This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, nutty peanut sauce that’s inspired by the rich and bold flavors of Thai cuisine. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, resulting in a dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet, with a hint of spice from chili garlic paste. Perfectly served over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. The addition of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime brightens up the creamy sauce, making each bite both refreshing and deeply flavorful. It’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup natural creamy peanut butter
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions:
- Place the bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic into the bottom of the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts on top.
- In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until smooth.
- Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once done, stir in the lime juice and sprinkle with fresh cilantro.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with additional cilantro and chopped peanuts if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (on LOW) | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 439 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Background, Benefits, and Highlights of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
The Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is an effortless yet flavor-packed dish that combines the richness of peanut butter with the aromatic spices of Thai cuisine. It offers a convenient and delicious way to prepare a hearty meal, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to let your slow cooker do the work. The slow cooker, a staple in many kitchens, allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time, creating a dish that is not only tender and juicy but also infused with deep, savory notes.
A Recipe with Roots in Thai Cuisine
This recipe draws inspiration from the bold and complex flavors of traditional Thai peanut dishes, like Pad Thai and satay. In Thai cuisine, the combination of peanut, lime, and a touch of sweetness is a signature flavor profile. While many Thai recipes can be intricate, requiring careful balancing of spices, this slow cooker adaptation is designed to bring those same satisfying flavors to your table without the need for advanced cooking skills or hours in the kitchen.
The heart of this dish is its homemade peanut sauce, crafted from natural creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, and chili garlic paste. The use of peanut butter adds a rich and nutty flavor, while the honey brings a gentle sweetness that balances out the savory notes. The chili garlic paste contributes a subtle kick, adding depth without overwhelming heat, making the dish approachable for all palates.
Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
While indulgent in flavor, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken also offers several nutritional benefits. Here’s why this dish can be a great addition to your meal plan:
- High in Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. A serving of this recipe provides approximately 46 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option for anyone looking to boost their protein intake.
- Healthy Fats: Peanut butter, though rich, provides healthy monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. When using natural peanut butter without added sugars or hydrogenated oils, you can enjoy the creamy texture and flavor without the extra calories and additives.
- Low in Carbohydrates: While the dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles, it can also be enjoyed with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. This makes it adaptable for those following low-carb, gluten-free, or even keto-friendly diets.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Bell peppers and garlic, used in this recipe, are packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Red bell peppers are particularly high in Vitamin C, which supports immune health, while garlic is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
Why This Recipe is the Best Choice
The Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken stands out for its simplicity, versatility, and the depth of flavor it delivers with minimal effort. Here are a few reasons why this recipe might just become a staple in your household:
- Hands-Free Cooking: With only about 10 minutes of prep time, this recipe is incredibly easy to put together. Once you’ve combined the ingredients in the slow cooker, you can leave it to cook while you focus on other tasks. This makes it perfect for busy parents, working professionals, or anyone who prefers a low-maintenance approach to cooking.
- Versatile Serving Options: One of the great things about this dish is its adaptability. Serve the creamy peanut chicken over steamed jasmine rice, fluffy basmati rice, or even coconut rice for an extra touch of sweetness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, pair it with steamed veggies or rice noodles. You can also use the leftovers to create wraps or a hearty salad topping, giving you more bang for your buck.
- Kid-Friendly and Customizable: This dish has a creamy, slightly sweet flavor that is often a hit with kids. The peanut butter’s mild richness is balanced by a hint of sweetness from the honey, making it a great way to introduce younger eaters to new flavors. If your family enjoys a bit more heat, you can easily adjust the amount of chili garlic paste to suit your taste. For those with dietary restrictions, swapping out the chicken for baked tofu or a plant-based “chicken” alternative makes this recipe vegan-friendly without compromising on flavor.
- Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is also a fantastic choice for meal prep. You can easily double the recipe, cook it in a larger crockpot, and store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes well—just portion the cooled chicken into airtight containers and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you need a quick, delicious meal.
The Secret to a Rich, Luxurious Peanut Sauce
One of the standout features of this recipe is the homemade peanut sauce. By using natural peanut butter, you achieve a rich, creamy consistency that coats the chicken perfectly. Here’s a tip: stirring in a splash of coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process can create an even richer sauce that pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. This small addition can elevate the dish to restaurant-quality without adding much effort.
Using high-quality soy sauce and fresh lime juice is also key to achieving a balanced sauce. The soy sauce provides the umami depth that complements the peanut butter’s nuttiness, while the lime juice cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing brightness to each bite.
Great for Special Diets
Another reason this recipe is so versatile is its adaptability to different dietary needs. By swapping regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version, it becomes safe for those with gluten intolerance. For a dairy-free meal, this recipe is already perfect as written—no dairy products are needed, and the richness comes entirely from the peanut sauce.
If you have guests with nut allergies, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. While this does change the flavor slightly, it still creates a creamy and delicious sauce that complements the tender chicken.
Serving Ideas and Side Dishes
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a complete meal on its own when served over rice, but it pairs beautifully with a range of sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your dinner:
- Steamed Veggies: Lightly steamed broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy add a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy peanut sauce.
- Cucumber Salad: A quick cucumber salad with a touch of vinegar and sesame oil makes a refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls with a bit of shredded carrot, lettuce, and rice noodles are a fun way to enjoy this dish, adding a touch of crunch.
A Comforting, Family-Friendly Dinner
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a comforting and easy dish that’s sure to impress. Its creamy, savory flavors, combined with tender chicken and fresh herbs, create a dish that feels both luxurious and homey. The slow cooker method not only simplifies the process but also allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in a meal that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.
Conclusion
This recipe is perfect for any occasion—from a cozy weeknight meal to a dinner party where you want to share a taste of Thai-inspired cuisine with friends and family. Serve it hot, with plenty of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime, and watch as everyone reaches for seconds! By following this recipe, you’ll enjoy a dish that’s rich in flavor, easy to make, and sure to become a regular feature in your weekly meal rotation. Give it a try, and experience the magic of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken for yourself!
