for much more than just breakfast, like in this peanut chicken traybake. You make enough here to keep a jar in your cupboard too.
Nut butters are so versatile, especially peanut, and whenever I run out, I just make my own. It’s cheaper and easier. And it can be used for much more than just breakfast, like in this peanut chicken traybake. You make enough here to keep a jar in your cupboard too.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 lime juice only
- 500 g/1lb 2oz salted peanuts
- 250 g/9oz gnocchi
- 1 kg/2lb 4oz deboned and skinless chicken thighs thinly sliced
- 5 tbsp thai green curry paste
- 5 tbsp peanut butter from above
- 2 heads broccoli cut into florets
- 2 small red onions cut into small wedges
- 3 tbsp salted peanuts roughly chopped
- handful fresh coriander roughly chopped
- Carbohydrate 33.9047547953369 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 28.6500269325661 g
- Fiber 5.55024465721819 g
- Protein 8.02230234201917 g
- Saturated Fat 2.79173567734935 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (322g)
- Sodium 69.1613177168816 mg
- Sugar 28.3545101381188 g
- Trans Fat 0.984814817632846 g
- Calories 399 calories
Step-by-step
- To make the peanut butter, put the nuts into a food processor with the salt (if using) and honey and blend until it starts to change texture. Add the oil gradually and as soon as the texture is smooth and shiny, stop and transfer the mixture to a jar.
- For the chicken, preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6 and have a roasting dish (about 30x22x5cm/12x8½x2in) at the ready.
- Bring a pan of water to the boil, then add the gnocchi. Boil until the gnocchi come to the surface, then take off the heat, drain and set aside.
- Put the chicken into a large bowl. Add the honey, oil, curry paste, peanut butter and salt, and mix it well with your hands.
- Add the chicken to the roasting dish along with the broccoli, onions and gnocchi and bake for 30 minutes, giving it a stir halfway through.
- Serve topped with the chopped nuts, coriander and a squeeze of lime.
A Weeknight Winner: Peanut Chicken Traybake
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious meal for my family can be a real challenge. Weeknights are often a whirlwind of homework, extracurricular activities, and the general chaos of family life. That's why I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly, tasty enough to satisfy everyone. This Peanut Chicken Traybake is my new go-to for those hectic evenings.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. It’s a one-pan wonder, which means less cleanup – a huge bonus after a long day! I love how the peanut butter adds a rich, savory depth to the chicken, creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting. The combination of tender chicken, roasted broccoli, and perfectly cooked gnocchi is a delightful mix of textures and tastes. And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable. Feel free to swap out the broccoli for other vegetables you have on hand, like Brussels sprouts or bell peppers. You can even add some sweet potatoes for extra sweetness and nutrients.
I often make a double batch of the homemade peanut butter, storing the extra in a jar in the pantry. It’s so much better than store-bought, and knowing exactly what goes into it gives me peace of mind. The process of making the peanut butter is incredibly easy – just blend peanuts, honey, and a little oil until smooth. It’s a satisfying task, and the aroma of freshly made peanut butter is simply divine. This recipe has become a staple in my weeknight dinner rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser, even with my picky eaters, and leaves me with enough time to enjoy the rest of my evening without spending hours slaving away in the kitchen.
Beyond the Traybake: Peanut Butter Adventures
The homemade peanut butter isn't just for this traybake; it opens up a world of culinary possibilities. I've been experimenting with different ways to incorporate it into our meals. I love adding a spoonful to my morning oatmeal or using it as a base for a quick and easy salad dressing. It adds a unique nutty flavor to stir-fries, and I even use it in place of regular butter when baking certain treats. The possibilities are truly endless.
This Peanut Chicken Traybake recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the power of simple ingredients and clever cooking techniques. It’s a recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel less stressful and more enjoyable, allowing me to spend quality time with my family without sacrificing a delicious and healthy meal. This is a recipe I’ll be making again and again, and I highly encourage you to try it too.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peanut butter mixture for a touch of heat.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some toasted sesame seeds or chopped cashews for added texture.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the peanut butter and chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It's become a true family favorite, and I know it will quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights in your home as well. Happy cooking!
