If you’re craving bold flavor without a lot of work, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a must-try. It’s creamy, savory, a little bit sweet, and just the right amount of spicy—perfectly inspired by Thai cuisine.
Tender chicken simmers in a flavorful peanut sauce made with creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of honey or brown sugar. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and delivers a hearty, satisfying meal your whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp ground)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (adjust for thickness)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ½ cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
For serving:
- Cooked white or brown rice
- Chopped peanuts
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and broth. Stir until smooth.
Step 2: Add Chicken to Crockpot
- Place chicken thighs or breasts into the bottom of a slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s fully coated.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove 2 tablespoons of liquid from the slow cooker and stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Return to the pot and stir. Let cook for an additional 15–20 minutes on HIGH.
Step 5: Shred and Serve
- Shred the chicken with two forks or leave it in larger pieces if preferred. Stir in coconut milk if using, and serve hot over rice with toppings.
Variation:
- Spicy Peanut Chicken: Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes to kick up the heat.
- With veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots during the last hour of cooking.
- Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
- Thai-style: Add a spoonful of red curry paste or fish sauce for extra depth.
COOKING Note:
Chicken thighs work best in this recipe as they stay moist and tender. If using chicken breasts, be sure not to overcook to avoid drying them out. Coconut milk adds a creamy finish and balances the peanut flavor but can be left out for a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over rice: Jasmine, white, brown, or cauliflower rice all work well.
- With noodles: Spoon the peanut chicken over rice noodles or soba for a Thai-style noodle bowl.
- Garnish: Top with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, scallions, or sesame seeds.
- Add crunch: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted broccoli, snap peas, or cucumber salad.
Tips:
- Stir the sauce ingredients well before adding to the slow cooker to avoid clumping.
- For meal prep, portion chicken and rice into containers and top with veggies and peanuts.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
⏱️ Time Overview:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6.5 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings):
- Calories: ~370
- Protein: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~12g
- Fat: ~22g
- Sodium: ~580mg
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~6g
Nutrition values vary depending on specific ingredients used.
❓FAQsCan I use natural peanut butter?
- Yes, but make sure it’s stirred well. Natural peanut butter will make the sauce slightly runnier, so reduce broth if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free?
- Absolutely! The recipe is naturally dairy-free unless you add coconut milk, which is also non-dairy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight, then dump into the slow cooker in the morning.
What if I don’t have fresh ginger?
- Ground ginger works well—use 1 teaspoon in place of fresh.
Is it kid-friendly?
- Yes! Just reduce or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is the perfect blend of comfort food and bold flavor. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that delivers creamy, nutty goodness in every bite. Serve it over rice with a sprinkle of peanuts, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal straight from your crockpot.
Simple, flavorful, and family-approved—this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again