Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

The aroma of this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?” With tender chicken thighs swimming in a rich and creamy peanut sauce infused with Thai-inspired flavors, this dish is a heartwarming, one-pot wonder you’ll crave again and again. Not only is it incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but it’s also easy to make thanks to the trusty slow cooker. Just toss everything in, let the flavors meld throughout the day, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy dinner by evening. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping ahead!

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/4 cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1/2 cup coconut milk

• Fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for garnish

• Cooked jasmine rice, for serving

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until smooth.

2. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.

3. Add sliced onion and bell peppers on top of the chicken.

4. Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables.

5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.

6. Stir in coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add richness and creaminess.

7. Shred the chicken slightly with two forks and mix well with the sauce.

8. Serve over jasmine rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Origins and Inspiration Behind Peanut Chicken

Peanut Chicken is a dish with rich cultural roots, drawing inspiration from various Southeast Asian cuisines, particularly Thai and Indonesian culinary traditions. The combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors with the creamy nuttiness of peanuts has long been a hallmark of dishes like Thai satay or Indonesian gado-gado. This slow cooker version pays homage to those bold flavor profiles while adapting it into a fuss-free, Western kitchen-friendly method using ingredients commonly found in any grocery store.

The recipe brings together the complex flavors of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, balanced with a peanut butter base for richness and honey for a hint of sweetness. It’s a brilliant fusion of flavors that feels both exotic and deeply comforting.

Why This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is the Best

This version of Peanut Chicken is incredibly easy, which makes it ideal for busy families or professionals. It requires minimal prep—just 10 minutes to whisk the sauce and toss ingredients into the slow cooker. The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken becomes tender and infused with all the aromatic spices and sauces. Plus, using the slow cooker frees up your time, letting the dish practically cook itself.

What sets this recipe apart is the inclusion of coconut milk, which adds an extra layer of creaminess and depth to the peanut sauce. Unlike many traditional stovetop versions that can require constant attention and stirring, this slow cooker method allows the sauce to meld and deepen over time without much hands-on work.

Health Benefits of This Dish

Despite being so indulgent in flavor, this dish can be surprisingly healthy:

• High in Protein: Chicken thighs are rich in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Good Fats from Peanuts and Coconut Milk: These ingredients are packed with healthy fats that help maintain brain health and hormonal balance.
• Antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes offer numerous health benefits, including improved digestion, immune support, and reduced inflammation.
• Gluten-Free Option: Simply switch to gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

When paired with jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, it becomes a well-rounded, balanced meal.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

This recipe is a meal-prepper’s dream. It stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it in portions for future meals. It reheats well in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or coconut milk to revive the sauce.

For lunches, you can repurpose the leftovers into wraps, rice bowls, or even add them over a bed of fresh greens for a Thai-inspired salad.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser

Peanut Chicken is a dish the whole family can enjoy. Its creamy texture and mildly sweet profile make it especially appealing to kids. You can always reduce or omit the red pepper flakes if you’re serving little ones or those who are spice-sensitive.

For gatherings or potlucks, this dish serves as a unique and flavorful addition that stands out from the typical casseroles and pasta bakes. Just serve it with a garnish of cilantro and a sprinkle of chopped peanuts for an eye-catching presentation.

Easily Customizable Based on Dietary Needs

Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free, gluten-free, or low-carb meal, this recipe is incredibly adaptable:

• Low-Carb/Keto Option: Serve with cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice.
• Vegan Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter for those with allergies, though it will slightly alter the flavor profile.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients, Gourmet Flavor

This meal feels gourmet, but it won’t break the bank. Chicken thighs are one of the more affordable cuts of meat, and the rest of the ingredients—like peanut butter, soy sauce, and coconut milk—are pantry staples. Even better, many of these items can be purchased in bulk or on sale, making this recipe ideal for those who want to eat well on a budget.

Pairs Well With Sides and Drinks

This dish is perfectly balanced when served over jasmine or basmati rice, but you can also pair it with:

• Steamed broccoli or green beans for added greens
• A Thai-inspired cucumber salad to bring a refreshing crunch
• Roasted sweet potatoes to play up the sweetness of the sauce

For drinks, consider a light, citrusy beverage like lime soda, Thai iced tea, or even a crisp white wine such as Riesling to contrast the creaminess of the dish.

Tips for Making It Even Better

• Use Natural Peanut Butter: For the best flavor and texture, use natural, unsweetened peanut butter. It gives a deeper peanut flavor and avoids unnecessary sugars or oils.
• Add Crunch: Top with chopped peanuts, fresh green onions, or crispy shallots right before serving.
• Balance the Flavors: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a bit of warm water or extra broth. If you prefer it spicier, toss in an extra dash of chili flakes or a spoon of sriracha.

Conclusion

This dish is more than just dinner—it’s an experience. It’s comforting, bold, creamy, and slightly sweet with just the right touch of heat. It’s the type of meal that impresses guests but requires so little effort that it becomes part of your weekly rotation. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or looking to batch-cook for the week, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken checks every box. Most importantly, it’s a meal that brings people together. With its crowd-pleasing flavors and no-stress preparation, you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food with the ones you love.