Instant Pot Peanut Chicken

Step 1

Cut the chicken into 1 inch cubes, sprinkle with salt and set aside.

Step 2

If using an Instant Pot, set it to the sauté function, and sauté the ginger and garlic in a teaspoon of oil for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add lemongrass if using. Stir the can of coconut milk with a fork- then and add 1 cup of the coconut milk, (you’ll add the rest after). Stir in the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, chili paste and the chicken ( optional kafir lime leaves) everything except the peanut butter in the pot, and stir.  Drop the peanut butter in spoonfuls over top of the chicken (don’t stir it in).

Step 3

Set to HIGH Pressure, for 8 minutes. Naturally release. See notes. (If using thigh meat pressure cook for 12 minutes.)

Step 4

Once chicken is done cooking, taste a spoonful of the sauce. Adjust salt, lime, sweetness and spice level according to your taste. Stir in the remaining coconut milk if you like. Some of you will want it sweeter. I usually add  more chili paste and lime.  Sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Step 5

(Alternately, if cooking on the stove top, cook the lightly salted chicken cubes in a dutch oven or large skillet in a little oil, until golden. Toss in the garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant, 1-2 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients, all except peanut butter, stirring to combine. Cover and let simmer very gently on low heat, 8-10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through, then stir in the peanut butter. )

Step 6

reduce a bit using the sauté function while constantly stirring, to prevent burning the bottom. See notes.

Step 7

Serve over a bed of rice or baby spinach  – or both and the Chili Cucumber Salad. Top with optional Peanut Chili Crunch

Step 8

To make the refreshing Chili Cucumber Salad, just place everything in a medium bowl and toss. It only takes a few minutes and you can do this while the Peanut Chicken is cooking.