If you are craving a dish that brings together rich flavors, creamy texture, and effortless cooking, the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is here to be your new favorite. This comforting meal combines tender chicken thighs simmered in a luscious peanut sauce infused with coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is to prepare while delivering a dinner that tastes like you spent hours crafting it. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a cozy, soul-satisfying dish, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe are refreshingly straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the creamy peanut butter that provides richness to the bright notes of rice vinegar and the bold warmth of garlic and ginger, you’ll appreciate how these components come together like old friends.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These provide juicy, tender meat that stays moist during slow cooking.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The heart of the dish that creates a velvety, nutty sauce.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Adds a silky texture and subtle sweetness that balances the peanuts.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings a savory, salty depth of umami.
- 1/4 cup honey: This natural sweetener rounds out the flavor and adds beautiful glaze.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang to brighten the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Infuses a toasty aroma and flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic sharpens the sauce and adds a punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Provides warmth and a lovely zing.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adjust this to your spice preference for a mild kick.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds fresh color and mild oniony crunch.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish): Gives a delightful nutty crunch and texture contrast.
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): Perfect to soak up every scrap of that luscious peanut sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing your chicken thighs under cold water to ensure they’re clean, then pat them dry using paper towels. Trimming away any visible fat helps the chicken cook more evenly and keeps your sauce from becoming greasy. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces — this ensures each piece gets coated with sauce and cooks perfectly in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, blend the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and harmonized. The coconut milk smooths out the thickness of peanut butter while the honey and rice vinegar add a perfectly balanced sweet and tangy vibe. Then mix in minced garlic, grated ginger, and your red pepper flakes, giving the sauce that fragrant and lightly spicy personality that makes this recipe truly sing.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce in Slow Cooker
Arrange the chicken pieces evenly in the slow cooker and pour the peanut sauce over them. Use a spatula to gently stir and ensure every juicy piece is coated in that rich, flavorful sauce. This step is crucial for even cooking and maximizing that beautiful peanut flavor throughout.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or if you’re short on time, go high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the finish, give everything a gentle stir to distribute the flavors again. This slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb the sauce deeply, becoming tender while the sauce thickens to a creamy, heavenly consistency.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
When ready, use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a platter, draining excess sauce if desired. Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce on top for that extra indulgence. Garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts for a fresh and crunchy finish that makes every bite unforgettable.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding chopped green onions and crunchy peanuts as garnishes is a simple trick to elevate the dish visually and texturally. The green onions inject freshness and a pop of color, while the peanuts provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Don’t skip this step — it adds that lovely restaurant-quality touch.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or your favorite noodles which act as perfect sponges for the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, toss in some stir-fried vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the richness and create a well-rounded meal everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the peanut chicken in crispy lettuce cups for a hand-held delight or over fluffy quinoa to add a nutty grain dimension. You could also spoon it into warm pita pockets with fresh herbs for a fun twist. The versatility of this recipe means you can present it in countless ways without losing its comforting essence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe keeps brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delicious. Be sure to store the sauce and chicken together to retain that creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to save time later—portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When packaged properly, the texture of the chicken remains tender and the sauce maintains its rich flavor after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, stir in a splash of coconut milk or water for that perfect creamy consistency once again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs stay more tender and juicy with slow cooking, chicken breasts can be used if you prefer a leaner option—just be careful not to overcook them so they don’t dry out.
What if I don’t have coconut milk?
If coconut milk isn’t available, you can substitute with heavy cream or even almond milk for a less rich but still creamy sauce. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for mild heat, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste—from omitting it completely to adding extra for more kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken with tofu or hearty vegetables like cauliflower or sweet potatoes and follow the same cooking instructions for a delicious vegetarian twist with all the peanutty goodness.
Do I need to thicken the sauce after cooking?
Usually, the sauce thickens nicely during slow cooking. If you want it thicker, you can spoon out some sauce and simmer it in a pan until it reduces or stir in a cornstarch slurry at the end.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is the ultimate example of how a few simple, well-chosen ingredients and slow cooking can create an incredibly satisfying and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do — trust me, it’s one you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe offers a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish made easy with a slow cooker. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a rich peanut butter and coconut milk sauce, accented with garlic, ginger, and a hint of spice. Perfect for a comforting family meal served over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
For Serving
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better cooking texture. Trim off any visible fat and then cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Then add minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes, whisking again to blend all flavors together. Adjust the sauce consistency with additional coconut milk if it seems too thick.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the prepared chicken pieces evenly into the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are thoroughly coated. Gently stir with a spatula to distribute the sauce evenly without shredding the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, gently stir the chicken again to redistribute the sauce and flavors.
- Serve: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken onto a serving platter, allowing excess sauce to drain back into the slow cooker. Drizzle some of the remaining peanut sauce over the top for extra flavor. Serve the chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles and garnish with chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for a crunchy, fresh finish.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to make the dish spicier or milder according to your preference.
- If the peanut sauce is too thick, thin it with extra coconut milk or a splash of water before pouring over the chicken.
- For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
- This dish stores well and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and texture.
