Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a delicious peanut sauce. Infused with coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making this a fuss-free meal.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: A delicious peanut butter and coconut milk sauce coats the chicken perfectly.
• Great for Meal Prep: Stores well and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies for extra nutrition.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve with rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
• Coconut milk
• Soy sauce
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh ginger, grated
• Honey or brown sugar
• Lime juice
• Rice vinegar
• Sriracha or red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• Fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Directions

1. Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, lime juice, rice vinegar, and sriracha (if using).
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and stir to coat in the sauce.
6. Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for more nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Increase sriracha or add a chopped chili pepper.
• Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter for sunflower seed butter.
• Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if the sauce thickens too much.
• Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are more flavorful and remain tender in the slow cooker.

How do I thicken the sauce?

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

What should I serve with peanut chicken?

It pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, noodles, or steamed veggies.

Can I make this without coconut milk?

Yes, substitute with heavy cream or chicken broth, but the flavor will change slightly.

Is this dish spicy?

It has mild heat, but you can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer the chicken and sauce in a large pan over low heat for about 30–40 minutes until tender.

What kind of peanut butter should I use?

Natural peanut butter works best, but any creamy or chunky variety will do.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes and do a natural release for 5 minutes before shredding the chicken.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas work great. Add them in the last hour of cooking for the best texture.

How do I make it more flavorful?

Increase garlic, ginger, or lime juice for an extra punch of flavor. Adding a splash of fish sauce can also enhance the taste.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a creamy, rich, and satisfying meal that requires minimal effort. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or with fresh veggies, this recipe is a must-try for busy weeknights or meal prep!

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