Dinner

Slow Cooker Chicken Peanut Noodles Recipe

ByElena Hart March 29, 2026March 29, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Chicken Peanut Noodles recipe combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce. It’s an easy, hands-off meal perfect for busy days and a delicious twist on classic noodle dishes.

A black slow cooker filled with a colorful noodle dish sits on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is light brown noodles, the middle layer consists of thin orange carrot strips and red bell pepper slices, and the top layer is a mix of chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, fresh green herbs, and lime wedges. The ingredients are slightly glossy, showing a light sauce coating, and the noodles are intertwined with the vegetables creating a textured look. In the background, there is a white bowl with lime wedges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 small yellow onion (thinly sliced)

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
¾ cup salsa (mild or hot)

¼ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup chicken broth

3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

2 teaspoons Sambal oelek (optional, or to taste)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 cup julienned carrots

8 ounces linguine
Chopped fresh cilantro (optional garnish)
Green onion and crushed peanuts (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Place the cooked onions in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Arrange the chicken breasts on top.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together salsa, peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and Sambal oelek if using. Pour this sauce over the chicken.

Step 4: Top the chicken and sauce with sliced bell pepper and julienned carrots. Cover and cook on low for 3 ½ to 4 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks.
Step 6: Cook the linguine according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 7: Return the shredded chicken and linguine to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Cover and let the noodles rest for 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens.
Step 8: Serve garnished with chopped cilantro, green onions, and crushed peanuts if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the amount of Sambal oelek or add a dash of hot sauce.

Swap linguine for rice noodles or spaghetti for a different texture.
Add more vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
Use natural peanut butter for a less sweet, more savory sauce flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a colorful noodle dish layered with light brown thick noodles, shredded pieces of cooked chicken, thin slices of orange carrots, red bell peppers, and green chopped scallions. The dish is topped with crushed peanuts and fresh cilantro leaves. On the side of the bowl, there are two bright green lime wedges. The bowl sits on a stack of other white bowls, all placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred beige cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and remain juicy when slow-cooked. Adjust cooking time as needed until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

While the slow cooker makes this recipe easy, you can simulate the process by cooking the chicken and sauce in a covered pan over low heat until the chicken is done, about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.