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Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

4.4 from 130 reviews

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce enriched with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. Effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker, this dish offers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner. Garnished with crushed peanuts and fresh herbs, it pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 to 2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Peanut Sauce

  • 1 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (creamy)
  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup honey or brown sugar
  • 23 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but adds flavor)
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, thoroughly whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey or brown sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, red chili flakes or Sriracha, and water or chicken broth. If using, stir in the coconut milk to add a creamy texture to the sauce.
  2. Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated with the sauce.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours, or on high for 2.5–3.5 hours. The chicken should become tender and easy to shred with a fork.
  4. Shred & Stir: Using two forks inside the slow cooker, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Stir thoroughly to mix the shredded chicken with the peanut sauce evenly.
  5. Garnish & Serve: Garnish the dish with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or with steamed vegetables as desired.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breasts work fine but may be slightly leaner.
  • Adjust the chili flakes or Sriracha to your desired spice level.
  • For a creamier sauce, coconut milk is highly recommended but optional.
  • Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles to complete the meal.
  • Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in a microwave or stovetop pan.

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, peanut chicken, Thai peanut sauce, easy dinner, creamy peanut chicken, slow cooker recipes