Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy peanut sauce infuses the chicken with irresistible flavor, and the slow cooking process makes the meat incredibly tender. It’s a one-pot meal, so clean-up is a breeze, and it’s perfect for meal prep or a simple weeknight dinner. The recipe is versatile, too—you can adjust the heat and sweetness to suit your taste, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and water until smooth.
Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks, mixing it into the sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

Variations

Spicy Peanut Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. Press the tofu before adding it to the slow cooker to remove excess moisture.
Peanut-Free: Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter if you’re avoiding peanuts.
Add Veggies: You can throw in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli in the slow cooker for added nutrition and texture.
Coconut Milk: For a creamier, more tropical flavor, swap half of the water for coconut milk.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a pan over low heat, adding a bit of water to loosen the sauce if necessary. The dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook the chicken for a little longer, as it will take more time to thaw and cook through.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe and may even add extra flavor and juiciness.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add more spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to the peanut sauce.

4. What can I serve this with?

This peanut chicken pairs well with steamed white rice, brown rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and cook it in a larger slow cooker. Just be mindful to adjust the cooking time if needed.

6. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute, this recipe is gluten-free.

7. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to mix the peanut sauce ingredients, then add the chicken. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then shred the chicken.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can mix in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch and water) after the chicken is shredded and cook it on the sauté setting for a few minutes until thickened.

9. Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce.

10. Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, delivering a delicious meal your family will love. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this peanut chicken is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy!

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

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Make dinner easy with this delicious Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich peanut sauce, bursting with savory, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, serve this dish over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours
Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Asian-American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and chicken broth until smooth.
Slow Cook: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.
Serve: Serve the peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
This dish also works great with boneless, skinless thighs for added juiciness.
For a lighter version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the amount of honey.