This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that blends creamy peanut butter with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. The slow cooker ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the sauce. Paired with jasmine rice or rice noodles, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite that takes minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.
What makes this dish so special is its versatility. You can swap out chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even beef to suit your preference. The addition of bell peppers and onions brings a slight crunch, while the hint of lime and fresh cilantro adds brightness to every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a hearty dinner, this Thai-inspired peanut chicken is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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For the chicken:
- 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ large yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
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For the peanut sauce:
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions:
- Add the diced bell pepper, onion, and garlic to the bottom of your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Stir in the lime juice and fresh cilantro before serving.
- Serve over jasmine rice, rice noodles, or steamed vegetables. Garnish with additional cilantro and chopped peanuts if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 3 hours | Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Kcal: 439 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken: A Flavorful and Effortless Meal
Thai cuisine is known for its rich and bold flavors, and this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is no exception. Combining tender chicken with a creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy peanut sauce, this dish is both comforting and incredibly easy to make. By using a slow cooker, you can enjoy all the complex flavors of Thai cooking without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or a cozy family dinner, this dish brings together classic Thai inspired ingredients that create a symphony of flavors. It pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, rice noodles, or even fresh vegetables for a well-balanced meal. If you love dishes that are packed with flavor, yet require minimal effort, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Hands-Off Cooking: One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the convenience it offers. Simply add the ingredients, let the slow cooker do its job, and return to a delicious, fully cooked meal.
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and chili garlic paste results in a rich and complex sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: Cooking chicken in a slow cooker ensures that it remains juicy, tender, and infused with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: You can enjoy this dish over rice, noodles, or even in a lettuce wrap for a low-carb alternative.
- Great for Meal Prep: The leftovers store well and taste even better the next day, making this a great option for meal prepping.
The Origins of Thai Peanut Chicken
Peanut-based sauces are a staple in Thai cuisine, commonly used in dishes like chicken satay, pad Thai, and Thai peanut curries. The combination of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors is a signature of Thai cooking, creating dishes that are well balanced and full of depth.
This slow cooker version takes inspiration from traditional Thai peanut sauces but simplifies the process, allowing you to achieve that authentic taste with minimal effort. While traditional Thai peanut sauces often include coconut milk and a variety of aromatic spices, this recipe keeps it simple while still delivering incredible flavor.
The Magic of the Peanut Sauce
The peanut sauce is the star of this dish, elevating the chicken with its creamy texture and deep flavors. Made with natural peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste, the sauce offers a perfect balance of umami, sweetness, and heat.
- Peanut Butter: Provides a creamy and nutty base that makes the sauce rich and indulgent.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth, balancing the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey: Brings a touch of natural sweetness that enhances the peanut flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Offers a toasty, nutty aroma that complements the peanut butter.
- Chili Garlic Paste: Introduces a mild heat that enhances the overall complexity of the sauce.
Once slow-cooked, the sauce thickens and clings to the chicken, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken:
1. Over Jasmine Rice
The most traditional way to serve this dish is over steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the rich peanut sauce beautifully. For an extra flavor boost, try using coconut rice, which adds a mild sweetness and creaminess to the meal.
2. With Rice Noodles
If you love Thai noodle dishes, serve the chicken over a bed of rice noodles. The soft texture of the noodles pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut sauce.
3. In Lettuce Wraps
For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the shredded peanut chicken in butter lettuce wraps or romaine leaves. Add some shredded carrots, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a refreshing bite.
4. With Roasted Vegetables
Pair the peanut chicken with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or snap peas. This makes for a wholesome, well-balanced meal.
5. As a Sandwich or Wrap
For a fun twist, serve the shredded peanut chicken in a soft tortilla wrap or on a toasted sandwich bun. Add some crunchy cabbage slaw for texture and freshness.
Customizing the Recipe
While this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is already packed with flavor, there are several ways to customize it to suit your preferences:
- Make It Creamier: Add a splash of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for an extra creamy texture.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chili garlic paste. For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha.
- Use Different Proteins: While chicken is the most popular choice, this recipe works well with shrimp, beef, or tofu. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Enhance the Umami Flavor: A splash of fish sauce or hoisin sauce can deepen the savory notes of the peanut sauce.
- Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are already included, but you can add mushrooms, zucchini, bok choy, or shredded carrots for extra nutrition.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop and intensify over time. Here’s how to store and reheat it for the best results:
Refrigerator:
Store the leftover peanut chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer:
For longer storage, freeze the peanut chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead Tip:
You can prep the sauce and chop the vegetables the night before cooking. Store them separately in the fridge and simply add them to the slow cooker the next day for an effortless meal.
Why Slow Cooking is the Best Method
Cooking this dish in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while keeping the chicken incredibly tender. Unlike stovetop or oven methods, the slow cooker gently cooks the ingredients over several hours, ensuring that the sauce infuses every bite of the chicken.
The low and slow cooking process also enhances the depth of the peanut sauce, making it richer and more flavorful. Plus, slow cooking requires minimal supervision, making it an ideal option for busy individuals or families.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings the delicious taste of Thai cuisine into your home with minimal effort. With its creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant flavors, this dish is a perfect addition to any meal rotation.
Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, this meal is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the ability to customize it to suit different preferences makes it a versatile and foolproof recipe for any occasion.
Give this dish a try, and experience the magic of Thai-inspired flavors with the ease of slow cooking!