Spicy Braised Chicken with Peanuts – A Delicious Twist for Family Meals

Sometimes, it’s nice to change up your family’s meals, and this braised chicken with peanuts is a perfect choice. Rich, flavorful, and slightly nutty, this dish is guaranteed to make everyone finish their rice. It’s simple to prepare and packed with taste that keeps everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

Preparation time: 20 minutes

For the chicken and peanuts:

• 2 chicken thighs (about 200g)

• ½ cup roasted peanuts

• 2 spring onions (white part only), sliced diagonally

• 1 dried chili

• 4 tablespoons cooking oil

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• A pinch of salt

For the marinade:

• A pinch of salt

• 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon cooking wine

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon water

For the sauce:

• ½ tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon salt

• A small piece of ginger, sliced

• 1 tablespoon chopped spring onion (green part)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon vinegar

• 2 tablespoons water

• 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients

1. Wash the chicken thighs, remove the skin, and debone them. Cut into large, bite-sized pieces to retain juiciness.

2. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

3. Slice the white part of the spring onions diagonally.
   
   

Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add the marinade ingredients and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the flavors penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Cook the chicken with peanuts

1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and quickly sear for 3–5 seconds until the cornstarch coating slightly sticks and the chicken turns golden brown.
   
   

2. Push the chicken to the sides of the pan, leaving space in the center. Add black pepper and dried chili, frying until fragrant. Then add garlic, ginger, and half of the chopped green onion, stirring everything together.
   
   

3. Add the remaining green onion and pour in the sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
   
   

4. Finally, add the roasted peanuts. Stir everything together briefly so the peanuts absorb some flavor but remain crunchy.

Serve hot with steamed white rice. The chicken is rich, savory, slightly spicy, and has a delightful nutty crunch from the peanuts. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal on cooler days or whenever you want a flavorful family dinner.

Tips for best results:

• Using large chicken pieces helps keep the meat juicy.

• Adjust the chili according to your family’s spice tolerance.

• Toasting the peanuts lightly before adding them enhances their aroma and adds extra crunch.

• For a more intense flavor, let the chicken marinate for 10–15 minutes before cooking.

Enjoy this flavorful twist on a classic dish and watch as your family clears the plate in no time!