This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is an easy and bold dish inspired by Thai flavors. The creamy peanut sauce is a perfect combination of spicy, sweet, and savory, coating tender chicken that’s cooked low and slow. Ideal for a busy weeknight, this dish requires minimal hands-on effort, with the slow cooker doing most of the work. Serve it with rice, noodles, or your favorite sides, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Perfectly customizable with the option to add coconut milk for creaminess or adjust the spice level to your taste.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1.5 to 2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (creamy)

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ¼ cup honey or brown sugar

• 2–3 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice

• 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but adds flavor)

• 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1–2 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)

• 1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)

• ½ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)

Directions

1. Mix the Sauce:
   In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and water/broth. If using coconut milk, add it to the mixture.

2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:
   Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the peanut sauce over them. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.

3. Cook:
   Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2.5–3.5 hours until the chicken is tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.

4. Shred & Stir:
   Shred the chicken inside the slow cooker with two forks and stir everything to coat the chicken in the sauce.

5. Garnish & Serve:
   Top with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve hot with your choice of side such as jasmine rice, noodles, or a crisp cucumber salad.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 22g

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Cholesterol: 95mg

• Sodium: 680mg

• Potassium: 500mg

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 12g

The Essence of Thai Flavors

Thai cuisine is renowned for its harmonious blend of bold flavors—sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. The Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe captures these essential elements by incorporating peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and chili flakes. Peanut butter is a staple in many Thai dishes, particularly in sauces and curries, providing richness and creaminess. The addition of honey or brown sugar gives the dish the perfect touch of sweetness, balancing out the heat from the chili flakes or Sriracha. Rice vinegar or lime juice introduces a tangy sharpness, completing the signature flavor profile that makes this dish so irresistible.

The Convenience of Slow Cooking

One of the standout features of this recipe is its ease of preparation. The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with minimal hands-on time. Simply mix together the sauce ingredients, coat the chicken with the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the rest. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows the flavors to develop and intensify over time, giving the chicken a tender, juicy texture while absorbing all the savory goodness of the peanut sauce. Whether you’re preparing this meal in the morning before work or getting it ready for dinner, it’s a convenient option for busy days.

A Versatile and Customizable Dish

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily be adjusted to suit personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add coconut milk, which not only enhances the richness of the sauce but also complements the Thai flavors with its tropical sweetness. For those who enjoy a spicier dish, you can ramp up the heat by increasing the amount of chili flakes or adding more Sriracha. You can also adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or brown sugar, depending on your taste. This recipe is also highly adaptable if you want to make it gluten-free or dairy-free—simply use gluten-free soy sauce and skip the dairy ingredients if necessary.

Protein-Packed Chicken

Chicken thighs are the star protein in this dish. They are a popular choice because of their moist, tender texture, especially when cooked slowly. Chicken thighs contain more fat than chicken breasts, which allows them to remain juicy and flavorful even after hours of slow cooking. However, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner cut. Both options work well in this recipe, and they are both packed with high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. The combination of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the peanut butter makes this dish satisfying and nutrient-dense.

The Nutritional Benefits

Beyond its great taste, the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a well-balanced meal that provides essential nutrients. Each serving is rich in protein, helping to support your body’s repair and recovery. The dish also offers a healthy dose of dietary fiber, thanks to the inclusion of vegetables like broccoli, edamame, or even a side salad of cucumbers or shredded carrots. The fats in the peanut butter provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while the use of honey adds natural sweetness without being overwhelming. The dish is also relatively low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

One of the most appealing aspects of the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is its versatility when it comes to serving options. You can serve it over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a more wholesome meal. The fluffy, fragrant rice absorbs the savory peanut sauce, complementing the tender chicken. For those looking to keep the dish lighter, you can opt for cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative that still provides the satisfaction of a hearty meal. Noodles are also a fantastic choice, adding a different texture and flavor to the dish.

To balance out the richness of the peanut sauce, consider serving the chicken with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh, crisp cucumber salad. The coolness of the vegetables provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory chicken, creating a well-rounded meal that pleases the palate.

Meal Prep Made Easy

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. The slow cooker allows you to prepare a large batch of the peanut chicken that can be divided into individual portions for later use. Store the chicken in airtight containers, and reheat as needed for lunches or dinners throughout the week. It’s a great option for those who want to save time and ensure they’re eating healthy without the hassle of cooking every day. Plus, the dish holds up well in the fridge for a few days, maintaining its delicious flavors and textures.

Why You Should Try Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

In conclusion, the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a delicious and convenient dish that combines the rich flavors of Thai-inspired ingredients with the ease of slow cooking. With its tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and customizable heat level, it’s a crowd-pleaser for anyone craving bold, savory flavors. The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make it your own by adjusting the spice level or adding coconut milk for extra creaminess. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, meal prep for the week, or an easy weeknight meal, this dish ticks all the boxes. The blend of flavors, textures, and healthful ingredients ensures that it’s a meal your family will love. Try it once, and you may just find it becoming a regular addition to your meal rotation.