If you love meals that bring comfort and bold flavors together effortlessly, you are going to adore this Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe. It’s a dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas while delivering a rich, velvety peanut sauce that perfectly wraps tender chicken thighs. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant, savory experience that’s both cozy and exciting, making it a fantastic go-to for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Get ready to fall in love with every creamy, nutty bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, with a handful of ingredients that are easy to find but pack a punch in taste and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s deepening the flavor, adding creaminess, or contributing bright color.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Perfectly juicy and tender, these thighs soak up the sauce beautifully for maximum flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to balance the peanut richness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant kick that enhances the overall savory profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a warm, zesty lift that complements the creaminess.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Pops of color and a slight crunch, plus natural sweetness.
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter: The star ingredient creating that luscious, creamy texture and rich peanut flavor.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds umami and saltiness to balance the dish perfectly.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce smooth and blends all the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice: Injects a touch of acidity to cut through the richness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Sweetens subtly to round out the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (optional): For those who like a little heat, it elevates the flavor beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the tastes.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk: Stirred in at the end for the ultimate creamy finish.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for garnish: Delivers crunch and fresh herbal brightness.
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving: The perfect base to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.
How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by placing the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then add the diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red bell pepper right on top. This layering helps the flavors meld and ensures everything cooks evenly while soaking up those incredible peanut sauce notes.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar or lime juice, honey, sriracha if using, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them until the sauce is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This mixture is where all the magic begins, balancing savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy in one bowl.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour your freshly whisked peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Cover it up and cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooker will work its magic, tenderizing the chicken while letting those flavors deepen into something truly irresistible.
Step 4: Finish with Coconut Milk and Shred the Chicken
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the coconut milk for that creamy, silky texture that makes this Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe so indulgent. Then, shred the chicken slightly inside the slow cooker to help it soak up the sauce even better, making every bite perfectly coated and luscious.
How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes really elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle chopped peanuts over the top for a satisfying crunch, and a scattering of fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This peanut chicken pairs exceptionally well with fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles. The starch acts like a sponge, absorbing all those luscious sauce flavors so nothing goes to waste. Steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli make an excellent nutritious side that balances the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this slow cooker peanut chicken in lettuce wraps for a light, hand-held meal. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, spoon it over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice to add more texture and pump up the nutrition. Either way, it’s deliciously versatile and guaranteed to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, so leftovers taste even better! Just be sure to keep your garnishes separate until serving to maintain their texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked peanut chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Freeze it without the fresh garnishes and rice or noodles—they’re best fresh. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the sauce loosen as it warms. Adding a splash of chicken broth or coconut milk can revive the creaminess perfectly. Microwave reheating also works well when you’re in a pinch—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but since they are leaner, they might not be quite as tender and juicy as thighs after slow cooking. Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
Is there a way to make this recipe nut-free?
Yes! Simply swap the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative that still delivers rich creaminess and a slightly different but delicious flavor profile.
How spicy is the recipe by default?
The recipe includes an optional tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste, so you can control the heat. Leaving it out will keep the dish mild but flavorful, perfect for little ones or sensitive palates.
Can I make this creamy slow cooker peanut chicken recipe in an instant pot?
Definitely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken and veggies first, then add the sauce and cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes, followed by a quick release. Stir in coconut milk at the end as instructed.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If your sauce feels a bit watery, you can cook it uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes to reduce and thicken, or mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in, cooking a few minutes longer until thickened.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe truly belongs in your recipe rotation because it combines ease, comforting textures, and bold, exciting flavors in one pot. Every step lets the ingredients shine, and the end result feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how effortlessly it becomes a family favorite in your own kitchen!
Print
Creamy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce with garlic, ginger, and aromatic vegetables. Perfectly balanced with a hint of spice and sweetness, it’s an ideal comforting meal served over rice or noodles, garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Sauce
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili paste (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Garnish and Serving
- Chopped peanuts, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Place the boneless skinless chicken thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add diced onion, minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red bell pepper on top of the chicken evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together natural peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar or lime juice, honey, sriracha or chili paste (if using), salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables inside the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
- Add Coconut Milk: About 30 minutes before serving, gently stir in the coconut milk to the slow cooker. Shred the chicken slightly with two forks, mixing it well to ensure the sauce coats all the chicken pieces evenly.
- Serve: Serve the peanut chicken warm over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to add crunchy texture and fresh aroma.
Notes
- For a creamier sauce, increase the coconut milk to 1 cup.
- For a nut-free variation, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha according to your preference.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
