Table of Contents: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy peanut sauce. This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe is your ticket to a stress-free, flavor-packed dinner thatβs perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. Whether youβre a Thai food enthusiast or just love easy comfort food, this dish will transport your taste buds to new heights. Plus, itβs incredibly simple to makeβjust toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic!
Introduction: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Thereβs something magical about the combination of savory peanut sauce and juicy chicken that makes this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe truly special. Inspired by Thai peanut chicken recipes, this dish brings the bold flavors of Southeast Asia right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle.
This recipe is perfect for those days when youβre juggling work, family, and everything in between. Itβs incredibly versatile, making it ideal for holiday potlucks, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The creamy peanut sauce, infused with soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice, coats the chicken beautifully, creating a dish thatβs both comforting and exotic.
Whether youβre a fan of Thai peanut chicken recipes or just looking for an easy peanut chicken dish to add to your repertoire, this crockpot peanut chicken is sure to become a household favorite. Itβs a crowd-pleaser thatβs easy to customizeβadd extra veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap out the protein to suit your preferences.
Alternate Names & Variations
This dish goes by many names, reflecting its versatility and wide appeal. You might hear it called Thai Peanut Chicken, Crockpot Peanut Chicken, or simply Easy Peanut Chicken. No matter the name, the result is the same: a delicious, hassle-free meal thatβs perfect for any occasion.
If youβre looking to switch things up, try using tofu or shrimp instead of chicken for a vegetarian or seafood twist. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to add more color and texture.
Ingredients: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Hereβs what youβll need to make this flavorful dish:
- β Chicken breast or thighs: 1.5 lbs (boneless, skinless)
- β Peanut butter: 1/2 cup (creamy or crunchy)
- β Soy sauce: 1/4 cup (low sodium recommended)
- β Garlic cloves: 3 (minced)
- β Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp (grated)
- β Chicken broth: 1 cup
- β Brown sugar: 2 tbsp
- β Rice vinegar: 2 tbsp
- β Red pepper flakes: 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- β Cornstarch: 2 tbsp (for thickening)
- β Chopped peanuts: 1/4 cup (for garnish)
- β Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker.
2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Cook: Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring itβs evenly coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the slow cooker.
5. Serve: Shred the chicken slightly with a fork, then garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
Chef Tip: For a richer flavor, toast the peanuts before garnishing.
Recipe Card Block
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep and cooks for 3β6 hours, depending on your schedule. It serves 4 people and comes in at approximately 450 calories per serving.
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This dish is a winner because itβs both easy and flavorful. The slow cooker ensures the chicken stays tender, while the peanut sauce delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy. To make this recipe even easier, use pre-minced garlic and ginger.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to 2 monthsβjust thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
People Also Ask: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

What does peanut sauce taste like?
Peanut sauce is a rich, creamy condiment with a perfect balance of flavors. Itβs slightly sweet, savory, and nutty, with hints of garlic and soy sauce. The addition of ginger and rice vinegar adds a touch of tanginess, making it a versatile sauce for dishes like Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken.
How do you thicken peanut sauce in a slow cooker?
To thicken peanut sauce in a slow cooker, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends. The sauce will thicken as it cooks, creating a rich, creamy texture.
What do you serve with Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. Add a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Can I use regular peanut butter for Thai peanut sauce?
Yes, you can use regular peanut butter for Thai peanut sauce. Creamy or crunchy varieties both work well. If using natural peanut butter, stir it thoroughly to incorporate the oil before measuring.
Conclusion: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
We hope this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. Itβs easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Try it out, share your results, or leave a comment belowβweβd love to hear how it turned out!
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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish with a spicy peanut sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped peanuts and green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, lime juice, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Pour sauce over chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Remove chicken, shred or leave whole as desired, then return to sauce and stir to coat.
- Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.
Notes
You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred. Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: slow cooker, peanut chicken, crockpot, easy dinner, Thai-style