If you’re looking for a meal that brings rich, comforting flavors together with the ease of one-pot cooking, the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. This dish perfectly balances the creaminess of peanut butter with the tang of lime and the subtle kick of ginger and garlic, all slowly simmered to tenderness in your slow cooker. It’s a vibrant, mouthwatering option that’s easy to prepare yet feels special every time you serve it. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers a delicious, hearty dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but play crucial roles in creating all those wonderful flavors and textures you’ll love. Each one adds a unique note—from the richness of coconut milk to the zing of lime juice—making this recipe a straightforward yet flavorful winner.
- Chicken (1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless breasts or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for lean protein; both work beautifully in slow cooking.
- Unsweetened coconut milk (1 cup): Adds creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the peanut butter perfectly.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): The heart of the sauce, it brings that luscious, nutty flavor everyone loves.
- Soy sauce (1/4 cup): Brings savory depth and a bit of umami punch to the dish.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Provides just the right hint of natural sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds acidity that brightens the rich sauce and keeps it balanced.
- Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Gives the whole dish a fresh, zesty lift that cuts through the creamy sauce.
- Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon grated): Infuses warmth and a mild spicy note that enhances the overall flavor complexity.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced): Essential for aromatic depth and a touch of sharpness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds subtle heat if you’re craving a little spice.
- Chopped peanuts (1/4 cup for garnish): Provides delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor.
- Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): The perfect base to soak up every last bit of that luscious peanut sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease your slow cooker with a bit of non-stick spray or oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. This small step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures nothing gets left behind when you serve.
Step 2: Add the Chicken
Place your choice of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs neatly at the bottom of the slow cooker. Arranging the chicken in an even layer helps it cook uniformly and absorb all the amazing flavors.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Whisk together the unsweetened coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and optional crushed red pepper flakes in a medium-sized bowl until smooth and well combined. This sauce is a flavor powerhouse and the magic behind this slow cooker peanut chicken recipe.
Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Chicken
Pour the luscious peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure every piece is coated with that creamy goodness. This step infuses the chicken with flavor as it slowly cooks, keeping it tender and juicy.
Step 5: Cook
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. You want the chicken to become tender enough to shred easily but still juicy and flavorful. The slow simmer allows the sauce to thicken and the spices to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. This lets the shredded chicken soak up the sauce even more. However, if you prefer to serve it in whole pieces, that works too—just make sure each bite gets a generous spoonful of sauce.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the peanut chicken over steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Don’t forget the garnishes that bring extra texture and freshness. Now you’re ready to dig into a warm, comforting bowl of tasty perfection.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro are more than just pretty toppings; they add a satisfying crunch and a burst of herbal brightness that perfectly contrast the creamy peanut sauce. Feel free to sprinkle extra lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the dish for an added citrus punch.
Side Dishes
This peanut chicken shines when paired with simple, neutral sides that balance its richness. Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice absorb the sauce wonderfully, while noodles – whether rice noodles or egg noodles – give you a silky base. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can add freshness and color to your plate without overpowering the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress family or guests? Serve the slow cooker peanut chicken on lettuce wraps for a fresh handheld bite, or in a warm pita for casual sandwiches with an Asian twist. Another fun idea is to top it with a fried egg for brunch-style flair. The versatility of this recipe makes it easy to customize for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors deepen even further as it sits, making next-day servings truly delicious. It’s best to consume within 3 to 4 days for optimum flavor and freshness.
Freezing
This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months and will thaw evenly when refrigerated overnight.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or extra coconut milk can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave reheating works as well; just cover loosely and stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter is traditional, almond butter or cashew butter can be used for a different but equally delicious nutty flavor. Just keep an eye on consistency and adjust the liquid as needed.
Is it necessary to use coconut milk?
Coconut milk adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the peanut butter. If you’re avoiding coconut, you can substitute with regular milk or even almond milk, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat, but you can increase the amount or add fresh chopped chili peppers to amp up the spice level. Adjust according to your heat tolerance.
Can this recipe be made with chicken on the bone?
Yes, bone-in chicken pieces can be used but expect a longer cooking time. The bones will also add extra flavor to the sauce but make sure to check the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding or serving.
What can I use instead of rice or noodles?
Feel free to get creative! Cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables make great low-carb alternatives. Quinoa or even a simple green salad can be a fresh and nutritious complement to this flavorful dish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend giving this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe a try enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, while being delightfully easy to pull together. Whether you’re a peanut butter fanatic or just looking for a fresh take on weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the marks on flavor, convenience, and comfort. Give it a go and watch it become a beloved staple in your home cooking rotation!
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe combines tender, slow-cooked chicken with a rich and creamy peanut sauce, infused with flavors of coconut milk, soy sauce, ginger, and lime juice. Perfectly balanced with sweetness, tang, and a hint of spice, this dish is easy to prepare and makes a comforting meal served over rice or noodles, garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Garnish & Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated with the sauce.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce. You may also leave the chicken pieces whole if preferred.
- Serve: Serve the peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Using chicken thighs will result in juicier, more flavorful meat compared to breasts.
- If coconut milk is not available, full-fat regular milk or almond milk can be substituted but will alter the flavor profile slightly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stovetop or microwave.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a side salad to add freshness and balance.
