Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe That Wows

Crafting a mouthwatering slow cooker peanut chicken brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in a rich, creamy sauce promise an effortless meal.

Weeknight dinners just became dramatically simpler with this foolproof recipe.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, letting you spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.

Aromatic spices and smooth peanut butter create a complex taste profile that feels surprisingly sophisticated.

Weeknight meals can sparkle with international flair without complicated techniques.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delightful dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Crave Peanut Chicken From The Slow Cooker

• Minimal prep work means you can toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, making meal preparation a breeze.
• Rich, creamy peanut sauce with tangy lime and sweet honey creates a complex, mouthwatering taste that'll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile dish that appeals to both kids and adults, easily customizable with different toppings and serving options like rice or noodles.
• Protein-rich chicken combined with nutrient-dense ingredients like coconut milk and ginger offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that supports overall wellness.

Ingredients For Crockpot Peanut Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the flavorful sauce.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that adds richness to the sauce.
• Peanut Butter: Provides deep nutty flavor and thick consistency.
• Soy Sauce: Adds salty umami depth.
• Honey: Balances sauce with subtle sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness.

• Lime Juice, Ginger, Garlic, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds zesty, spicy, and aromatic notes to the sauce.

• Peanuts, Cilantro: Fresh toppings that add crunch and herbaceous flavor.
• Rice or Noodles: Base for serving the peanut chicken.

How To Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

This little trick ensures easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Lay Down the Chicken

Nestle your chicken pieces snugly at the bottom of the slow cooker.

Whether you’re using breasts or thighs, make sure they’re spread out evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

• Coconut milk
• Peanut butter
• Soy sauce
• Honey
• Rice vinegar
• Lime juice
• Fresh ginger
• Garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, creamy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Sauce Shower

Pour the luscious sauce all over the chicken, ensuring every piece gets a generous coating.

Think of it like giving your chicken a warm, flavorful hug.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

On low heat, cook for 4-5 hours or on high heat for 2-3 hours.

The chicken should become incredibly tender and infused with all those amazing flavors.

Step 6: Shred and Mix

Once cooked, use two forks to break the chicken into succulent, sauce-covered pieces.

Mix everything together so each bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your peanut chicken over fluffy rice or silky noodles.

Sprinkle some chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for that extra crunch and freshness.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Handy Tips For Flavorful Peanut Chicken

• Lightly coat your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-integrated mixture that coats chicken evenly and maximizes taste.
• Control heat by adding or reducing crushed red pepper flakes according to personal preference or dietary needs.
• Swap chicken breasts or thighs with tofu or turkey for a different protein option while maintaining the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Store leftover peanut chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, allowing flavors to develop and making convenient next-day meals.

Storing & Reheating Peanut Chicken The Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled peanut chicken to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Pour chicken into skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of water or coconut milk to restore moisture. Stir gently until evenly heated, about 5-7 minutes.

Ideal Pairings For Peanut Chicken Recipes

• Pairing Flavor Boosters: Zesty Lime Margarita
• Complement the rich, creamy peanut chicken with a tangy lime margarita that cuts through the dish's richness. The citrusy cocktail's brightness balances the savory sauce, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the meal's warmth.
• Serving Sidekick: Crisp Asian Slaw
• Prepare a quick Asian-inspired coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light rice vinegar dressing. Its crunchy texture and light acidity will provide a perfect contrast to the tender, saucy chicken, adding a fresh element to the plate.
• Grain Companion: Fragrant Jasmine Rice
• Select jasmine rice as your base for its delicate floral aroma and slightly sticky texture. This rice variety will soak up the delicious peanut sauce beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience with its subtle sweetness.
• Veggie Harmony: Roasted Sesame Broccoli
• Roast broccoli florets with sesame oil and sesame seeds to create a nutty, caramelized side dish. Its robust flavor and crisp texture will complement the soft, saucy chicken while adding a nutritious green element to the meal.

Peanut Chicken Takes With A Twist

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace coconut milk with almond milk or rice milk for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or include fresh chopped jalapeños to increase heat level for those who love bold flavors.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, ensuring protein content remains high and maintaining the rich peanut sauce flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, or omitting them completely.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

You can swap coconut milk with regular milk, use brown sugar instead of honey, and replace rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. This will help those with gluten sensitivities enjoy the dish.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty slow cooker peanut chicken delivers African-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Creamy, nutty sauce mingles with tender chicken, inviting hungry guests to savor complex flavors that transport palates across continents.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Sauce and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
• 0.5 cup creamy peanut butter
• 0.25 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Seasoning and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ginger (grated)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• 0.25 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Arrange chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a single layer for consistent cooking.
3. Create a harmonious peanut sauce by vigorously whisking coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until the mixture transforms into a smooth, well-integrated liquid.
4. Generously drench the chicken with the prepared peanut sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chicken to simmer at low temperature (195°F) for 4-5 hours or high temperature (205°F) for 2-3 hours until the meat becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.
6. After cooking, utilize two forks to delicately shred the chicken directly within the sauce, creating a rich and cohesive texture that allows the meat to absorb the surrounding flavors.
7. Present the peanut chicken atop steamed rice or noodles, embellishing with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added crunch and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken in the sauce overnight for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Use full-fat coconut milk and ensure all other ingredients are dairy-free for those with lactose sensitivities.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for personalized spiciness.
• Swap chicken with tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas for vegetarian and plant-based diet alternatives, adjusting cooking time accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg