Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
This peanut chicken is incredibly easy—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The sauce is velvety, nutty, and satisfying, coating every bite of tender chicken. Plus, it’s versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a dish that never gets boring.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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Peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
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Soy sauce
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Coconut milk
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Lime juice
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Garlic, minced
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Fresh ginger, grated
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Honey or brown sugar
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Red curry paste (optional for spice)
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Chili flakes (optional)
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Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
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Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Directions
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Place chicken in the slow cooker.
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In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, coconut milk, lime juice, garlic, ginger, and honey (plus curry paste or chili flakes if using).
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Pour sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s well coated.
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Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
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Shred or slice chicken, then stir to coat with sauce.
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Garnish with green onions and cilantro before serving.
Servings and timing
Serves 6.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
Total time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Kick: Add sriracha, red curry paste, or extra chili flakes.
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Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini instead of peanut butter.
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Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or cauliflower.
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Crunch Factor: Sprinkle with chopped peanuts before serving.
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Sweeter Version: Add more honey or a splash of hoisin sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter?
Yes, but you may need to add a little extra honey or sugar for sweetness.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking.
Do I need coconut milk?
Coconut milk adds creaminess, but you can substitute with heavy cream or broth.
Can I make this dish on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, simmer chicken in the sauce for 25–30 minutes until cooked through.
What should I serve with peanut chicken?
It pairs well with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild unless you add chili flakes or curry paste for extra heat.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the ingredients.
Can I freeze peanut chicken?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry or simmer uncovered until thickened.
Conclusion
Slow cooker peanut chicken is a hearty, flavorful meal that combines tender chicken with a rich, nutty sauce. It’s easy to make, versatile, and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of sides. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping for the week ahead, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken + 8 Perfect Pairings for Dinner
Tender chicken cooked in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with a touch of spice and sweetness. This slow cooker peanut chicken is comforting, flavorful, and pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or fresh veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Fusion
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or chili garlic sauce, optional for heat)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, sriracha, ginger, garlic, and broth until smooth.
- Pour sauce over chicken and add sliced onion and bell pepper.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred or cut chicken into chunks, stir into the sauce, and cook for another 10 minutes.
- Garnish with peanuts and cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Can use natural peanut butter — just add an extra teaspoon of honey for sweetness.
- Adjust spice by increasing or reducing sriracha.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
