slow cooker peanut chicken recipe
This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a rich and flavorful peanut sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours on low, 2.5-3.5 hours on high
- Total Time: 5-6 hours on low, 2.5-3.5 hours on high
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 2–3 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1–2 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
- ½ cup water or chicken broth
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and water/broth. If using coconut milk, add it in too.
- Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces at the bottom. Pour the sauce over the top. Make sure it coats everything well.
- Cook: Low: 5–6 hours, High: 2.5–3.5 hours. Chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
- Shred & Stir: Shred the chicken inside the slow cooker with two forks. Stir everything to coat evenly in sauce.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve hot with your choice of side.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of chili flakes or Sriracha to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
- For a creamier sauce, include the optional canned coconut milk.
- Feel free to customize the garnishes to your liking for added flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 400 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: slow cooker, peanut chicken, Asian, easy, gluten-free