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
Scale
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.
