What’s the Trick to Amazing Spicy Peanut Chicken?

Are you searching for an amazing new dinner idea? You can make a dish full of exciting tastes. It has spicy, nutty, and savory flavors all in one.

The chicken is marinated for 30 minutes. Then it is fried until it is golden and crispy. This is tossed with yummy peanuts and spices. This simple guide shows you every step.

Key Takeaways

• Adjust chilies for your preferred spice level.
• Ensure oil is very hot for crispy chicken.
• Do not skip the 30-minute marination time.

You will learn how to create the perfect spicy peanut chicken at home. Get ready for a delicious meal you will love.

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here is a fast look at what you need to know. This snapshot helps you plan your cooking time for this tasty dish. It is easy to make.

Preparation Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Yield	Skill Level	Spice Level
40 Minutes	15 Minutes	55 Minutes	2-3 Servings	Easy	Medium (Adjustable)

Why Spicy Peanut Chicken is a Must-Try for Dinner

This dish is a fantastic choice for your evening meal. It brings together exciting flavors and textures that make dinner special. Discover why it is the perfect dish for tonight.

A Perfect Fusion of Flavors

This meal is a party for your taste buds. The heat from the chilies adds a nice kick. The peanuts give it a wonderful nutty crunch. Soy sauce and fish sauce bring a deep, savory taste. A little bit of lemon juice makes everything bright and fresh. All these flavors work together perfectly.

A Quick and Satisfying Meal

You can make this delicious meal very quickly. This makes it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The steps are simple and easy to follow. After marinating the chicken, the cooking part is fast. You can have a hot, satisfying meal on the table in no time for your family.

A Versatile and Customizable Dish

You have the power to change this recipe. If you like things very spicy, add more chilies. If you prefer it mild, use fewer chilies. You can also add your favorite vegetables. This dish can easily be made just the way you like it. It is fun to customize.

How to Prepare Spicy Peanut Chicken

Making this dish is simple when you follow the steps. Here are all the ingredients and instructions you will need. Let’s get started on this flavorful meal.

Ingredients	Amount	Alternative
Chicken	300 grams, cubed	Tofu or Shrimp
Salt	To taste	Sea Salt
Crushed Pepper	To taste	White Pepper
Fish Sauce	1 tbsp	Soy Sauce or Tamari
Lemon Juice	1 tsp	Rice Vinegar
Corn Flour	1 tbsp	Arrowroot Starch
Oil for frying	As needed	Canola or Vegetable Oil
Chopped Onion	1	Shallots
Crushed Garlic	1 tbsp	Garlic Powder
Dried Red Chilies	4-5	Red Pepper Flakes
Soy Sauce	1 tsp	Coconut Aminos
Toasted Peanuts	3 tbsp	Toasted Cashews

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

First, get your chicken ready for its flavor bath. Put the cubed chicken in a bowl. Add the salt, pepper, fish sauce, and lemon juice. Mix everything together really well.

Then, add the corn flour to the bowl. Stir until every piece of chicken is nicely coated. Let the chicken sit and marinate for 30 minutes. This important step makes the chicken very tender and tasty.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken to Perfection

Now it is time to make the chicken crispy. Heat your oil in a deep pan. The oil should be hot before you add anything. Carefully place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil.

Do not put too many pieces in at once. Fry the chicken until it turns a lovely golden-brown color. Once cooked, take the chicken out. Place it on a board or plate.

Step 3: Create the Spicy Peanut Sauce Base

Next, we will make the flavorful base for our dish. In a different, clean pan, add a little bit of oil. Put the crushed garlic in the pan and cook it. Wait until the garlic turns a light golden color.

Then, add the chopped onions to the pan. Cook them until they become soft and see-through. This creates a wonderful smell and a delicious starting point for the sauce.

Step 4: Combine for the Final Dish

This is the final and most exciting step. Add the dried red chilies to the pan with the onions. Stir for a moment, then add the soy sauce. Next, put in the toasted peanuts.

Finally, add the crispy fried chicken back into the pan. Stir everything together well. Make sure the chicken is coated in the yummy sauce. Cook for just two more minutes and then serve it hot.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Result

Want to make sure your chicken dish is absolutely perfect? Following these simple tips and tricks can help you get the best flavor and texture every single time you cook.

Don’t Skip the Marination Time

Letting the chicken marinate for 30 minutes is a very important step. This time allows all the wonderful flavors to soak deep into the meat.

It also helps the corn flour stick to the chicken. This creates a super crispy coating when you fry it. So be patient and let it rest.

Achieve the Perfect Crispy Coating

For truly crispy chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough. If the oil is not hot, the chicken will soak it up. This will make the coating soggy instead of crunchy.

Also, fry the chicken in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature high and ensures every piece cooks perfectly and becomes golden.

Use Toasted Peanuts for Maximum Crunch

Using peanuts that are already toasted makes a big difference. Toasted peanuts have a deeper, nuttier flavor. They also have a much better crunch than raw peanuts.

This crunch adds a wonderful texture to the final dish. It makes every bite more interesting and delicious. You can toast them yourself in a dry pan.

How to Store and Serve Your Spicy Peanut Chicken

Knowing the right way to store and serve your dish is important. This helps you enjoy it at its best, even as leftovers. Here are some easy ideas for you.

The Storing Method

• Let the spicy peanut chicken cool down completely. After it is cool, put it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store the container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for up to three days. This makes it a great option for meal planning or for enjoying later in the week.
• You can also freeze this dish for later. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for about one month. When you are ready to eat it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This helps it thaw safely before you reheat it.

The Serving Method

• This dish is wonderful when served hot with steamed rice. The fluffy rice soaks up the spicy sauce perfectly. It creates a balanced and filling meal. A side of steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans also pairs very nicely. It adds color and nutrition to your dinner plate.
• For a different idea, serve the chicken with noodles. Lo mein or rice noodles are great choices. Toss the noodles with the chicken and sauce. This creates a complete one-pan meal. You can also serve this dish as an appetizer. Just place toothpicks in the chicken pieces for easy party food.

Variations to Try

Making the same recipe can be fun. But trying new things is also exciting. Here are a couple of easy variations you can try to change up your spicy peanut chicken.

Add Vegetables for a Complete Meal

You can easily add more vegetables to this dish. Colorful bell peppers are a great choice. You can also add broccoli florets or sliced carrots.

Add the vegetables to the pan when you are cooking the onions. This makes the dish more colorful. It also adds extra vitamins and makes it a complete meal.

Protein Alternatives

If you do not want to use chicken, you can try other things. Tofu is a great vegetarian option. Just press the tofu to remove water and cut it into cubes.

Shrimp also works very well in this recipe. The cooking time for shrimp will be much shorter. It cooks very fast.

Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention

Everyone makes mistakes in the kitchen sometimes. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid them. Here are some common problems and how to fix or prevent them.

Mistake #01: Soggy Chicken Coating

• Solution: If the chicken is already soggy, you can try reheating it in an air fryer or a hot pan for a few minutes to help it crisp up again.
• Prevention: Make sure the oil is very hot before you start frying. Fry the chicken in small groups so the pan is not too full.

Mistake #02: The Dish is Too Spicy or Not Spicy Enough

• Solution: If it is too spicy, add a little sugar or serve it with yogurt. If it’s not spicy enough, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.
• Prevention: Taste your chilies if you can. Remove the seeds from the red chilies before you chop them. This will make the dish less spicy.

Mistake #03: Burnt Garlic and Spices

• Solution: Unfortunately, there is no good way to fix a burnt taste. It is best to start that step over if you notice the garlic has burned.
• Prevention: Cook the garlic and spices on medium heat. Do not use high heat. Keep stirring them so they do not stick to the pan and burn.

FAQ

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours. Keep it covered in the refrigerator. This will make the chicken even more flavorful. It also saves you time.

What can I use as a substitute for fish sauce?
If you do not have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce. Tamari is another good gluten-free option. These will still give the dish a nice savory flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish without frying the chicken?
Yes, you can bake the chicken pieces instead. Place them on a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) until cooked through. The coating will not be as crispy.

Let’s Cook This Yummy Dish!

You now have everything you need to make this amazing meal. This guide has shown you the simple steps to a delicious dinner.

The combination of flavors in this spicy peanut chicken is truly special. So go ahead and try making it in your own kitchen. We would love to hear how it turns out for you.

Share your experience in the comments below. Happy cooking to you!