Zesty Ginger Peanut Chicken Delight with Creamy Coconut Rice
Tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Craving something that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? Look no further! This Ginger Peanut Chicken with Coconut Rice recipe is a game-changer that's sure to become a family favorite.
Imagine juicy, ginger-spiked chicken, quickly marinated and cooked to perfection, served over a bed of the most heavenly, lush coconut jasmine rice. It's a symphony of flavors and textures, with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to top it all off.
Why This Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
We all love easy, weeknight meals, but it's a bonus when they also feel a bit fancy, right? This recipe hits that sweet spot. It's simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s what makes it so great:
- Quick Marinade: A speedy marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor while you prep the rest of the ingredients. Don’t have time to marinate? It's okay, the chicken will still be delicious!
- Effortless Coconut Rice: The coconut rice is made in an Instant Pot (or your choice of rice cooker/stove top) with minimal effort, adding a luxurious touch to your meal.
- Fast Cooking: The chicken cooks quickly in a pan, creating a lovely caramelized sear that adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
How to Make This Delightful Dish
It’s as easy as 1-2-3:
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine the chicken with grated ginger, green onion, lime zest, brown sugar, salt, and oil. Marinate for 20 minutes to 2 hours.
- Cook the Rice: Combine rice, water, coconut milk and salt in an Instant Pot and cook for 3 minutes, then do a natural pressure release.
- Caramelize the Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken in a hot pan until browned and cooked through. Add chopped peanuts and minced garlic and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Finally add the cilantro, green onion, and spinach and a squeeze of fresh lime.
Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy, luxurious coconut rice, and top with extra peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness.
Why You'll Love the Coconut Rice
This coconut rice is truly special. The coconut milk replaces part of the cooking liquid, infusing the rice with a velvety richness that's just out of this world. It's so satisfying and flavorful that you won't need any extra sauce on the chicken. Just that lime squeeze will brighten it perfectly. It’s easy and oh-so-luxe!
What to Serve with Ginger Peanut Chicken
This meal is fantastic on its own, but if you’d like some extra greens, try these:
- Roasted broccoli
- Sautéed green beans
- Simple green salad
Or why not pile it all into a lettuce wrap for a lighter option? Or just open a bag of baby carrots because hey, you already made a delicious dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other nuts, or just omit the nuts?
Absolutely! While peanuts add a great crunch, cashews would also work well. If you're not a fan of nuts, just skip them. The meal will still be delicious.
How can I cook the coconut rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker?
You can make it in a rice cooker using the same ratios. For the stovetop, bring 2 cups of rice, 1.5 cups of water, and a 14-ounce can of coconut milk to a boil in a large pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
No, not really, but it adds a deeper layer of flavor. If you have time, start by marinating the chicken while you prepare the other ingredients.
Get Cooking!
Get ready to impress your family with this easy and healthy meal. This Ginger Peanut Chicken with Coconut Rice is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy to your kitchen and your table. Enjoy!