If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy nights, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. It combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, nutty sauce that has just the right balance of sweet, savory, and a touch of heat. Plus, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker, it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum comfort. Whether you’re a peanut butter fan or just love vibrant, bold dishes, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe comes from simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a key role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. From the richness of peanut butter to the fragrant warmth of ginger and the zesty brightness of lime, each component makes this dish a delightful experience.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose thighs for extra juiciness, breasts for leaner protein; either works beautifully.
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): The star of the sauce providing creamy, nutty depth and body.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds that essential salty umami punch that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey: A natural sweetener that mellows out the sauce with gentle floral notes.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Brings a mild tanginess that brightens the rich sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with its signature savory aroma and flavor.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Adds warmth and a subtle spice that plays well with peanut’s richness.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat): Just a pinch wakes up the taste buds and adds a lively kick.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Helps achieve the perfect sauce consistency without overpowering flavors.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Gives a subtle toasted nuttiness that complements the peanut butter beautifully.
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness): Adds a refreshing citrus lift to balance the creaminess.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to round out and enhance all the flavors.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): For extra texture and a burst of herbal freshness when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth, sesame oil, and lime juice. This rich and velvety sauce is the foundation of your dish, melding sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors that will soak into every bite of chicken.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. This slow braising in the sauce will ensure the chicken stays tender and absorbs all those fantastic flavors.
Step 3: Set It and Forget It
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, melting in your mouth and infused with that creamy peanut goodness. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often — that’s the secret to perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 4: Finish and Season
Once cooked, give the sauce a good stir and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a little more broth or water to loosen it up to your liking.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A quick sprinkle of chopped peanuts adds a delightful crunch contrast to the rich sauce, while fresh cilantro injects an herbaceous brightness that livens up this hearty dish. These simple touches elevate the presentation and make every plate inviting.
Side Dishes
Serve this peanut chicken over fluffy jasmine rice or fragrant basmati to soak up all that luscious sauce. Steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers offer a crisp freshness that balances the richness. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice fits perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, pile the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe into warm tortillas or lettuce wraps for an unexpected handheld meal. Or turn it into a vibrant noodle bowl by adding it atop cooked rice noodles with a splash of extra lime juice and chili for heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making it an excellent option for easy next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well! Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry, as slow warming preserves the creamy texture better.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives in the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic or prefer something different, almond or cashew butter can be used, although the flavor profile will shift slightly. Just pick natural nut butters without added sugar or salt for best results.
What cuts of chicken work best with this recipe?
Both chicken breasts and thighs work well. Thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving if you’re cooking low and slow for longer, while breasts offer a leaner option. Choose based on your preference.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild heat level thanks to optional red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a kid-friendly version or increase for more kick. It’s very easy to adjust the spice to your liking.
Can I add vegetables to the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe?
Yes, you can toss in quick-cooking veggies like bell peppers or snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep their crunch and freshness. Root vegetables will take longer and may overcook.
How can I thicken the peanut sauce if it is too runny?
If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes. This will help achieve a luscious, clingy sauce consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is a total game-changer when you want something fuss-free but feel like you’re eating at a restaurant. Its comforting, rich flavors paired with tender chicken make it a dish you’ll return to again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this cozy peanut chicken in your slow cooker repertoire.
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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American with Asian influences
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a deliciously easy recipe combining tender chicken breasts or thighs with a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with soy, honey, and spices. Perfect for a hands-off dinner, the slow cooker melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet dish that pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth (or water), sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Arrange in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Add Sauce: Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and easily shreddable.
- Serve: Carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to serving plates. Spoon extra sauce over the top.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the chicken for added texture and freshness, if desired. Serve with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference; thighs will be more tender and juicy.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- If the sauce is too thick at the end of cooking, stir in a little extra chicken broth or water to thin it out.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
- Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
