Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe tantalizing aroma of spices wafts through the kitchen, immediately transporting me to bustling Thai street markets with their simmering pots of deliciousness. Today, I’m excited to share my Easy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, a dish that promises to warm both your heart and your home with its comforting flavors. Effortlessly crafted in your slow cooker, this recipe is a low-effort dinner solution perfect for busy nights, giving you more time to relax while still delivering a satisfying meal your family will adore. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—feel free to customize it by swapping in shrimp, tofu, or whatever protein you have on hand! Have you ever thought about how a simple, creamy peanut sauce can turn a busy weeknight into a delightful culinary experience? Let’s dive into this unforgettable dish that’s both nourishing and oh-so-delicious! Why Is This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Special? Ease of Preparation: This recipe combines minimal effort with incredible flavor. Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you focus on other tasks. Flavor Explosion: The rich peanut sauce mingles with spices to create a dish that sings with taste, reminiscent of authentic Thai street fare. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize proteins—chicken, shrimp, or tofu work beautifully, catering to various dietary preferences. Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, this dish brings everyone together, making mealtime a joyous occasion. Serve it alongside jasmine rice or a vibrant coleslaw for added texture. Meal Prep Friendly: Whether you’re cooking for the week or a special gathering, this dish can be stored for up to three days and tastes even better the next day! Make mealtime easier with this family favorite, and consider pairing it with flavorful options like Garlic Butter Chicken or Savory Chicken Flatbread. Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken – Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tenderness. For the Peanut Sauce • Peanut Butter – Provides creaminess and rich nutty flavor; almond or seed butter works for nut-free options. • Soy Sauce – Adds umami and saltiness; substitute with tamari for a gluten-free alternative. • Honey – Offers natural sweetness to balance the spice; swap for maple syrup for a vegan version. • Vinegar or Lime Juice – Brings acidity that adds brightness to the sauce. • Sesame Oil – Enhances the flavor profile with a nutty essence. • Garlic (minced) – Adds aromatic depth to the dish. • Ginger (grated) – Infuses warmth and complexity to the sauce. • Chili Flakes – Adds desired heat; adjust according to your preference. • Water or Broth – Dilutes the sauce for optimal consistency and enhances flavor. • Coconut Milk (optional) – Incorporates richness and creaminess for a luxurious touch. Enjoy the nourishing goodness of this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken while customizing it to fit your family’s needs! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Step 1: Prepare Sauce In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons of vinegar or lime juice, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons grated ginger, a pinch of chili flakes, and ½ cup of water or broth. This mixture should be smooth and well combined, creating a luscious peanut sauce that will beautifully coat your chicken. Step 2: Combine Ingredients Place 2 to 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken pieces, ensuring each piece is thoroughly covered with the sauce. For even flavor distribution, gently toss the chicken in the sauce. Step 3: Cook Chicken Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork. The delicious aroma of the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait! Step 4: Shred Chicken Once cooked, carefully remove the lid and use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix well with the sauce, ensuring every shred is coated in the rich, peanuty goodness. This step will enhance the flavor and create a delightful, satisfying texture in your dish. Step 5: Serve Spoon the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken onto plates or into bowls. For a colorful garnish, top with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, finely chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Pair this delicious meal with steamed jasmine rice or a refreshing slaw for a perfect family dinner. Helpful Tricks for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Browning Chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet before putting it in the slow cooker for deeper flavor and a caramelized exterior. Creamy Additions: For an extra luxurious texture, stir in coconut milk or heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking for your slow cooker peanut chicken. Prep Ahead: Prepare chopped vegetables and the peanut sauce the night before. This makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free. Adjusting Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce chili flakes. Start with a small amount, and taste as you go to ensure it aligns with your family’s preferences. Storage Tricks: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prep, as flavors deepen as it sits! What to Serve with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Imagine a bustling dinner table filled with flavors, colors, and textures that complement the creamy richness of your beloved dish. Jasmine Rice: The fragrant grains provide a perfect canvas to soak up the luscious peanut sauce, enhancing each bite. Cabbage Slaw: A crunchy, refreshing counterpart that balances the dish’s richness, bringing a pop of color and zing. Toss with a light vinaigrette for an extra kick! Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal veggies add a smoky depth to the meal, creating a delightful contrast with the creamy sauce. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Flat Rice Noodles: Also known as Pad Thai noodles, these soft strands offer a comforting, chewy texture that beautifully channels the dish’s rich flavors. Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, a simple salad with cucumbers, lime, and mint provides a lovely crisp balance to the warm, savory chicken. Chilled Coconut Soup: A soothing soup adds a tropical twist, with its coolness juxtaposing the warmth of the peanut chicken, making for an elegant dining experience. Chardonnay or Riesling: A crisp white wine will elevate your dinner, with its acidity cutting through the dish’s creaminess while adding a delightful fruitiness. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, the sweet, sticky rice paired with fresh mango offers a lovely finish, echoing the tropical themes of your Thai meal. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic weeknights! You can prepare the peanut sauce (made with peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and spices) up to 24 hours in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep that creamy texture intact. Additionally, you can chop your chicken and any accompanying vegetables ahead of time—this can be done 3 days earlier without compromising quality. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything in the slow cooker and follow cooking instructions. Finish off the dish by shredding the chicken and adding your favorite garnishes before serving, ensuring a delightful, time-saving meal that’s just as delicious! Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Variations Feel free to dive into your culinary creativity and make this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken uniquely yours! Vegetarian Twist: Use baked tofu in place of chicken to create a plant-based delight. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the tofu’s texture. Seafood Option: Swap chicken for shrimp or scallops that cook quickly and add a delicate touch. Just be mindful not to overcook them! Noodle Love: Serve over flat rice noodles instead of rice for a heartier meal. Toss some sautéed vegetables in for added crunch and color. Spice It Up: Kick up the heat by adding fresh chilis or sriracha to the peanut sauce, creating a zesty and bold flavor explosion. Nut-Free Version: Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini for those with nut allergies without compromising on taste. Coconut Creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut milk during the last 30 minutes for a creamy texture that enhances the sauce’s richness. Hearty Vegetable Medley: Add diced sweet potatoes or bell peppers into the slow cooker for extra nutrients and a satisfying bite. They complement the flavors perfectly! For a delightful pair, enjoy this dish alongside Broccoli Chicken Penne or some Bbq Chicken Tostadas for an unforgettable family meal experience. Happy cooking! Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Fridge: Keep leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze portions in labeled freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Meal Prep: Prepare extra portions for easy lunches during the week, as this dish tastes even better the next day! Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe ingredients for the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Absolutely! For chicken, look for boneless, skinless thighs or breasts that are firm and pink, free from dark spots or an off smell. Using fresh garlic and ginger enhances the flavor beautifully, so select roots that are plump and firm. For the peanut sauce, choose a creamy peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best results. How should I store my leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Very good question! Store your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Definitely! To freeze, transfer your cooled chicken and sauce into labeled freezer bags or airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm. What if the peanut sauce turns out too thick? If you find your sauce is thicker than you’d like after cooking, don’t worry! Simply add a few tablespoons of water or broth and stir well to achieve your desired consistency. Cooking times may vary; always check the chicken for proper tenderness. If necessary, cook a bit longer and check again. Are there any dietary considerations for this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Very much so! If you’re catering to a gluten-free diet, opt for tamari instead of regular soy sauce. For a nut-free version, use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a replacement for peanut butter. Finally, ensure any additional garnishes, like crushed peanuts, are left off if you’re serving this dish to someone with nut allergies. How can I customize the protein in this recipe? Great question! You can swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu—just adjust your cooking time accordingly. If using shrimp, cook on low for 2-3 hours or high for just 1-2 hours, ensuring they don’t overcook. For tofu, sauté it first to add texture, then follow the same cooking instructions. The more the merrier when it comes to personalizing your dish! Delicious Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken for Effortless Family Dinners Enjoy this easy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, a flavorful dinner solution that brings comfort and warmth to your family. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ThaiCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2-3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tendernessFor the Peanut Sauce1 cup creamy peanut butter provides creaminess and rich nutty flavor0.5 cup soy sauce adds umami and saltiness0.25 cup honey offers natural sweetness2 tablespoons vinegar or lime juice brings acidity2 tablespoons sesame oil enhances flavor profile4 cloves minced garlic adds aromatic depth2 teaspoons grated ginger infuses warmth and complexity1 pinch chili flakes adds desired heat0.5 cup water or broth dilutes the sauce1 cup coconut milk optional for richness Equipment Slow Cooker Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Peanut ChickenIn a medium mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili flakes, and water or broth until smooth.Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is covered. Toss gently to coat.Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or high for 2 to 3 hours until chicken is tender.Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker and mix well with the sauce.Serve the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken with toppings such as crushed peanuts, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds, alongside jasmine rice or coleslaw. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg NotesConsider searing chicken for deeper flavor, and prepare the peanut sauce the night before for easier cooking. Leftovers can be stored for up to 3 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
