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If you are looking for a dish that combines bold flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe. It’s comfort food with an exciting twist, where tender, shredded chicken soaks up a rich peanut sauce laced with coconut milk and a perfect balance of spices. Ideal for busy days or when you want a crowd-pleaser, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is chosen to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. The combination of fragrant spices, lush creamy elements, and fresh garnishes make this dish as visually inviting as it is delicious.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (divided): Adds a nutty aroma and depth, elevating the entire dish.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that absorbs all the wonderful flavors.
- 1 tablespoon curry powder: Delivers warm and complex spice notes for a vibrant taste.
- 5 cloves garlic (chopped): Provides pungent, savory undertones that amplify the savory profile.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Brings sweetness and texture to the slow-cooked sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger: A zingy kick that brightens the rich peanut sauce beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter: The star ingredient that creates the luscious, creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional): Adds a subtle umami depth, balancing the sweetness.
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (or tamari): For a savory, salty backbone without overpowering the dish.
- 2 teaspoons monk fruit brown sweetener (or brown sugar): Sweetness to complement the spicy and savory elements perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors subtly and evenly.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brings acidity to cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (add more if you like it spicy): For a gentle heat that livens up the sauce, customizable to your taste.
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (I used Thai Kitchen): Adds creamy richness and a hint of tropical aroma to the sauce.
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish): Provides a satisfying crunch and reinforces the peanut flavor.
- Chopped cilantro (or scallions, for garnish): Fresh herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- Lime wedges (for serving): A zesty finishing touch that brightens every bite.
- Jasmine rice (lettuce cups, or cauliflower rice, for serving): The perfect base to soak up all that luscious peanut sauce.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Spices
Start by heating 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil in a skillet over medium-low heat, then add the chopped garlic, diced yellow onion, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these fragrant pieces gently until they soften and release their enticing aromas, about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, sprinkle in the curry powder and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes. This blooming of spices intensifies their flavors and creates a wonderful base for your sauce. Once done, transfer everything to a 6-8 quart slow cooker to set the stage for the chicken to soak in all that warmth.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients and Coat Chicken
In the slow cooker, whisk together the peanut butter, fish sauce (if using), low sodium soy sauce or tamari, monk fruit brown sweetener, kosher salt, rice vinegar, sriracha, the remaining teaspoon of toasted sesame oil, and creamy canned coconut milk. This mixture forms a rich, silky sauce packed with layers of flavor. Add the chicken breasts and toss them well so every piece is generously coated with the sauce, making sure each bite will be full of that delicious peanut goodness.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfectly Tender
Set your slow cooker to high and cook for 2 to 3 hours, or if you prefer a slower, hands-off approach, cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken will absorb the sauce and become so tender it easily shreds at the touch of a fork. Remember to occasionally scrape down the sides to keep that sauce well integrated with the chicken throughout the cooking process, ensuring consistent flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Shred and Finish Cooking
Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded meat back into the slow cooker and stir it into the peanut sauce. Turn the heat down to low and let it cook an additional 15 minutes. This extra meld time really allows the chicken to soak up the creamy sauce completely, giving you a perfectly cohesive dish ready to savor.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is now ready to share and enjoy, bursting with comforting warmth and tantalizing flavors. Let’s talk about some fantastic ways to serve it!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishes, you absolutely cannot skip the chopped roasted peanuts—these add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the chicken. Sprinkle on fresh chopped cilantro or scallions for a pop of green herbal freshness that balances the richness. And don’t forget those lime wedges—squeezing fresh lime juice right before eating brings a bright, zesty lift that lightens and sharpens every mouthful.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe pairs spectacularly with fluffy jasmine rice, which acts like a perfect soaking vessel for the luscious sauce. If you’re seeking a lighter or low-carb option, crisp lettuce cups serve as a refreshing, crunchy alternative that doubles as fun edible bowls. Cauliflower rice also works wonderfully if you want something nutritious yet mild to complement the punchy peanut flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a gourmet rice bowl by layering the peanut chicken over your choice of rice, then topping with fresh veggies like shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, and even pickled red onions? For a casual twist, scoop the chicken into waffle cones or small tortillas for peanut-inspired sliders. The versatility of this dish means you can mix and match presentation styles to suit any occasion or mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or quick lunches during a busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze any leftover chicken in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date to keep track. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered pan on low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t dry out. You may want to add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through and cozy again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which adds extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs may cook faster or slower depending on size.
Is the fish sauce necessary?
Fish sauce is optional but highly recommended as it adds a lovely umami depth to the peanut sauce. If you prefer to skip it, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of mushroom seasoning to keep the flavor complex.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe?
With 2 teaspoons of sriracha, the heat is mild to moderate, but you can easily adjust it to your spice preference by adding more or less. It’s the perfect balance for most palates.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can use the sauté function for the aromatics and then pressure cook the combined ingredients for about 12 minutes, followed by a quick natural release. Just shred and stir as directed.
What are some good substitutions for peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy, creamy almond or cashew butter can work in a pinch, though it will slightly alter the flavor. Just make sure it’s natural and unsweetened for best results.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe enough for anyone who loves meals that are both effortless and full of bold, comforting flavors. It’s a fantastic way to bring friends and family together around the table with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with a creamy, spicy peanut sauce infused with curry, ginger, garlic, and a hint of coconut milk. Perfect for busy days, this recipe utilizes a slow cooker for hands-off cooking, delivering a delicious, shreddable chicken meal that can be served over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnished with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges, it offers a satisfying balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (divided)
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 2 teaspoons monk fruit brown sweetener or brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (e.g., Thai Kitchen)
Garnishes and Serving
- ¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- Chopped cilantro or scallions (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Jasmine rice, lettuce cups, or cauliflower rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add chopped garlic, diced onion, and grated ginger. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in the curry powder and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to bloom the spices. Transfer this mixture into a 6-8 quart slow cooker.
- Mix Sauce and Add Chicken: In the slow cooker, add peanut butter, fish sauce (if using), low sodium soy sauce or tamari, monk fruit sweetener, kosher salt, rice vinegar, sriracha, remaining 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and coconut milk. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth sauce. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Slow Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken on high for 2 to 3 hours or on low for 4 to 6 hours, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and easy to shred. Occasionally, scrape down the sides of the slow cooker to incorporate all flavors.
- Shred and Combine: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them into bite-sized pieces with forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the sauce. Reduce the slow cooker setting to low and let it cook for an additional 15 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb more flavor.
- Serve: Serve the peanut chicken over jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or inside lettuce cups for a lighter option. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro or scallions, and lime wedges to squeeze over the top for a burst of freshness and acidity.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with tofu and omit fish sauce.
- If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control salt content.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
