If you love meals that combine rich flavors with effortless preparation, then this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken simmering all day in a creamy, nutty sauce that’s perfectly balanced with a little tang, heat, and sweetness. This dish comes together easily with straightforward ingredients yet delivers big on taste and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is pure magic in a pot, bringing that warm and cozy feeling to your dinner table with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this recipe to create a deliciously layered dish that’s both satisfying and full of vibrant flavor. Each item plays an important role, from the creamy peanut butter giving richness to the soy sauce adding savory depth, making this an easy go-to recipe with pantry staples.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Thighs offer more moistness, but breasts keep it lean – either works beautifully here.
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy): The star of the show, lending creaminess and that irresistible nutty flavor.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: Adds a salty, umami backbone to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Balances saltiness with subtle sweetness for a well-rounded taste.
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to brighten the rich peanut sauce.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: A savory punch that infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tsp ground ginger: Offers gentle spice and earthiness that pairs wonderfully with peanut flavors.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a touch of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water: Helps thin the sauce to a perfect consistency for coating the chicken.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Adds a subtle toasted note enhancing the dish’s complexity.
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional): A splash of acidity to brighten and lift the flavors even more.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: To season and balance every element perfectly.
- Chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional): Adds crunch and a fresh herbal finish for a pretty presentation.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs lightly with salt and pepper. This simple step gives the meat a little extra seasoning, ensuring every bite is flavorful through and through. Using boneless, skinless pieces helps the chicken absorb the peanut sauce beautifully while cooking evenly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), chicken broth or water, sesame oil, and lime juice. Whisk everything together until you’ve got a smooth, luscious sauce that smells fragrant and inviting. This mixture is the heart of the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe, so getting it well blended is key.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce in the Slow Cooker
Place your seasoned chicken into the slow cooker and pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the top. Make sure each piece is coated well. You don’t need to stir much – the slow cooker’s gentle heat will do all the work, melding the flavors as it simmers.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours if you’re short on time. The chicken becomes tender and juicy, absorbing the rich peanut goodness throughout. The longer you cook it on low, the better the flavors develop, making this dish a fantastic slow cooker classic.
Step 5: Final Touches Before Serving
Once the chicken is cooked through, give it a gentle stir to coat everything evenly in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra lime juice if desired. If you want a thicker sauce, simply remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on high for 10 minutes on the stove or use the slow cooker’s sauté function if available.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro is a delightful way to enhance both the texture and color of this dish. The peanuts bring an irresistible crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce, while the cilantro adds a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that lifts every bite.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up the sauce. For a lighter touch, serve it with a crisp cucumber salad or sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach to add freshness and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the peanut chicken over rice noodles or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a handheld delight. You can also turn it into a hearty bowl by adding sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo. The possibilities for personalization are endless and so delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day meals even more satisfying. Just be sure to cool the chicken completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe for later, it freezes well. Place cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently either on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken tender and the sauce silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use peanut butter alternatives for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you have allergies or prefer a different taste, almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used. They will change the flavor slightly but still provide a creamy, nutty base for the sauce.
Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?
Both work wonderfully. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during slow cooking, while breasts give a leaner option. Choose based on your preference for texture and fat content.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Adding or increasing red pepper flakes or even a spoonful of chili garlic sauce will give the dish a nice kick. Adjust according to your heat tolerance for the perfect balance.
Do I need to stir the chicken during cooking?
Not necessary. The slow cooker’s gentle heat circulates the sauce, allowing the chicken to cook evenly without stirring. Simply coat the chicken well at the start, and it will absorb the flavors beautifully as it cooks.
What can I serve this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe with besides rice?
Aside from rice, this dish goes great with noodles, steamed or stir-fried vegetables, or even inside flatbreads or wraps. It’s versatile and pairs well with a variety of carb and vegetable options to suit your mood.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about a Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe that combines ease with incredible flavor. It’s perfect for busy days when you want dinner ready with little effort but no compromise on taste. Give this recipe a try, and you might find yourself reaching for the peanut butter jar more often. It’s a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing meal that smiles on every plate.
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
A flavorful and easy Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a hands-off meal that delivers bold taste and comforting texture, garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts for added texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Sauce
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth or water, sesame oil, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
- Shred or Serve: Once cooked, you can shred the chicken directly in the sauce with two forks for a pulled chicken style, or serve the breasts whole topped with the peanut sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the chicken before serving for added crunch and freshness. Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables as desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level or omit if you prefer no spice.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency before serving.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, steamed broccoli, or sautéed greens.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
