Zippy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe for Busy Evenings

Tantalizing aromas fill the kitchen as this slow cooker peanut chicken simmers to tender perfection.

Packed with rich, complex flavors, the dish brings together creamy peanut sauce and succulent chicken in a mouthwatering combination.

Weeknight dinners just got easier with this simple yet impressive recipe.

The blend of savory and nutty notes creates a comforting meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Every bite promises a delightful balance of spices and creamy texture.

Minimal preparation means you can walk away and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Prepare to be amazed by how such straightforward ingredients can create such an extraordinary meal.

Ways to Adjust the Sauce or Spice Levels

• Add a splash of lime juice just before serving to brighten the entire dish and enhance the peanut sauce's complexity.
• Prepare the sauce and chicken the night before, refrigerate, and start the slow cooker in the morning for an effortless meal.
• Replace chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version or use beef or pork for different protein alternatives that work perfectly with the rich peanut sauce.
• For gluten-free needs, use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Low-carb eaters can serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Over Rice

• Tropical Paradise Plating: Spread coconut rice as a creamy base, then elegantly place shredded peanut chicken on top for a restaurant-style presentation that transports taste buds to a sunny beach.
• Protein-Packed Meal Prep: Pack cooled chicken in meal prep containers with brown rice and steamed broccoli for a delicious, balanced lunch that keeps you energized throughout the workday.
• Flavor Boost Topping Bar: Set out small bowls of chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and extra red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their plate with their favorite crunchy and zesty additions.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve the peanut chicken in a large central dish surrounded by separate bowls of rice, noodles, and toppings, encouraging everyone to build their own perfect plate and enjoy a interactive dining experience.

Save Leftovers with These Storage Suggestions

• Whip up a double batch of this peanut chicken and store extra portions in airtight containers for quick, stress-free meals throughout the week.
• Portion the cooled chicken into freezer-safe containers or bags, keeping meals ready for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm leftovers gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of coconut milk to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Pack individual servings with rice or noodles in separate compartments for grab-and-go lunches. Keep saucy components separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy sides.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Check doneness around 3-4 hours on low setting.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them completely for a milder version. Start with less and add more if you prefer more kick.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s integrity.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the sauce and prep the chicken the night before, store in the refrigerator, and start cooking in the morning. This makes for an easy, hands-off meal preparation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Peanut Chicken Rich and Bold

• Peanut Butter: Creamy foundation that adds rich, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and salty complexity, choose low-sodium for better control of saltiness.
• Coconut Milk: Creates silky texture and subtle tropical sweetness, opt for full-fat version for maximum creaminess.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy acidity to balance rich flavors, look for clear, mild varieties.

• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize sauce, select raw or local honey for best taste.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that deepens overall flavor profile, fresh cloves deliver more intense taste.
• Ginger: Adds warm, spicy note with incredible depth, fresh root gives more vibrant flavor than powdered.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces gentle heat and exciting kick, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Chicken Thighs/Breasts: Main protein that absorbs sauce beautifully, boneless cuts work best for even cooking.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness and color, use both white and green parts.
• Peanuts: Crunchy topping that provides textural contrast and reinforces nutty theme, roasted unsalted work perfectly.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that brings herbal, citrusy note and vibrant green color, chop just before serving.

Slow Cooker Tools for Peanut Chicken Success

• Slow Cooker: Essential for easy, hands-off cooking of the peanut chicken.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for whisking together the smooth, flavorful sauce.
• Whisk: Great for blending peanut butter, soy sauce, and other sauce ingredients until completely combined.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Two Forks: Ideal for shredding the tender cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping garnishes like peanuts, green onions, and cilantro.
• Sharp Knife: Used for precise chopping of fresh herbs and toppings.

Step-by-Step Guide for Peanut Chicken Dinner

• Whip Up the Flavor Bomb

Grab a mixing bowl and blend peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes into a silky smooth sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Nestle the Chicken

Gently place chicken into the slow cooker and lavish it with the peanut sauce, making sure every inch gets coated in deliciousness.

• Let the Happen

Cover and let your slow cooker work its wonder. On low, let it simmer for 6-7 hours or crank it up to high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

• Shred and Mingle

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, use two forks to break it into succulent pieces. Stir everything together so the sauce hugs each morsel.

• Create Your Masterpiece

Pile the peanut chicken over rice or noodles. Sprinkle with crunchy peanuts, fresh green onions, and bright cilantro for a meal that’ll make your family cheer.

Effortless Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker peanut chicken delivers bold Thai-inspired flavors that dance across taste buds. Fragrant spices and creamy peanut sauce create an irresistible meal perfect for weekend dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
• 0.25 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 0.25 cup coconut milk (or chicken broth)
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 0.25 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes into a smooth, harmonious blend, creating a rich flavor foundation.
2. Chicken Arrangement: Position chicken pieces in slow cooker, generously coating with the prepared peanut sauce, ensuring comprehensive coverage and flavor infusion.
3. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours, allowing chicken to tenderize and absorb the complex sauce profile, reaching optimal succulence.
4. Meat Transformation: Shred chicken directly in cooking vessel using two forks, thoroughly mixing with sauce to distribute flavors and create a cohesive, mouthwatering texture.
5. Serving Finale: Plate the peanut chicken over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with chopped peanuts, green onion slivers, and fresh cilantro leaves to enhance visual appeal and provide textural contrast.

Notes

• Sauce Consistency Matters: Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats chicken evenly.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, preventing undercooking while maintaining moisture.
• Flavor Depth Technique: Allow chicken to marinate briefly in sauce before slow cooking to enhance overall taste absorption and tenderness.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for vegetarian version, use tamari instead of soy sauce for gluten-free alternative, and reduce honey for lower-sugar preparation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg