Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and full of bold, vibrant flavors, then this Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is your new go-to recipe. Picture tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with a hint of spice and sweetness. It’s the perfect balance of flavors, and when it’s made in the slow cooker, you get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with minimal effort. This dish is easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something warm and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this, it will become a staple in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken

Flavorful and Versatile: The Thai-inspired peanut sauce is a delicious mix of salty, sweet, and slightly spicy, making it irresistible. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like rice, noodles, or even a crunchy salad.

Hands-Off Cooking: Throw everything into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. This recipe is perfect for busy days or when you want a hassle-free meal without compromising on flavor.

Tender Chicken: Slow cooking the chicken gives it that perfectly tender texture that pulls apart effortlessly. It’s the kind of dish where every bite is bursting with flavor.

Customizable: Adjust the heat level to your liking—add more chili flakes if you like it spicy or dial it down for a milder version. You can also swap out the chicken for tofu or another protein if you prefer.

Quick Prep Time: While the crockpot takes care of the cooking, you’ll only need about 10 minutes of active prep time, making it ideal for a busy schedule.

Ingredients in Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they absorb the peanut sauce beautifully.
• Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter gives the sauce its rich, velvety texture and nutty flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Adds a smooth, slightly sweet flavor that balances the heat from the other ingredients.
• Soy Sauce: A savory umami boost that helps bring all the flavors together.
• Honey: Sweetens the sauce and adds a depth of flavor to counterbalance the savory and spicy ingredients.
• Lime Juice: A splash of fresh lime juice gives the dish a zesty kick.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds that aromatic depth to the sauce.
• Ginger: Fresh ginger provides a spicy, fragrant bite that elevates the dish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat, but you can adjust this to your liking.
• Sesame Oil: This oil adds a rich, slightly toasted flavor that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
• Green Onions: For garnish, green onions provide a fresh, crispy contrast to the creamy chicken.
• Chopped Peanuts: Add chopped peanuts on top for some extra crunch and nutty goodness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to cut or chop them—they’ll cook down beautifully in the sauce.

2. Make the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and well combined.

3. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

4. Cook on Low

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The chicken should easily shred with two forks when it’s done.

5. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.

6. Serve

Serve the Thai peanut chicken over a bed of rice, noodles, or in a lettuce wrap. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions for an added crunch and fresh flavor. You can also squeeze a little extra lime juice over the top for a zesty finish.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 75mg
  Sodium: 600mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 18g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 8g
  Protein: 34g
  Calcium: 2%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3-7 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

Rice: Serve the chicken over a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice. The rice absorbs the delicious peanut sauce and balances out the flavors perfectly.

Noodles: For a more substantial meal, serve this dish over noodles like rice noodles or soba noodles. The combination of peanut sauce with noodles is irresistible.

Salad: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in a wrap or over a fresh green salad. Add some crunchy veggies like cucumber, carrots, and cabbage for a refreshing contrast.

Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the shredded chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, topped with peanuts and green onions.

Veggies: Pair with roasted or sautéed vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas, to add extra texture and nutrients to the meal.

Additional Tips

Customize the Heat: If you like it spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño to the sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of spice or skip it altogether.

Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer a richer flavor, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They’ll provide a slightly juicier result.

Prep Ahead: You can prep the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge, making dinner even easier the next day. Just dump everything into the slow cooker and let it cook.

Make it Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free, so it’s perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. Just make sure to double-check the ingredients in your soy sauce and peanut butter to ensure they don’t contain hidden dairy.

Add More Veggies: To make the dish more veggie-packed, throw in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms into the slow cooker along with the chicken. They’ll cook down and add even more flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

A1: Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just add a little extra time to the cooking process—about 1 hour more on low or 30 minutes more on high.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, just add the chicken to the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook.

Q3: Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

A3: Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter for added texture. Just keep in mind it will change the consistency of the sauce slightly.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave.

Q6: How can I make this dish spicier?

A6: You can add more red pepper flakes, sriracha, or even some chopped fresh chilies to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

Q7: Can I use tofu instead of chicken?

A7: Yes, you can substitute tofu for chicken in this recipe. Just cut it into cubes and cook it the same way in the sauce. Be sure to press the tofu to remove excess water before adding it to the slow cooker.

Q8: What kind of rice works best with this recipe?

A8: Jasmine rice or basmati rice works beautifully with this dish, as both are fragrant and absorb the peanut sauce wonderfully. Brown rice is a great healthier option too.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

A9: Yes! Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep them tender but not mushy.

Q10: Can I use another nut butter?

A10: Yes, you can use almond butter or cashew butter instead of peanut butter for a different flavor, but the texture and taste will be slightly different.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, flavorful dishes that are easy to make. The rich peanut sauce combined with tender chicken is comfort food at its finest, and with minimal prep time, it’s the perfect dish for busy days. Whether served over rice, noodles, or in a wrap, it’s a meal that will leave you craving more. Enjoy every bite!

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