Description
This Braised Nutty Satay Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy peanut sauce with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a hint of chili. Perfectly balanced with lime juice and garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro, this Asian-inspired main course delivers comfort and a delicious nutty twist, ideal to serve alongside jasmine rice or steamed vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Aromatics
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Satay Sauce
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Finishing & Garnish
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or braising pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. This step develops the base flavors essential for the dish.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant, to infuse the oil and onions with aromatic depth.
- Brown the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the pan and brown on both sides, about 3 minutes per side, achieving a golden crust that enhances flavor and texture.
- Prepare the Satay Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, chili paste (if using), coconut milk, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned chicken in the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan securely, and allow the chicken to braise for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tender and cooked through.
- Finish with Lime Juice: After braising, stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten and balance the richness of the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with crushed roasted peanuts and chopped cilantro for added texture and fresh herbal notes. Serve warm, ideally with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Notes
- Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter to change the nutty flavor profile or accommodate allergies.
- Increase the chili paste quantity if you prefer a spicier kick in the sauce.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or rice noodles to complement the creamy satay sauce.
