Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as comforting as it is easy, then Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken should be on your radar! Imagine tender, juicy chicken cooked in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s bursting with savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, making this dish incredibly hands-off and perfect for busy days. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or simply with a side of veggies, this dish is pure comfort in a bowl. Trust me, it’s going to become one of your go-to recipes for weeknight dinners!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This dish has all the makings of a weeknight favorite. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Simple to Make

With just a few ingredients, this recipe comes together in the slow cooker with minimal prep. Set it, forget it, and come back to a deliciously fragrant dinner.

Rich and Flavorful

The peanut sauce is the star here—it’s creamy, nutty, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of savory. It’s everything you want in a sauce, and the chicken absorbs all those fantastic flavors.

Family-Friendly

The balance of flavors in this dish makes it perfect for everyone—adults and kids alike. The creamy peanut sauce is a crowd-pleaser and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

Versatile

While we love serving this over rice or noodles, there are so many ways to enjoy it. Serve it with a side salad, load it onto wraps, or even toss it in a stir-fry—this recipe is flexible!

Easy Clean-Up

Since everything is cooked in the slow cooker, the cleanup is a breeze. Plus, you’ll have leftovers to enjoy the next day—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

This recipe requires a few basic pantry staples but packs an incredible punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect base for this dish. As they cook, they absorb the rich peanut sauce, becoming juicy and flavorful.

Peanut Butter

The creamy peanut butter forms the heart of the sauce, giving it that signature richness and nutty flavor that’s irresistible.

Soy Sauce

A splash of soy sauce adds a savory, salty component that balances the sweetness of the peanut butter.

Honey

A little honey brings sweetness to the sauce, creating that perfect balance between savory and sweet.

Garlic

Fresh garlic adds depth of flavor to the sauce, complementing the peanut butter and soy sauce.

Ginger

A hint of ginger brings a little zing to the sauce and elevates the flavor profile. It’s the secret ingredient that ties everything together.

Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice adds a burst of freshness to the sauce, cutting through the richness and bringing some brightness to the dish.

Red Pepper Flakes

A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the sauce just the right amount of heat. You can adjust the level depending on how spicy you like it.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth helps thin out the peanut sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly and creates a luscious, silky texture.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Making this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is as simple as adding everything to your slow cooker and letting it do its magic. Let’s get started!

Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. You can leave them whole, as they’ll shred beautifully after cooking.

Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. The sauce should be smooth and slightly pourable—if it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Once the sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce.

Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred with a fork when it’s done.

Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. The chicken will soak up all that delicious sauce as you shred it.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the peanut chicken over steamed rice, noodles, or a bed of greens. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker and garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime if desired. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low)
Total Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in several delicious ways. Here are some ideas:

Over Rice

Serve the peanut chicken over a bowl of fluffy steamed white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the extra sauce, making every bite irresistible.

In Tacos or Wraps

Take the shredded chicken and load it into soft tortillas or wraps. Top with crunchy slaw, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.

With Noodles

Serve the chicken on a bed of cooked noodles (like rice noodles or udon) for a peanut noodle-inspired dish.

With a Side Salad

Balance the richness of the peanut chicken with a refreshing side salad. A simple cucumber and carrot salad with a light vinaigrette would be perfect.

Over Quinoa

If you’re looking for a healthy, grain-free option, quinoa is a great choice. Its nutty flavor complements the peanut sauce beautifully.

Additional Tips

Adjust the Spice

If you love heat, feel free to add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of sriracha to the sauce. For a milder version, you can skip the red pepper flakes altogether.

Make it Dairy-Free

This dish is naturally dairy-free as long as you’re using a dairy-free peanut butter and chicken broth. Just double-check the labels!

Use Chicken Thighs

While chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result. Just make sure to remove the bones before serving.

Double the Sauce

If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the sauce ingredients. It’s perfect for drizzling over your rice or noodles.

Store Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freeze for Later

If you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later, it freezes beautifully! Just let the chicken and sauce cool, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be a bit juicier and more flavorful, so feel free to swap them out.

Q2: Can I make this recipe spicy?

A2: Absolutely! If you love spice, add more red pepper flakes, or toss in some sriracha sauce. Adjust it to your heat level!

Q3: Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

A3: Yes, almond butter can be used as a substitute. Keep in mind, the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?

A4: Yes! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it the night before and refrigerate it, then simply reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well if you want to save it for later!

Q6: Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot?

A6: Yes, you can! Cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, then shred the chicken and serve. The result will be just as delicious.

Q7: Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

A7: You can! If you love a little extra crunch, go ahead and use crunchy peanut butter. It will add texture to the sauce.

Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A8: Yes, just be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and check that your peanut butter is gluten-free.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A9: Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for added color and crunch.

Q10: Can I serve this with a side of bread?

A10: Yes, serving this dish with a side of crusty bread is a great idea! It’s perfect for mopping up the delicious peanut sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making over and over again. It’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and creamy. Whether you serve it over rice, in wraps, or on its own, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this easy-to-make, delicious meal with your family or guests—everyone will be asking for seconds!

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