Pin it
This slow cooker peanut chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a crave-worthy meal with minimal effort. The rich, creamy peanut sauce infuses the meat with Thai-inspired flavors while your slow cooker does all the work, making this perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.
I first made this on a rainy Sunday when I was craving takeout but didn't want to leave the house. The aroma filled my kitchen all afternoon, and now it's become our go-to meal when we're entertaining friends who think cooking Thai food is complicated.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Provide lean protein and cook perfectly in the slow cooker without drying out. Look for plump pieces of uniform thickness
- Bell peppers: Add sweet crunch and vibrant color. Red bells offer the most sweetness to balance the savory sauce
- Onions: Create an aromatic base that mellows beautifully during slow cooking
- Garlic: Infuses the entire dish with essential flavor. Fresh cloves provide the best results
- Natural peanut butter: Forms the creamy base of our sauce. Choose unsweetened varieties for better control of the final flavor
- Chicken broth: Thins the sauce while adding savory depth
- Soy sauce: Brings umami and saltiness. Low sodium allows better flavor control
- Honey: Balances the savory elements with gentle sweetness
- Sesame oil: Adds that distinctive nutty aroma that makes Thai food special
- Chili garlic paste: Brings customizable heat. Adjust according to your spice preference
- Fresh lime juice: Added at the end brightens all flavors
- Cilantro: Provides fresh herbal notes that lift the rich sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer the aromatics:
- Place onions, bell peppers, and garlic in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a flavor base and prevents the chicken from sticking while protecting it from direct heat.
- Position the chicken:
- Arrange chicken breasts on top of the vegetable layer. Placing them this way allows them to cook evenly while absorbing flavor from below and above.
- Prepare the peanut sauce:
- Whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until completely smooth. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If too thick, add a splash more broth.
- Pour and cook:
- Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours until chicken reaches 165°F internally. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases essential heat.
- Finish and serve:
- Once chicken is fully cooked, gently stir in fresh lime juice and cilantro. The acid from the lime brightens all the flavors while the cilantro adds fresh herbal notes. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with additional cilantro and crushed peanuts for texture.
Pin it
The chili garlic paste is my secret weapon in this dish. I discovered it years ago when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant's peanut sauce. Just a tablespoon transforms the flavor profile completely, adding complex heat rather than just spiciness. My family has a tradition of adding a little more to individual portions at the table according to each person's heat preference.
Serving Suggestions
This peanut chicken pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich sauce perfectly. For a lower-carb option, try serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. I sometimes add a side of simple steamed broccoli or snap peas for extra vegetables and color contrast on the plate. For entertaining, set up a little garnish bar with extra crushed peanuts, lime wedges, sliced green onions, and additional chili sauce so guests can customize their bowls.
Make It Your Own
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer darker meat with more richness. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The vegetable components are equally flexible add in snow peas, carrots, or mushrooms based on what you have available. For a stronger peanut flavor, stir in a tablespoon of crushed roasted peanuts during the final five minutes of cooking.
Storage and Reheating
The flavors in this dish actually improve overnight as the sauce components meld together. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it tends to thicken when chilled. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop rather than microwave to prevent the chicken from becoming tough. Portion into freezer safe containers for quick lunches that can be reheated straight from frozen.
Pin it
Enjoy this effortless yet impressive dish that will leave everyone coming back for seconds!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked on a low heat setting for 6-8 hours or on a high setting for 3-4 hours until cooked through.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as they are juicy and flavorful. However, they may require slightly longer cooking time compared to chicken breasts.
- → What type of peanut butter works best?
Natural peanut butter, either creamy or crunchy, works best for a smooth and flavorful sauce. Avoid using sweetened or highly processed varieties.
- → Can I make the dish spicier?
Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more chili garlic paste or including a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the peanut sauce.
- → What are the best side dishes for this meal?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or noodles. You can also serve it with sides like stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad.
- → Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the peanut sauce and chop the vegetables in advance for easy assembly when you're ready to cook.