If you love the rich, nutty flavors of peanut sauce paired with tender, juicy chicken, then you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug at mealtime, effortlessly combining creamy peanut butter, fragrant ginger and garlic, and a touch of sweetness all slowly simmered to perfection. Whether you’re new to slow cooker meals or a seasoned pro, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between easy prep and deeply satisfying flavor, making it a weeknight winner that also shines for casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things delightfully simple yet each plays a crucial role in creating the perfect blend of taste, texture, and vibrant color that makes this dish stand out. From the creamy peanut butter to the zesty lime juice, every component complements the others beautifully to send your taste buds on a flavorful journey.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter: The star ingredient that gives the dish its signature nutty richness.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce: Adds savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Provides moisture and helps meld the flavors during slow cooking.
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the salty and tangy elements.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Brings a lively brightness and slight acidity for balance.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger): Adds zing and a subtle peppery note.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat if you like some spice.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for extra creaminess): Adds a luscious, silky texture and tropical nuance.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening): Helps achieve a thicker sauce for coating the chicken beautifully.
- Garnishes: chopped peanuts, cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges: These finishing touches add crunch, freshness, and brightness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chosen chicken thighs or breasts at the bottom of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. The cut of chicken you pick will determine the final tenderness, with thighs providing a richer, juicier outcome perfect for shredding.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar or lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want heat. If you’re adding coconut milk for extra smoothness, mix it in now. Whisk until smooth so every ingredient marries together into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Pour this rich peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Use a spoon or tongs to toss and coat the chicken evenly, ensuring every piece will soak up that flavor during cooking.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow, gentle cooking tenderizes the chicken so that it falls apart beautifully and absorbs all those complex, peanut buttery flavors.
Step 5: Shred and Mix
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the sauce and stir well to coat each shredded piece in the creamy peanut goodness.
Step 6: Optional Thickening
If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk cornstarch and water together to create a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered on high for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and cling perfectly to the chicken.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes add a delightful contrast in texture and flavor to this already spectacular dish. Sprinkle chopped peanuts for crunch, fresh cilantro to bring herbal brightness, green onions for subtle sharpness, and a squeeze of lime to awaken the entire plate.
Side Dishes
This peanut chicken pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or fluffy rice noodles, each soaking up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For an even heartier meal, add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to introduce color, nutrition, and a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not serve this scrumptious slow cooker peanut chicken over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or wrap it in warm lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld bite? The creamy sauce also makes for an irresistible topping on baked sweet potatoes or roasted veggies—perfect for mixing things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep for the next day a breeze.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken with its sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat the peanut chicken gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works in a pinch—use short bursts and stir in between for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives in this recipe?
Absolutely! Almond butter makes a fantastic substitute that changes the flavor profile slightly but still delivers creaminess and richness that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Is it better to use chicken thighs or breasts?
Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving when slow cooked, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. However, chicken breasts work fine if you prefer a leaner option; just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid dryness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can assemble the sauce and chicken in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Come mealtime, just set it to cook—perfect for busy days.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
While this recipe shines in a slow cooker, you can replicate similar results by simmering the sauce and chicken on low heat in a covered pan on the stove for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe?
The recipe is mild by default, with crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat. You can adjust the spice level up or down based on your taste, making it great for all kinds of palates.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is a true keeper—so simple to make, wildly flavorful, and perfect for any day of the week. Once you try how hands-off it is to prepare and how utterly delicious the results are, this dish will become a staple in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you’ve served it up to friends and family, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a creamy, savory peanut sauce infused with soy, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat. This Asian-inspired recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges for a delicious, comforting meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
For garnish
- Chopped peanuts
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of a 4–6 quart slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth or water, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger (or ground ginger), crushed red pepper flakes if using, and coconut milk if desired until smooth.
- Combine and cook: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and toss gently to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it thoroughly with the remaining sauce.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Cook uncovered on high heat for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve: Serve the peanut chicken over jasmine rice or rice noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and a squeeze of lime juice for added freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Great served with jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up the delicious peanut sauce.
- Add steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or shredded carrots to the slow cooker for a complete and nutritious meal.
- Almond butter can be substituted for peanut butter if desired.
