Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
If you’re hunting for an effortless weeknight winner or a crowd-pleasing meal prep sensation, you’ll be absolutely delighted with Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. This comforting, flavor-packed dish stars juicy chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, nutty peanut sauce with hints of honey, ginger, and soy, then finished with crunchy peanuts, fresh cilantro, and a bright splash of lime. Whether you’re a slow cooker pro or just getting started, this hands-off recipe promises big flavor with minimal fuss, and it’s bound to become a family favorite you’ll come back to time and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is in its simple yet carefully chosen lineup. Each ingredient brings something special to the table—creamy richness, tangy brightness, bold savoriness, or a burst of color. Don’t skip the garnishes; they lift every bite and make this dish truly memorable.
- Chicken thighs: Use boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender during slow cooking; chicken breasts work too if you prefer leaner options.
- Creamy peanut butter: This is the heart of the sauce—choose smooth peanut butter for a rich, silky texture.
- Soy sauce: Adds deep umami and saltiness; use low sodium or gluten-free if needed.
- Honey: Supplies natural sweetness, balancing out the savory and tangy notes.
- Rice vinegar: Brings gentle acidity that enhances all the flavors and keeps the sauce bright.
- Lime juice: Fresh lime lifts the whole dish and pairs beautifully with peanut and ginger notes.
- Garlic: Three cloves of minced garlic add that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger delivers warmth and zing, tying the whole sauce together.
- Sriracha or chili paste: A little heat (totally optional!), included for those who appreciate some spice.
- Chicken broth: Helps turn the sauce into a perfectly pourable consistency and infuses the chicken as it cooks.
- Red bell pepper: Sliced pepper lends a pop of color and gentle sweetness.
- Carrots: Add vibrant hue, crunch, and a subtle earthy sweetness.
- Chopped peanuts: Sprinkle these over the finished dish for crave-worthy crunch.
- Fresh cilantro: A handful of leaves adds fresh, herbal brightness at the end.
- Lime wedges: Optional but highly recommended—a little extra squeeze will really wake up the flavors.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken
To begin, arrange your boneless chicken thighs (or breasts, if you prefer) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Spreading the chicken in an even layer ensures each piece will soak in that amazing sauce and cook evenly all the way through.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, sriracha (if you want that little kick), and chicken broth. Whisk everything together until the mixture is creamy and smooth—this is the backbone of your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, infusing every bite with those classic Thai-inspired flavors.
Step 3: Pour and Add the Veggies
Pour the peanut sauce gently over the chicken, making sure the meat is mostly submerged or at least coated. Next, scatter your sliced red bell pepper and carrots over the top. These veggies will not only bring color and texture, but they’ll also soak up some of that savory-sweet sauce while cooking.
Step 4: Set and Cook
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Avoid peeking too often, as you want the heat to stay consistent. By the end, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing, and the chicken will be so tender it practically shreds itself!
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the pot or slice it if you prefer bigger pieces. Stir everything to make sure the chicken is well mixed with the luscious peanut sauce. Serve immediately, garnished generously with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for plenty of color, crunch, and zip.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of great finishing touches. A handful of chopped peanuts adds craveable crunch, while fresh cilantro brings a pop of green and herby fragrance. Lime wedges allow everyone to brighten their own plate, making each serving of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken taste extra fresh.
Side Dishes
Serve this flavorful peanut chicken over fluffy steamed rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles—each will soak up that creamy, savory sauce. You might also enjoy it with sautéed greens or a crisp cucumber salad for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken in lettuce cups for a light, hands-on meal, or use it as a hearty filling for wraps. If you’re hosting, present it family-style on a big platter with plenty of garnishes, letting everyone build their own perfect bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, and the flavors just keep getting better, making it a dream for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Portion the cooled peanut chicken and sauce into airtight containers or freezer bags. Label them with the date, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened up in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk to revive its creaminess. It reheats beautifully in the microwave, too—just cover to avoid splatters.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs in Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken if you prefer a leaner protein. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as breasts may cook a bit faster and you want to keep them juicy.
How spicy is this dish?
The level of spice is completely up to you! As written, the recipe is mild with lovely savory flavors. Adding sriracha or chili paste will bring some heat, so adjust to taste or leave it out for a more kid-friendly version.
Is Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari or coconut aminos) to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Can I make it ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is perfect for meal prep. It tastes amazing reheated over the next few days and freezes exceptionally well in individual portions.
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
If you’d like a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash (about 1/4 cup) of coconut milk right before serving. It adds both creaminess and subtle tropical flavor.
Final Thoughts
Give this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken a spot in your weekly rotation and watch it become a dinner table favorite. It’s cozy, satisfying, and packed with unbeatable flavors, all with the ease of your slow cooker. I hope you love every tender, saucy bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy Asian-inspired dish that combines tender chicken with a flavorful peanut sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Vegetables and Garnish:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- Make Peanut Sauce: Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, sriracha, and chicken broth. Pour over chicken.
- Add Vegetables: Add bell pepper and carrots to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred or slice the chicken and mix back into the sauce.
- Serve: Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with peanuts, cilantro, and lime wedges.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup coconut milk before serving.
- Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter.
- This dish freezes well for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion with sauce
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
