Instant Pot Peanut Chicken
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken that can also be made on the Stove Top - a simple, delicious one pot meal that can be made in 30 minutes! Paleo and GF adaptable, this delicious meal can be prepped ahead, or cooked ahead for the busy workweek!
Instant Pot Peanut Chicken that can also be made on the Stove Top - a simple, delicious one pot meal that can be made in 30 minutes! Paleo and GF adaptable, this delicious meal can be prepped ahead, or cooked ahead for the busy workweek!
- 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice more to taste
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 1 â½ â lbs chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes, sprinkled withâ pinch of salt
- 3 cloves garlic rough chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger chopped ( or use ginger paste)
- 1 ounce can coconut milk (liquid and solids)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or â use gf liquid amino acids)
- 3 tablespoons honey (or coconut sugar or brown sugar)
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste (or sriracha or sambal olek)
- â½ cup peanut butter (or sub almond butter)
- optional additions : 1 tablespoon lemongrass 4-5 kefir lime leaves
- 3 turkish cucumbers, cut into â½ inch thick, diagonal
- 1 tablespoon chili garlic paste
- pinch salt and sugar (optional)
- optional - basil ribbons scallions, or cilantro
- Carbohydrate 2.1998718758871 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 4.55647031252453 g
- Fiber 0.157687496385351 g
- Protein 0.323371875065603 g
- Saturated Fat 0.592496250006372 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (34g)
- Sodium 2.25843750120509 mg
- Sugar 2.04218437950175 g
- Trans Fat 0.228273281258027 g
- Calories 50 calories
Step-by-step
- Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes, sprinkle with salt and set aside.
- If using an Instant Pot, set it to the sauté function, and sauté the ginger and garlic in a teaspoon of oil for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, chili paste and the chicken, everything except the peanut butter in the pot, and stir. Drop the peanut butter in spoonfuls over top of the chicken (don't stir it in).
- Set to HIGH Pressure, for 9 minutes. Naturally release. See notes. (If using thigh meat pressure cook for 12 minutes.)
- (Alternately, if cooking on the stove top, cook the lightly salted chicken cubes in a dutch oven or large skillet in a little oil, until golden. Toss in the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, 1-2 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients, except peanut butter, stirring to combine. Cover and let simmer very gently on low heat, 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, then stir in the peanut butter.)
- Once chicken is done cooking, taste a spoonful of the sauce. Adjust salt, lime, sweetness and spice level according to your taste. Some of you will want it sweeter. I usually add more chili paste and lime. If the sauce seems too thin, reduce a bit using the sauté function (while constantly stirring, to prevent burning the bottom). See notes.
- Serve over a bed of rice or baby spinach - or both and the Chili Cucumber Salad. Top with optional Peanut Chili Crunch
- To make the refreshing Chili Cucumber Salad, just place everything in a medium bowl and toss. It only takes a few minutes and you can do this while the Peanut Chicken is cooking.
My Go-To Weeknight Meal: Instant Pot Peanut Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending laundry pile, sometimes the easiest option seems to be takeout. But I refuse to let convenience dictate my family's nutritional intake. That's where this Instant Pot Peanut Chicken recipe comes in – a lifesaver, truly. It's quick, flavorful, and surprisingly adaptable to whatever ingredients I have on hand. The best part? It's even better the next day!
This recipe isn't just about the ease of preparation; it's about versatility. One day, I might serve it over fluffy white rice, garnished with fresh cilantro. Another day, I might opt for a bed of spinach, adding a bit of crunch with toasted peanuts. My kids love it either way, and the leftovers are perfect for packing lunches. I often double the recipe, ensuring we have plenty for several meals. This saves me both time and stress during the week, allowing me to focus on other aspects of my hectic schedule. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. If I don't have fresh ginger, I use the paste. If I run out of honey, brown sugar does the trick just as well. The beauty of home cooking lies in its improvisational nature, and this recipe truly embraces that.
Beyond the Instant Pot: The recipe's instructions also include a stovetop method, which is just as convenient. On weekends, when I have a bit more time, I enjoy using the stovetop method. It allows me to savor the cooking process, the aromas filling the kitchen with a comforting warmth. It's a simple act of mindful cooking that helps me unwind after a busy week. This simple peanut chicken recipe has become more than just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and convenient cooking doesn't have to be a battle. It’s a testament to finding moments of peace and nourishment amidst the chaos of daily life.
The recipe's adaptability extends to dietary preferences too. It’s easily customizable for paleo or gluten-free diets, simply by swapping out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like coconut aminos. This caters to the various needs and preferences of my family, making sure everyone can enjoy this flavorful dish. The quick preparation time is also perfect for those unexpected guests – it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that can be ready in a flash.
More than just a meal: It's a ritual, a small act of self-care amidst the whirlwind of my schedule. The satisfaction of creating something nourishing and delicious for my loved ones is immeasurable. It's a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the simple pleasures in life. Whether I use the Instant Pot for a quick weeknight dinner or the stovetop for a relaxed weekend meal, this peanut chicken recipe remains a staple in our family's culinary repertoire. It’s a recipe for both nourishment and joy, a testament to the magic of finding delicious and manageable solutions in the midst of a busy life.
Beyond the Recipe: I encourage you to experiment with this recipe. Add your own personal touch, your own favorite vegetables, or even different types of protein. The possibilities are endless! The core of this dish is the incredibly versatile peanut sauce, which you can adjust to your own taste preferences. Want it spicier? Add more chili paste! Prefer a sweeter flavor profile? Increase the honey. The beauty of cooking is its inherent flexibility. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. This recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it's a framework for creating a flavorful and satisfying meal that fits your life, your time, and your preferences.
