Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This slow cooker peanut chicken transforms simple ingredients into a rich, restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort. The creamy peanut sauce creates a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors that coat tender shredded chicken in every bite.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy work week and it's become my secret weapon for dinner parties. The aroma that fills the house while it cooks always has my guests asking for the recipe before they've even tasted it.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: best choice for slow cooking as they stay juicy and tender unlike breasts which can dry out
• Natural peanut butter: use the unsweetened kind with minimal ingredients for the purest flavor and no added oils
• Low sodium soy sauce: provides deep umami flavor without making the dish too salty
• Honey or brown sugar: balances the savory elements with just the right touch of sweetness
• Rice vinegar or lime juice: adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the peanut butter
• Sesame oil: though optional gives an authentic nutty undertone that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh ginger and garlic: creates the aromatic foundation that makes this dish so complex
• Red chili flakes: controls the heat level adjust according to your family preferences
• Coconut milk: optional but creates a luxurious creaminess that mellows the strong flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Sauce:

Thoroughly whisk the peanut butter first to loosen it before adding other ingredients. This prevents lumps and ensures even flavor distribution. Take your time incorporating the liquids gradually especially if using cold ingredients which can make the peanut butter seize up. The sauce should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer if possible for more even cooking. Some overlap is fine but avoid stacking too high. Pour the sauce making sure to get into all the nooks between chicken pieces. Gently lift some pieces to allow sauce to flow underneath for complete coverage.

Cook:

Set your slow cooker to your preferred time setting based on your schedule. The longer slower cook produces more tender results but both work well. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases heat and extends cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internal temperature and pulls apart easily.

Shred and Stir:

Use two forks to pull the chicken apart while still in the cooking liquid. The meat should separate with minimal resistance. After shredding stir thoroughly to ensure every piece of chicken is coated with the now thickened sauce. If sauce seems too thick add a splash of warm water or broth.

Garnish and Serve:

Choose garnishes that add textural contrast to the tender chicken. The crunch of peanuts freshness of herbs and bite of green onions elevate the dish from good to memorable. Serve immediately while steaming hot for the best flavor experience.

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The unsweetened natural peanut butter is truly the heart of this recipe. I learned from my Thai cooking instructor that the natural oils and pure peanut flavor create a depth that processed peanut butter brands simply cannot match. My family knows dinner will be special when they smell the aromatic combination of peanut, ginger and garlic wafting through the house.

Make It Your Own

This peanut chicken recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have on hand. For a lighter version, you can substitute chicken breasts, though you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent dryness. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with firm tofu or a combination of chickpeas and vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots—just add these during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish shines in multiple presentations. Serve it traditionally over jasmine or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. For a lower-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It also works beautifully in lettuce wraps for a fresh, light meal—butter lettuce or iceberg provides the perfect crisp vessel. The leftovers make an outstanding cold salad when mixed with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a splash of additional lime juice.

Storage and Reheating

The flavors in this peanut chicken actually improve after a day in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken considerably when cold. Microwave covered portions for 1-2 minutes or gently reheat on the stovetop. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture results.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, both work well in this dish. Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy in the slow cooker, but breasts work fine too. If using breasts, you might want to check doneness closer to the minimum cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

→ What can I serve with peanut chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option. Add a side of steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad to complete the meal.

→ Can I make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Adjust the heat level by increasing the red chili flakes or Sriracha. You can also add a sliced jalapeño or Thai chili to the slow cooker, or serve with extra hot sauce on the side.

→ Is coconut milk necessary for this dish?

The coconut milk is optional but adds a wonderful creaminess and slight sweetness that complements the peanut flavor. If omitting, you may want to add a bit more broth or water to maintain the right sauce consistency.

→ Can I prep this the night before?

Yes! Mix the sauce ingredients and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In the morning, place the chicken in your slow cooker, pour the sauce over, and start cooking. This makes morning prep even faster.

→ How long will leftovers keep?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making this dish excellent for meal prep. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.