Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in the kitchen, the aroma of simmering spices wafted through the air, a warm hug on a chilly evening. This Easy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken has become my go-to dish when I’m longing for comfort without the fuss. With the rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s subtly sweet and just a touch spicy, it transforms a simple weeknight dinner into a ritual worth savoring. Plus, it’s perfect for those of us juggling busy schedules—prep in minutes and let your slow cooker work its magic! What’s even better? You can easily switch out the chicken for shrimp, steak, or tofu depending on what’s in your fridge. Are you ready to dive into this soothing, flavor-packed experience? Why Choose Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze, making it perfect for both novice cooks and busy chefs. Just combine ingredients in your slow cooker! Flavor Explosion: The creamy peanut sauce bursts with sweet and spicy notes, making every bite comforting and satisfying. It’s a dish your family will crave time and again. Versatile Options: Whether you love chicken, shrimp, steak, or tofu, this meal is easily adaptable. Feel free to substitute proteins, or mix it up with different nut butters! Time-Saving: With minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, this dish allows you to spend more time relaxing at home. You can even pair it with sides like steamed jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad for a well-rounded meal! Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a get-together with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy hungry appetites. Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Thighs provide rich flavor and tenderness, but any cut works great. For the Peanut Sauce • Peanut Butter – This is the star ingredient; it lends a creamy texture and can be swapped for seed butter for a nut-free option. • Soy Sauce – Offers depth and umami; tamari is a great gluten-free alternative. • Honey – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness; replace with maple syrup for a vegan version. • Vinegar/Lime Juice – Balances the sweetness with acidity; use what you have on hand. • Sesame Oil – Enhances the dish’s nuttiness; feel free to omit for a lighter flavor. • Garlic – Fresh garlic is best for aromatic depth; however, garlic powder can work if you’re short on time. • Ginger – Fresh ginger elevates the dish, but powdered ginger can be used as a quick substitute. • Chili Flakes – Adjust the heat level to your preference for those subtle spicy notes. • Water/Broth – To thin out the sauce as desired; use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option. • Coconut Milk (optional) – For added creaminess; this can replace some water or broth. For the Toppings • Crushed Peanuts – Adds crunch and enhances the dish’s peanut flavor. • Cilantro – Offers a fresh herbal note; feel free to substitute with green onions if preferred. • Green Onions – Provides a mild onion crunch that complements the dish beautifully. • Sesame Seeds – Sprinkling these adds visual appeal and extra texture. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Step 1: Prepare Sauce In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons vinegar or lime juice, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon powdered), and ½ teaspoon chili flakes. Gradually stir in ½ cup water or broth until smooth. The sauce should be creamy and well-combined, with a hint of spice. Step 2: Layer Chicken Place about 2 pounds of chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Carefully pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is generously coated. This step is essential for an even flavor distribution, so take your time to make sure everything is covered well. Step 3: Cook Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and easily shreds with a fork. Keep an eye on the cooking time; you want a well-cooked chicken, but avoid overcooking which can lead to dryness. Step 4: Shred Chicken Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly inside the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the peanut sauce to ensure it’s thoroughly coated. The chicken should be tender and juicy, blending beautifully with the creamy sauce for your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. Step 5: Serve Scoop the delicious peanut chicken into bowls, allowing the sauce to pool around it. Garnish with toppings of your choice, such as crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve hot, and pair it with steaming jasmine rice or a refreshing cucumber salad for a delightful meal. How to Store and Freeze Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the chicken is well-coated in sauce to retain its moisture. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat or use a microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain sauce consistency if needed. Wrap: If freezing, ensure to wrap the container tightly or use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn, preserving flavor and texture. Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Chicken Choice: Opt for chicken thighs if possible, as they provide a richer flavor compared to breasts and stay juicy during cooking. Consistent Sauce: Ensure your peanut sauce is well-mixed before pouring it over the chicken, which helps achieve that perfect harmony of flavor in your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. Ingredient Prep: To save time, chop garlic and ginger the night before, and measure out other ingredients; this makes evening prep a breeze! Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time; undercooking can leave your chicken tough, while overcooking can dry it out. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure! Garnish Matters: Don’t skip the toppings! Crushed peanuts and fresh herbs add wonderful texture and enhance the dish’s overall appeal, making it truly memorable. What to Serve with Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken? There’s nothing quite like creating a delightful meal that complements the rich, creamy flavors unfolding from your slow cooker! Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the luscious peanut sauce beautifully, creating a comforting base for your chicken. Cucumber Salad: A crunchy and refreshing side, it balances the richness of the peanut sauce with its cool, crisp bites. Flat Rice Noodles: Soft and chewy, these noodles complement the dish while adding a heartier texture. Toss them with a drizzle of sesame oil for extra flavor. Cabbage Slaw: This slaw brings a lively crunch and tangy note that contrasts delightfully with the creamy sauce; it’s perfect for that textural balance. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness enhances the spiciness of the peanut sauce, making each bite a satisfying experience. Coconut Milk Smoothie: A light, refreshing drink with a hint of tropical flavor can cleanse your palate and complement the overall dish without overwhelming it. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this beloved Thai treat adds a sweet finish, marrying creamy coconut flavors with a touch of fruitiness to round out your meal. Make Ahead Options These Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken make-ahead options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can prepare the peanut sauce (whisk together all ingredients) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in advance. Additionally, you can also layer the chicken with the sauce in the slow cooker and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This way, when you’re ready to serve, just pop the slow cooker on and cook according to the recipe’s instructions. To maintain quality, ensure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce to prevent it from drying out. Just shred and serve for a comforting meal that tastes just as delicious! Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Variations Feel free to get creative and customize this dish to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences for an even more delightful experience! Seafood Swap: Replace the chicken with shrimp for a lighter, seafood twist that cooks quickly and adds a delightful flavor. Steak Substitute: Use tender steak strips for a hearty and meaty variation. This adds richness and takes the comfort food experience up a notch. Tofu Option: For a vegetarian-friendly dish, swap the chicken for baked tofu. It absorbs the flavor beautifully and brings a wonderful texture. Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free alternative without sacrificing creaminess. Your dish will still be rich and satisfying! Sweet Twist: Replace honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan option. This adds a different sweetness while keeping it effortlessly delicious. Flavor Boost: Add a tablespoon of Thai red curry paste to the sauce for an extra kick and an authentic flavor boost that brings a delightful spiciness to your meal. Coconut Cream: For an ultra-creamy sauce, mix in coconut cream instead of some water or broth. It adds a luxuriously smooth texture and enhances that Thai-inspired essence. Fresh Garnishes: Elevate the garnishes by introducing sliced jalapeños or fresh mint leaves along with the traditional toppings for an unexpected yet refreshing flavor contrast. These variations allow you to tailor your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken to match your cravings or whatever you have on hand. If you’re looking for more Thai-inspired ideas, you might enjoy trying this comforting Thai Chicken Soup or spicy Fiery Chicken Ramen. Happy cooking! Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are my preferred choice because they provide richer flavor and remain juicy during the slow cooking process. However, if you prefer chicken breasts or any other cut, feel free to use what you have on hand! How should I store leftovers? To store your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. I recommend keeping the chicken well-coated in sauce to maintain its moisture and flavor during storage. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken? Yes, you can freeze this dish! Pour the cooled Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken into a freezer-safe container and pop it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s as easy as that! How do I reheat frozen peanut chicken? Reheat your thawed Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken gently. Place it in a saucepan over low heat, and if the sauce thickens, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating to keep it delicious! What can I substitute for peanut butter? If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can substitute peanut butter with seed butter, such as sunflower seed butter. It provides a similar creamy texture and taste without any allergens! Just remember that the flavor profile may shift slightly, but it will still be delightful. Can I adjust the spice level? Very much so! If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the chili flakes. On the other hand, if you crave heat, feel free to increase the amount according to your preference. The great thing about this recipe is its versatility, allowing you to make it uniquely yours! Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken – Comforting and Flavorful Meal This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken features a creamy peanut sauce that's subtly sweet and just a touch spicy, making it a comforting weeknight dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 6 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: ChickenCuisine: ThaiCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken2 pounds Chicken Thighs Thighs provide rich flavor and tendernessFor the Peanut Sauce1/2 cup Peanut Butter Can be swapped for seed butter for a nut-free option1/4 cup Soy Sauce Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative1/4 cup Honey Replace with maple syrup for a vegan version2 tablespoons Vinegar or Lime Juice Use what you have on hand1 tablespoon Sesame Oil Feel free to omit for a lighter flavor2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is best for aromatic depth1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger Or 1 teaspoon powdered ginger1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes Adjust the heat level to your preference1/2 cup Water or Broth Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly option1 can Coconut Milk Optional for added creaminessFor the Toppings1/4 cup Crushed Peanuts Adds crunch and enhances flavor1/4 cup Cilantro Feel free to substitute with green onions if preferred1/4 cup Green Onions Provides a mild onion crunch2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds Adds visual appeal and extra texture Equipment slow cooker Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup peanut butter, ¼ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons vinegar or lime juice, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, and ½ teaspoon chili flakes. Gradually stir in ½ cup water or broth until smooth.Place about 2 pounds of chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is coated.Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender.Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker and stir it into the peanut sauce.Serve hot, garnished with crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 10mg NotesFor the best flavor, ensure your sauce is well-mixed before pouring over the chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
