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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a single layer for consistent cooking.
- 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.
- Generously drench the chicken with the prepared peanut sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor absorption.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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