Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and a guaranteed “wow” from the dinner table, then SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN is about to become your new obsession. This dish transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, savory, slightly spicy masterpiece with melt-in-your-mouth chicken and a luscious peanut sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or you’re meal-prepping for the days ahead, this recipe brings a little adventure and a whole lot of comfort to your dining routine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN relies on pantry staples and a few fresh accents to create bold, unforgettable flavors. Every ingredient has its moment to shine, combining for a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work beautifully for juicy, pull-apart-tender meat.
• Peanut Butter: Natural, unsweetened creamy peanut butter delivers rich flavor and the signature silky texture of the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of low-sodium soy sauce adds balance and umami depth without over-salting the dish.
• Honey or Brown Sugar: Just a touch brings mellow sweetness and rounds out the savory notes.
• Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: The acid cuts through the richness, giving the sauce a bright, zippy lift.
• Sesame Oil (optional): A drizzle infuses a subtle, toasty aroma that pairs perfectly with peanuts.
• Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings gentle heat and a fresh zing to every bite.
• Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic anchors the sauce with warm, savory undertones.
• Red Chili Flakes or Sriracha: Dial up (or down) the heat to suit your spice-loving heart.
• Canned Coconut Milk (optional): For the creamiest finish, coconut milk adds richness without heaviness.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce smooth and luxurious, perfect for spooning over rice or noodles.
• Crushed Peanuts: For garnish, these add irresistible crunch and extra peanut punch.
• Chopped Cilantro: A shower of cilantro brings a pop of color and herbaceous flavor right at the end.
• Sliced Green Onions: The fresh, crisp bite of green onions cuts through the creamy sauce deliciously.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle for nutty aroma and stunning visual appeal.

How to Make SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN

Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce

Start your SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN adventure by whisking up a quick sauce in a medium bowl. Just combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, chili flakes or Sriracha, coconut milk, and water or broth. Whisk until everything’s perfectly smooth and creamy—the aroma alone will give you a hint of the incredible flavors to come.

Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Nestle your chicken pieces right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce you just made over the chicken, using a spatula or spoon to ensure every nook and cranny is blanketed in that glorious mixture. The chicken is about to soak up every bit of flavor.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for about 5 to 6 hours (or high for 2.5 to 3.5 hours, if you’re short on time). This gentle cooking transforms the chicken into a fork-tender foundation, and gives the sauce plenty of time to meld, deepen, and become extra luscious.

Step 4: Shred and Stir

Once the chicken is supremely tender, grab a pair of forks and shred it directly in the slow cooker—no need for extra dishes! Give everything a good stir to fully coat all the shredded chicken with that delicious sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

With the SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN piping hot and fragrant, it’s time for the fun part: toppings! Sprinkle on crushed peanuts, a flurry of chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and a scattering of sesame seeds for a dish that’s as gorgeous as it is tasty. Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice, tender noodles, or crisp veggies.

How to Serve SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN

Garnishes

Don’t skip the final flourish—your SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN deserves it! Crushed peanuts add texture and extra peanut goodness, while fresh cilantro and green onions offer brightness and color. A sprinkle of sesame seeds is that little “chef’s kiss” for visual and nutty appeal.

Side Dishes

This dish loves company. Spoon it generously over steamed jasmine or basmati rice, toss with hot lo mein or rice noodles, or keep things fresh with a simple side of stir-fried or steamed veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. Even roasted sweet potatoes work beautifully if you’re feeling adventurous.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the usual bowl! Stuff SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN into crisp lettuce wraps for a light bite, tuck it into flatbreads with a drizzle of extra sauce, or top a vibrant grain bowl with your favorite salad veggies. Every serving style highlights new flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and delicious for up to four days, making it ideal for easy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

This recipe is a meal-prep superstar! Portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months, maintaining both its texture and big, bold flavor.

Reheating

Reheat SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring gently until warmed through. If the sauce thickens up a bit, just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to its original silky consistency. The microwave works well for single servings, too!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe—breasts will be leaner, while thighs give an extra juicy finish. Cooking times are the same, so feel free to use whichever you have on hand.

Is there a substitute for peanut butter if I’m allergic?

You can make a similar style dish by swapping the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter or almond butter (if allergies allow). It gives you the same creamy, nutty vibe with a different but tasty flavor profile.

How spicy is this SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN?

That’s entirely up to you! Add chili flakes or Sriracha to taste—start with a little and increase as you like. The coconut milk and honey help tame the heat, so you can control how bold or subtle you want your dish to be.

Can I make it without coconut milk?

Yes, you can skip the coconut milk if you prefer or if you’re out—it will still be delicious, just a bit less creamy. You could add a splash more broth or water, or use a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk for moisture.

What’s the best way to use leftovers?

Leftover SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN is super versatile. Stuff it into wraps, toss it with noodles, or even spoon it over a baked sweet potato for a fun twist. It reheats beautifully and never gets boring!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a no-fuss, truly unforgettable meal to brighten up your week, this SLOW COOKER PEANUT CHICKEN is the answer. Everything comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor—don’t be surprised if it lands in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and let those big, bold flavors win you over bite after bite!

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