If you love meals that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, tangy lime, and just the right balance of sweet and savory, slow-cooked to tender perfection. This dish effortlessly brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients that make every bite worth savoring. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or looking to impress friends with a vibrant dish, this recipe is a trusty go-to that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and your table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet impactful ingredients is the first step toward making this delicious Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe come alive. Each ingredient plays a vital role in layering flavor, ensuring the dish is rich, tender, and bursting with color and texture.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy by slow cooking.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: Brings the rich, nutty base that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Adds a savory depth and umami that balances the creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Provides a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the dish moist and adds a gentle savory touch.
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar: A sweet counterpoint that lifts the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses warmth and aroma that’s hard to resist.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Brings a zesty kick and freshness.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Adds a citrus pop for brightness and balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Perfect for a gentle heat boost if you like a bit of spice.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Makes the sauce creamy and luxurious with a hint of tropical sweetness.
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Adds vibrant color and a crisp texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro: Offers fresh herbal brightness as a garnish.
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts: Adds crunch and extra peanut flavor on top.
- Cooked white or jasmine rice: The perfect base to soak up that luscious sauce.
- Lime wedges: For that final zesty squeeze when serving.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into your slow cooker in a single, even layer. This ensures they cook evenly and become perfectly tender without crowding.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, crushed red pepper flakes if you want some heat, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture is the heart of the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe—creamy, tangy, and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Pour the rich peanut sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Take a moment to gently spread the sauce over each piece, making sure they’re fully coated. This step is key to infusing the chicken with all those incredible flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Add Coconut Milk and Bell Pepper
Next, stir in the coconut milk and thinly sliced red bell pepper. The coconut milk brings a velvety smoothness that transforms the sauce, while the colorful bell pepper adds a fresh crunch and sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender enough to shred, and the sauce will thicken into a luscious coating that clings to every bite.
Step 6: Shred and Combine
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it through the sauce. This step lets the chicken soak up even more flavor, making each forkful satisfyingly rich and creamy.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds. Serve it over steaming white or jasmine rice to catch all that incredible sauce, and get ready to enjoy a truly comforting meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off this dish like a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts. The cilantro adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness, while the peanuts bring a welcome crunch and enhanced peanut flavor. Add a lime wedge on the side to give everyone the option to add a little citrusy zing.
Side Dishes
The creamy, nutty chicken pairs beautifully with simple steamed jasmine or white rice, which soaks up that delicious sauce. For some extra greens, a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli make excellent refreshing companions. These effortless sides round out your meal without competing with the peanutty star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Serve the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative, or pile it into warm tortillas for an Asian-inspired wrap. You could even spoon it over cooked noodles for a fun peanut chicken noodle bowl. No matter the presentation, the flavors will shine every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect meal to enjoy the next day or pack for lunch.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this recipe freezes well. Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag, label it, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and flavorful meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of coconut milk or broth to loosen it back up and keep it creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe, offering a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs might cook a bit faster.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! Substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Make sure your soy sauce and other ingredients fit your dietary preferences, and you’ll have a delicious plant-based version.
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
You can! Cook the sauce and chicken in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, simmering covered until the chicken is tender, about 30-40 minutes. Just watch the heat closely to avoid burning the sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to your heat preference. Without them, the dish is mildly spiced with rich peanut flavor, but feel free to add more or less based on how much kick you like.
What type of peanut butter is best to use?
Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth sauce texture, but natural peanut butter is great too if you prefer a more intense peanut flavor. Just make sure it’s well stirred before adding to your sauce mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is a treasure to have in your cooking repertoire. It’s easy to prepare, cooks while you relax, and delivers unforgettable, comforting flavors every single time. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your home!
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with garlic, ginger, lime, and coconut milk. Perfectly balanced with sweetness, savory soy, and a touch of spice, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for serving over jasmine rice with fresh cilantro, roasted peanuts, and lime wedges for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
For Garnish and Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
- Cooked white or jasmine rice, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, crushed red pepper flakes if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Coat the Chicken: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the coconut milk and sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine these ingredients with the sauce and chicken without displacing the chicken too much.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken finely. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the peanut sauce.
- Serve: Spoon the shredded peanut chicken over cooked jasmine or white rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro and chopped roasted peanuts. Serve with lime wedges on the side to add a fresh citrusy note as desired.
Notes
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish or omit for no spice.
- Using creamy peanut butter ensures a smooth sauce texture; avoid chunky peanut butter for best results.
- For gluten-free preparation, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch and freshness.
