Description
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and effortless dish combining tender slow-cooked chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes with wholesome ingredients, making it a comforting yet healthy meal that can be served with rice, noodles, or veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, finely chopped
Optional Vegetables
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced green onions
- Crushed peanuts or cashews
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken and Aromatics: Trim the chicken breasts or thighs of any excess fat. Finely chop the garlic and ginger to infuse flavor into the meat as it cooks.
- Mix the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce (or tamari), honey, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This forms a rich base for the dish.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken. Add any optional chopped vegetables on top, ensuring everything is coated well with the sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set the slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred and Stir: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Mix everything thoroughly so the peanut sauce evenly coats every bite.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and moisture during slow cooking.
- Fresh lime juice added right before serving brightens the flavors.
- If using chunky peanut butter, stir well to avoid clumps in the sauce.
- Layer ingredients by placing the chicken at the bottom for maximum flavor absorption.
- If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to thicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (low) or 2 to 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg