Almond butter chicken is a delicious and nutritious recipe that the whole family will love.
Almond butter adds a wonderful nutty flavor and creamy texture to classic chicken dishes.
This versatile ingredient can be used to make flavorful marinades, sauces, and glazes that pair perfectly with poultry.
Why Cook with Almond Butter?
Almond butter is a highly nutritious spread made from ground almonds. It provides a range of health benefits:
- It is high in protein to support muscle growth and repair. Just two tablespoons contain 8 grams of protein.
- It is packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
- It provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol.
- It is a good source of magnesium, which plays a role in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body.
- It contains decent amounts of bone-strengthening calcium and zinc.
- It has a low glycemic index, making it a friendly food for people with diabetes.
In addition to its nutritional perks, almond butter adds a pleasant, mild nutty flavor when used in cooking. Its creamy consistency helps make delicious sauces and marinades that coat chicken beautifully.
Tips for Cooking with Almond Butter
When cooking with almond butter, keep these tips in mind for the best results:
- Look for all-natural almond butter without added sugars or oils. The simple ingredients will let the true almond flavor shine.
- Store almond butter in the refrigerator once opened to prevent oil separation. Let it come to room temperature before using.
- Stir the almond butter before using to re-incorporate any separated oil. The sauce may curdle if the oils separate.
- Use almond butter straight from the jar or blend it with seasonings and liquid to make flavorful sauces.
- A little almond butter goes a long way because of its strong flavor. Start with small amounts until the flavor is right.
- Toast or grill the chicken after coating it with an almond butter mixture to help the coating caramelize.
10 Delicious Ways to Cook Chicken with Almond Butter
From oven-baked chicken tenders to slow cooker chicken curry, almond butter can be used in countless ways to add nutrition and flavor to chicken recipes. Here are 10 mouthwatering ideas:
1. Almond Butter Chicken Satay
This recipe coats chicken in an almond butter marinade flavored with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. The chicken is then skewered and grilled to perfection. Serve it with rice and a side of cool cucumber salad for a satisfying meal.
2. Almond Butter Coconut Curry Chicken
Transport your taste buds to Southeast Asia with this fragrant curry dish. Diced chicken is simmered in a sauce of almond butter, coconut milk, ginger, and Thai red curry paste for an explosion of flavors.
3. Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad Wraps
Shredded chicken, dried cranberries, celery, and toasted almonds get tossed in an almond butter-flavored mayo for these nutritious wraps. They make excellent portable lunches or snacks.
4. Baked Almond Butter Sriracha Chicken Wings
For fiery chicken wings, the whole family will devour, and coat them with a mixture of almond butter, sriracha sauce, honey, and garlic. Bake until crispy and then dive in!
5. Orange Almond Chicken Stir Fry
Wake up your taste buds with the bright flavors of orange and almond in this quick chicken stir fry. Chicken is coated in a zesty almond butter sauce along with fresh orange slices, bell peppers, and broccoli.
6. Slow Cooker Thai Almond Butter Chicken
Let your slow cooker do the work with this sweet and savory Thai-inspired dish. Chicken breasts simmer in a sauce of almond butter, ginger, garlic, chili sauce, and soy sauce for an effortless weeknight meal.
7. Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers
Kid-friendly chicken fingers get a nutritious makeover when dredged in ground almonds before baking. Serve with fresh steamed broccoli and homemade honey mustard sauce for dipping.
8. Crunchy Almond Butter Chicken Casserole
For a hearty, comforting meal, bake chicken thighs in a casserole dish topped with crunchy sliced almonds and an almond butter-based sauce. Veggies like broccoli or green beans make nice additions.
9. Almond Butter Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Sautéed ground chicken is flavored with a blend of almond butter, chili garlic sauce, lime, and cilantro. Spoon it into cool lettuce leaves for a lighter, fresher take on chicken lettuce wraps.
10. Almond Butter Chicken Kebabs
Alternating chunks of chicken and veggies like bell peppers and onion on skewers yields fun, colorful kebabs. Brush them with an almond butter sauce as they grill for added flavor.
Step-by-Step Almond Butter Chicken Satay Recipe
Almond Butter Chicken Satay Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos or soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Wooden skewers
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the almond butter, coconut aminos, lime juice, sesame oil, fish sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic. Whisk well to form a smooth sauce.
- Add the cubed chicken thighs and toss to coat in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil.
- Grill chicken skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning frequently, until cooked through.
- Transfer skewers to a platter and serve with leftover marinade for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
FAQ
How long does almond butter marinated chicken need to refrigerate?
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the chicken in the almond butter marinade for 1-4 hours. Marinating overnight is fine too.
Can you use almond meal instead of almond butter?
- Almond meal has a grittier texture, while almond butter provides creaminess. For best results, use almond butter.
What's the best way to thicken an almond butter sauce?
- If your almond butter sauce is too thin, try simmering it for 5-10 minutes to reduce it or whisking in a bit of cornstarch slurry.
What can I use if I don't have coconut amino?
- Regular soy sauce is the easiest swap for coconut amino in this chicken satay recipe. Tamari works well too.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs. Just watch the cooking time, as they may cook faster.
Conclusion
Cooking with the rich, nutty flavor of almond butter is an easy way to add nutrition and excitement to basic chicken recipes.
It makes a beautiful addition to marinades, sauces, baked chicken dishes, stir-fries, and more. With a few pantry staples and seasonings, you can whip up flavorful almond butter chicken creations the whole family will request time and time again.
Experiment with the possibilities to find your new favorite recipes.