Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both effortless and full of flavor, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is about to become your new favorite recipe. Tender chicken simmers all day in a creamy, savory-sweet peanut sauce, soaking up a symphony of coconut milk, ginger, garlic, and a touch of honey. The result is an Asian-inspired dish that’s rich, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal. There’s nothing quite like coming home to the aroma of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken waiting for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but doesn’t skimp on flavor—each ingredient has a purpose, from building that creamy peanut sauce to adding bursts of color and crunch. Here’s what you’ll need for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, plus a few tips for each one!
- Chicken thighs (1 ½ pounds, boneless & skinless): Thighs stay super juicy after slow cooking, but breasts work if you prefer white meat.
- Canned coconut milk (1 cup): This makes the sauce silky and gives a subtle tropical note.
- Creamy peanut butter (½ cup): The heart of the dish—look for unsweetened, natural peanut butter for pure peanut flavor.
- Low-sodium soy sauce (¼ cup): Adds essential saltiness and umami without making the dish too salty.
- Rice vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brightens the sauce and balances the peanut butter’s richness.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): A touch of sweetness rounds out the flavors and helps the sauce caramelize around the chicken.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated): Brings a gentle zing—fresh is best, but you can use 1 teaspoon ground in a pinch.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): For that classic depth and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): If you like a little heat, don’t skip this!
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a gorgeous pop of color.
- Shredded carrots (1 cup): For crunch, color, and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Chopped green onions (¼ cup): These go in at the end for a bright, fresh finish.
- Chopped peanuts (¼ cup): Sprinkle on top for irresistible crunch.
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish): Optional, but it adds a lovely herbal note and extra color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and (if using) the crushed red pepper flakes. The sauce should be smooth and creamy—don’t worry if it seems a little thick, it will loosen up as it cooks with the chicken and veggies.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) at the bottom of your slow cooker. This positioning helps the chicken soak up all the flavors as it cooks. If your pieces are extra large, feel free to cut them into smaller chunks for faster, even cooking.
Step 3: Pour on the Sauce
Pour that luscious peanut sauce right over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Use a spatula or spoon to spread the sauce evenly. This is where the magic starts!
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6–7 hours (or high for 3–4 hours). The chicken will become incredibly tender and soak up all the sauce’s flavor. You’ll know it’s ready when it shreds apart easily with two forks.
Step 5: Add Veggies for the Final Stretch
About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir—this way, the veggies stay vibrant and just-tender instead of mushy.
Step 6: Shred and Mix
Once the cooking time is up, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine the chicken with the sauce and veggies, ensuring every bite is loaded with flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken hot, spooned over rice or noodles. Don’t forget the finishing touches: sprinkle on chopped peanuts, green onions, and fresh cilantro for an irresistible final flourish!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Garnishes
The right garnishes turn Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken from tasty to truly memorable. Chopped peanuts add a satisfying crunch, green onions give a fresh bite, and cilantro brings herbal brightness. If you love a little heat, add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lime for zing.
Side Dishes
This dish is amazing over fluffy jasmine rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles (udon or rice noodles are great choices). For a lighter meal, try serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple cucumber salad for contrast and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, stuff the peanut chicken into lettuce wraps with extra veggies, or pile it onto a baked sweet potato for a hearty, flavor-packed lunch. You can even use leftovers as a filling for rice bowls, wraps, or meal-prep salads throughout the week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers extra delicious!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze any extras—just portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay them flat for easy stacking, and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the chicken gently on the stove over medium-low heat or pop it in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of coconut milk or water to bring it back to its original creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well and come out just as tender, though they may cook a bit faster, so check for doneness an hour early to prevent drying out.
Is Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check all your ingredient labels to be sure.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes are totally optional, so you can control the heat. Leave them out for a mild version, or add extra for a spicy kick.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or even baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
What’s the best way to serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken for a party?
Set up a build-your-own rice bowl bar: keep the chicken warm in the slow cooker and offer bowls of rice, noodles, extra veggies, peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs so guests can customize their plates.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken a try—you’ll love the ease, the flavor, and the way it brings everyone to the table. There’s nothing better than a meal that practically cooks itself and delivers such beautiful, bold taste. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken simmered in a creamy, rich peanut sauce with hints of coconut milk, ginger, and a touch of honey. Perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a delicious Asian-inspired main course that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ cup chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: About 30 minutes before serving, add the sliced red bell pepper and shredded carrots to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine the vegetables with the sauce and chicken to soften slightly.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken pieces directly in the slow cooker, mixing the shredded chicken thoroughly with the peanut sauce and vegetables.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the peanut chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, and fresh cilantro for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- You can substitute almond butter in place of peanut butter for a different nutty flavor or to accommodate peanut allergies.
- Adding extra vegetables like broccoli or snap peas in the last 30 minutes boosts the dish’s nutritional value and color.
- Ensure to use gluten-free soy sauce if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
