Description
This Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy peanut butter and coconut milk sauce with a touch of spice. Perfectly paired with rice or noodles, it’s a delicious and fuss-free meal ideal for busy days or family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish and Serving
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any visible fat and cut the thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Add aromatics and spice: Stir in the minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes into the peanut sauce. Adjust the consistency with additional coconut milk if needed to make the sauce pourable and smooth.
- Assemble in slow cooker: Place the cut chicken pieces evenly into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Gently stir with a spatula to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, gently stir the contents to redistribute flavors and prevent sticking.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a serving platter, allowing excess sauce to drain. Drizzle some of the remaining peanut sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts for added texture and presentation. Serve the peanut chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles to complete the meal.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level to make the dish milder or spicier.
- If the sauce is too thick before cooking, thin it with additional coconut milk for better consistency.
- Chicken thighs are preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts can be substituted if desired.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, basmati rice, or your favorite noodles.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
