Thai Peanut Chicken made in a slow cooker is a dream come true for anyone looking for a creamy, savory, and slightly spicy dish with minimal effort. The chicken is tender and soaked in a delicious peanut sauce that adds a rich and nutty flavor, making it the perfect dinner for busy days or when you’re craving something comforting. Not only is it a hands-off recipe, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it over steamed rice, noodles, or even as a filling for wraps or tacos. The combination of peanut butter, soy sauce, lime, and curry paste creates a perfectly balanced dish that’s sure to impress!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy)
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup honey
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon ginger, grated
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1 tablespoon red curry paste
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/2 cup coconut milk
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1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
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Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1/4 cup water (optional)
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1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for extra flavor)
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red curry paste, cumin, and coconut milk until smooth. Add water if the sauce is too thick.
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Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and pour the peanut sauce over them.
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
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Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
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Return the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine.
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Serve the Thai peanut chicken over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6-7 hours | Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken: A Flavorful Journey to Thai Cuisine
When you think of comfort food, one of the first meals that comes to mind is probably something hearty, creamy, and full of flavor. If you haven’t yet discovered the magic of Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, now is the perfect time to introduce it into your regular dinner rotation. This dish combines rich peanut butter with savory soy sauce, tangy lime, and aromatic spices—creating a tantalizing meal that your taste buds will crave. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in your slow cooker, making it ideal for busy nights when you still want a meal that feels like a treat.
The Thai-Inspired Flavors That Make This Dish Special
The allure of Thai cuisine lies in its balance of flavors—salty, sweet, sour, and spicy—which come together in perfect harmony. This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken taps into that balance, with its creamy peanut butter sauce that is subtly spicy and a little bit tangy from the lime juice. The red curry paste adds a touch of heat without overpowering the overall flavor, and the addition of ginger and garlic gives the dish a depth of flavor that will transport you straight to a street food stall in Bangkok.
What makes this recipe stand out is how well the ingredients meld together over time in the slow cooker. As the chicken cooks, it absorbs all the flavors from the peanut butter, soy sauce, and spices, creating a melt-in-your-mouth dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a blend of bold flavors in their food.
Why This Recipe is the Best Option for Your Dinner Table
There are countless chicken recipes out there, but Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken offers several benefits that make it an outstanding choice. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. In just a few minutes of prep time, you can throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the hard work for you. You don’t have to worry about constant monitoring or stirring—it’s a “set it and forget it” recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
The convenience of using a slow cooker cannot be overstated. Not only does it save you time in the kitchen, but it also ensures that your chicken is tender and juicy, every time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, making each bite a rich, flavorful experience. The result is a comforting, home-cooked meal that’s just as satisfying as something you’d get at a Thai restaurant.
In addition to its ease of preparation, this dish is highly versatile. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste—whether you like it mild or with an extra kick. You can serve it with rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a fun twist. It’s also a great option for meal prepping, as the leftovers taste even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Health Benefits of Thai Peanut Chicken
While this dish is incredibly rich in flavor, it also offers a range of health benefits that make it a great choice for a balanced meal. Here are just a few of the nutritional advantages of the ingredients used in this recipe:
- Protein-Packed Chicken: Chicken breast is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health. It’s also a great way to stay full for longer, reducing the temptation to snack between meals.
- Peanut Butter Goodness: While peanut butter is often associated with indulgence, it can actually be a healthy addition to your diet when consumed in moderation. It contains healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin E and magnesium. The healthy fats from peanut butter can help improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels.
- Coconut Milk: Coconut milk adds a rich creaminess to this dish, while also providing a dose of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fat that has been linked to improved metabolism and better brain health.
- Fresh Herbs & Spices: Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cilantro not only enhance the flavor of this dish but also offer numerous health benefits. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to aid digestion, while garlic is renowned for its immune-boosting and heart-healthy properties.
This recipe combines all of these ingredients to create a meal that’s not only satisfying but also nourishing, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or meal prep.
How to Customize Your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Depending on your dietary preferences or the ingredients you have on hand, you can make small adjustments to make this dish your own.
- Spice Level: If you prefer your food mild, feel free to reduce or omit the red curry paste. Alternatively, if you love spicy food, add an extra tablespoon of curry paste or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra punch.
- Vegetarian Version: If you’re following a plant-based diet, you can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up the peanut sauce beautifully and provide a satisfying texture.
- Noodle Lovers: While this dish is great served with rice, it’s also delicious when served over noodles, such as rice noodles or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter alternative.
- Adding Veggies: Want to make this dish even more nutritious? Add some vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would be great choices, as they add both color and texture to the dish.
- Lower Calorie Option: If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can use light coconut milk or substitute the peanut butter with a lower-calorie nut butter, such as almond butter.
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
While the Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate the entire meal. Here are a few ideas for perfect pairings:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The light, fluffy texture of jasmine rice is a perfect complement to the rich, creamy peanut sauce.
- Sautéed Veggies: A simple side of sautéed spinach, bok choy, or broccoli can add a nice crunch and provide a nutritional boost.
- Fresh Thai Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with ingredients like cabbage, carrots, and cucumber, dressed in lime and fish sauce, would complement the rich flavors of the chicken.
The Beauty of Slow Cooker Recipes: Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
Slow cooker recipes like this one are perfect for busy families, those new to cooking, or anyone looking to create meals without a lot of fuss. The hands-off cooking method ensures that the flavors have plenty of time to develop, and you don’t have to constantly check on your meal. Whether you’re at work, running errands, or simply relaxing at home, you can trust that your slow cooker will take care of dinner for you.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—five to ten minutes of prep work, followed by hours of slow cooking, and you’ve got a dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or even a special occasion. With its well-balanced flavors and tender chicken, Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a recipe that will become a go-to in your household for years to come.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to bring a little taste of Thailand into their home kitchen. Its combination of creamy peanut sauce, tender chicken, and subtle spices makes it a flavorful and satisfying meal. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers a variety of health benefits and customization options. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or in wraps, this dish is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. With the added benefit of being a slow cooker recipe, it’s perfect for busy evenings when you still want to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal. Give it a try and experience the delightful fusion of Thai flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!