Paleo Buffalo Chicken "Peanut Sauce"

I used crunchy almond butter because that is all I had in my cabinet. That is why it looks chunky(: Either chunky or smooth is fine.

Do you LOVE peanut butter? I sure do BUT eating Paleo 80% of the time I don't like to eat it too often. In the paleo world peanuts are a no-no because they are considered a legume. Legumes are high glycemic, low in nutritional value, contain phytates, lectins, can stall weight loss and can cause digestive problems in some people. This recipe is a simple paleo version of an Asian-Style spicy peanut chicken dish without eating peanuts BUT tastes just like a peanut sauce.  In place of traditional soy sauce I use coconut aminos which tastes exactly like soy sauce and almond butter instead of peanut butter. Coconut aminos are savory, salty and a delicious flavor enhancer for a variety of dishes, coconut aminos are made from raw coconut tree sap and sea salt, then naturally aged. It is also a fermented product. Coconut Aminos are low on the glycemic index scale, they contain 17 different amino acids, it is used as a substitute for both soy sauce, tamari and worcestershire sauce. Coconut aminos can enhance the flavor of many dishes. It is a soy-free product. The amino acids can rebuild and repair muscle tissue, build your immune system as well as increase energy. Give this sauce a try and let me know how you like it!

              Coconut Aminos

You can use any of these hot pepper sauces.

INGREDIENTS:

 2 pounds of antibiotic free chicken breasts or thighs (we love the thighs)

 2 tablespoons raw, creamy, salt-free almond butter or raw, creamy, salt-free crunchy almond butter

1/4 cup hot pepper sauce

4 tablespoons coconut aminos

2 teaspoons cold pressed olive oil

Instructions

1. Turn your grill on to pre-heat or turn your oven on to 350 degrees F to pre-heat.
2. Meanwhile, soften almond butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally.
3. When soft, stir in hot pepper sauce, coconut aminos, olive oil, and a dash of sea salt (if desired). If sauce gets too thick, add a bit of hot water. Turn the heat down to low.
4. Cook chicken in the oven for approximately 20-25 minutes, or on the grill for 10-12 min per side. 
5. consistently stir peanut sauce that is in the pan on low heat.
6. Once the chicken is finished cooking spread the peanut sauce all over chicken or put the peanut sauce on the side for dipping.
7. Serve with a salad of choice, sweet potato fries or a vegetable.

*** I like to put a dash of blue cheese dressing on the side and I dip the chicken that is coated with the peanut sauce in the blue cheese. Yum!