Ever had a cooking experiment turn into something spectacular? This Easy and Tangy Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken was just that—a happy accident! I had some roasted peanuts left over and decided to experiment with a quick marinade. The result? A deliciously flavorful, spicy, and tangy grilled chicken that has quickly become a favorite in my household. The creamy peanut base with bold spices and a refreshing squeeze of lime at the end brings together a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or even as a party appetizer.

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What Makes This Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken Special?

This recipe is all about the unique flavor combination that comes from the creamy, rich peanuts and the zingy freshness of lime or tamarind. While peanut-based marinades are not uncommon, what sets this recipe apart is the simple, quick preparation and the use of pantry-friendly spices that elevate the dish to a whole new level. Plus, it’s super adaptable! Whether you’re grilling, baking, or even pan-frying the chicken, the marinade infuses deep flavors and creates an irresistible charred exterior.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Peanutty Goodness: The roasted peanut marinade adds a rich, nutty flavor that complements the juicy chicken perfectly.
• Zingy Tang: A generous squeeze of lime (or tamarind) at the end adds a fresh tanginess that balances out the richness of the peanuts.
• Simple Ingredients: All you need are basic spices, peanuts, and chicken, making it an easy weeknight go-to meal.
• Versatile Cooking: You can grill this chicken in the oven, over a BBQ, or even on the stovetop. However, grilling gives it that signature charred flavor.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time and simply grill when you’re ready, making it a great recipe for those busy days.

The Flavorful Peanut Masala Marinade

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the peanut-based marinade. Roasted peanuts give it a creamy richness, while the combination of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powders pack a punch of flavor. The ginger and garlic add warmth and depth, while turmeric gives a lovely golden hue.

Here’s why this marinade works so well:

• Peanuts: Roasted peanuts provide creaminess and body to the marinade while adding a subtle sweetness and nutty richness.
• Spices: The blend of garam masala, cumin, coriander, and chili powders brings an earthy, spicy kick that complements the peanuts perfectly.
• Onion and Ginger-Garlic: White onions ensure the marinade remains mild in flavor and color, while ginger and garlic add aromatic depth.
• Lime or Tamarind: These tangy additions are key for brightening up the rich and spicy flavors, making the chicken fresh and zesty.

You can even swap out the lime for tamarind for a more authentic, South Indian twist, which adds a slightly sweet-sour taste that goes beautifully with the peanuts.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   Start by blending the white onion, roasted peanuts, garlic, ginger, tamarind paste (optional) and spices (garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric) with some neutral oil. The goal is a smooth, creamy paste that will coat the chicken thoroughly. Don’t forget to adjust salt based on whether your peanuts are salted or unsalted!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   To allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, make slits in the chicken pieces before applying the marinade. Let it sit for at least 2 hours—longer if you can. For bone-in chicken, I recommend marinating overnight for the best flavor. For boneless pieces, a couple of hours should do the trick.
3. Grill to Perfection:
   Preheat your oven or grill to about 210°C (410°F). Arrange the marinated chicken on a slotted rack to allow air circulation and even cooking. Grill for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is beautifully charred and cooked through. Adjust the time based on the size of your chicken pieces.
4. Finish with Lime or Tamarind:
   As soon as the chicken comes off the grill, squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice generously over it. This final touch brightens the dish and brings out all the complex flavors of the marinade. If you’re going the tamarind route, add it in the marinade.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve the grilled chicken hot with a side of rice, salad, or roasted veggies. The creamy, nutty, and tangy flavors will have everyone reaching for seconds!

Tips for Perfect Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken

Here are a few tips to ensure your Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Use White Onion: White onions are key to keeping the marinade light in color and flavor. Red onions can overpower the dish and make it too oniony.
• Roasted Peanuts Only: Ensure your peanuts are roasted and peeled. The roasting process brings out a deeper, more robust flavor.
• Adjust Salt as Needed: If you’re using salted peanuts, reduce the amount of salt in the marinade to avoid over-seasoning.
• Marinate for Longer: For the most flavorful chicken, marinate for at least 2 hours. Bone-in pieces benefit from overnight marination.
• Get a Good Char: Grilling at a high temperature ensures a nice, crispy char on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
• Don’t Skip the Lime or Tamarind: Whether you prefer a tangy lime finish or a more traditional tamarind flavor, this final step is crucial for balancing the rich peanut marinade.

Pairing Suggestions

This Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• With Rice: Serve it with simple steamed rice or flavored rice like jeera rice for a complete meal.
• With Salad: Pair it with a fresh salad—cucumber, tomatoes, and onions tossed in lemon juice work perfectly.
• With Potatoes: Roasted or mashed potatoes complement the rich, tangy flavors of the chicken.
• With Naan or Roti: For a more indulgent meal, serve the grilled chicken with warm naan or roti to soak up all the flavors.

This Easy and Tangy Peanut Masala Grilled Chicken is a flavorful and healthy dish that brings together the richness of peanuts and the zing of fresh lime or tamarind. It’s a simple yet impressive recipe that’s perfect for a quick dinner, a BBQ, or even meal prep for the week ahead. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that’s packed with flavor, and the best part? It was all a happy accident that worked out so well!

Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out. Whether you stick with the lime or experiment with tamarind, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!