There’s something truly magical about a dish that wraps you in warmth. My Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken does just that. It’s a simple recipe delivering incredibly tender chicken bathed in a luscious, savory-sweet peanut sauce. It truly is a standout meal after a long day.
This particular dish has become my go-to when weeknights get hectic. It practically makes itself! Plus, the leftovers are fantastic, making lunch planning a breeze.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a treasure in my kitchen!
It’s incredibly easy, perfect for busy weeknights. The flavor is simply amazing. Guests always rave about it. It’s truly a winning combination of taste and convenience.
- Effortless prep: Minimal hands-on time required.
- Bold flavors: Rich peanut and savory notes shine through.
- Crowd-pleaser: Always a hit with family and friends.
- Quick & Convenient: Saves precious evening hours.
This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a true winner.
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Ingredients
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken lies in its simple yet powerful ingredient combination. It’s a symphony of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet notes that just sing together. You’ll find that gathering these items is a breeze, and the transformation they undergo is pretty spectacular.
Let’s break down what makes this dish so delicious:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken: This is our base. It gets incredibly tender in the slow cooker. It absorbs all those amazing flavors wonderfully. Thighs work equally well for extra richness.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: This is the heart of our sauce! It provides that signature rich, nutty flavor. It also gives us that essential creamy texture.
- Chicken Broth: It thins out the peanut butter beautifully. It also adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: This brings the essential umami. It provides that necessary salty kick. It’s a key player in that delicious Asian-inspired taste.
- Honey (or Brown Sugar): A touch of sweetness balances the savory and salty elements. It also helps create a lovely glaze on the chicken.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a bright, zesty warmth to the dish. It really cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce.
- Garlic: Oh, garlic! It brings that aromatic punch we all love so much.
- Rice Vinegar: A little tang brightens everything up. It adds great complexity to the overall flavor profile.
- Sriracha or Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For those who like a little heat! This lets you customize the spice level perfectly.
- Fresh Cilantro & Chopped Peanuts: These are our finishing touches. They add fresh flavor complexity. They also provide a delightful crunch.
Substitutions and Tips
Don’t have all these exact items on hand? No problem at all!
- Peanut Butter Swap: Almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives. For a nut-free option, sunflower seed butter works well. Just know the flavor will change a bit.
- Ginger & Garlic Shortcut: You can use ground versions in a pinch. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of each. Frozen minced garlic is also very convenient.
- Sweetener: Maple syrup can also stand in for honey. This works in a pinch.
- Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha or red pepper flakes to your liking. Start small! Even a tiny pinch adds welcome warmth.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This is a good choice if you want to watch your sodium intake. You might need to add a touch more flavor.
Remember, precise measurements are in the recipe card at the end. These suggestions are just to help you get creative! They’ll help you make this dish your own!
How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Making this delicious meal is simpler than you think. Grab your slow cooker. You are only a few easy steps away from a fantastic dinner. This recipe is designed for busy lives. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, put your chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure they lie flat. This helps them cook evenly. It’s the very first step for our Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
Next, grab a medium bowl. Add the creamy peanut butter. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the soy sauce next. Next goes in the honey or brown sugar. Grate in your fresh ginger. Add the minced garlic. Don’t forget the rice vinegar. If you like a little heat, add the sriracha now. Whisk everything together until the sauce is completely smooth. A smooth sauce is key for the best flavor. This blend makes our Thai chicken recipe amazing.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Chicken
Now, pour that lovely peanut sauce right over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated well. Evenly coating the chicken ensures fantastic flavor. This step is crucial for our flavorful peanut chicken.
Step 4: Cook to Perfection
Put the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to LOW heat. Cook for 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can use HIGH heat. Set it for 2 to 3 hours on high. Check the chicken. It should be fully cooked. It will also be very easy to shred with forks.
Step 5: Shred and Reincorporate
Carefully take the cooked chicken out. Use two forks. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir it into the delicious peanut sauce. This step makes sure the chicken soaks up all the flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is ready! Ladle it over fluffy cooked rice. Noodles also work wonderfully. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Sprinkle on some chopped peanuts. Enjoy every amazing bite!
Print
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 hours
- Total Time: 2-4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), grated ginger, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using) until smooth.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
- Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.
How to Store Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
Leftovers are a busy cook’s best friend! Store any remaining Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags. This dish reheats beautifully. It is a perfect make-ahead meal.
Tips for Success
- Use good quality peanut butter. It makes a difference.
- Don’t overcook the chicken. Shredding it becomes tricky.
- Taste your sauce before cooking. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Let the sauce thicken. This happens as the chicken cooks.
- Prep ingredients ahead. This saves time later.
- This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is forgiving. Slight variations work well.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To whip up this delicious Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, you’ll need a few key items. They make the process much smoother!
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model is ideal. Any size will work, though.
- Medium Bowl: For whisking the sauce ingredients together. A regular mixing bowl does the job.
- Whisk: Essential for a smooth sauce. A fork can also work in a pinch.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Forks: Two are needed for shredding the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delightful Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken over steamed jasmine rice.
- Fluffy quinoa or brown rice are also great choices.
- Consider adding a side of crisp, steamed broccoli or snap peas.
- A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nice touch.
- A glass of crisp lager or a refreshing iced tea pairs well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the peanut sauce a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, you can assemble and store the entire dish for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What are some good substitutions for peanut butter in this recipe?
If you need to swap out the peanut butter, almond butter or cashew butter work nicely and offer a similar creamy texture. For a completely nut-free option, sunflower seed butter is a good choice, though it will impart a slightly different flavor. Just ensure your chosen butter is smooth and unsweetened.
How can I adjust the spice level of this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?
Adjusting the heat is simple! For more spice, add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce before cooking. If you prefer it milder, simply omit the sriracha entirely. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
Can I use different cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a wonderful alternative to breasts; they cook up incredibly moist and tender. If using thighs, you might need to increase the cooking time slightly, perhaps by 30 minutes, to ensure they are fully cooked and easily shreddable.
