Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker: Easy Recipe & Delicious Results

Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker: Just imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of savory, peanut-infused chicken wafting through your house. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, and the best part? Your slow cooker does almost all the work!

While the exact origins of peanut chicken are debated, the dish draws inspiration from Southeast Asian flavors, particularly Thai and Indonesian cuisines, where peanuts are a staple ingredient. These cultures have long celebrated the harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes, a combination that makes peanut chicken so incredibly addictive. The beauty of this Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is that it captures those complex flavors in a simple, approachable way.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The creamy peanut sauce, balanced with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sweetness, creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Second, the chicken becomes incredibly tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it’s incredibly convenient. With minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal ready when you are. So, ditch the takeout menu and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Peanut Butter: 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I prefer natural, but any kind works!)
• Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• Honey: 1/4 cup honey
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste!)
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• Water: 2 tablespoons cold water
• Green Onions: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
• Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Cooked Rice: For serving

Preparing the Peanut Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: First, take your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch each. This will help them cook evenly and absorb all that delicious peanut sauce flavor. I like to use kitchen shears for this, it makes the process much faster!
2. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a large bowl (or directly in your slow cooker if you’re feeling lazy!), whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Make sure everything is well combined and there are no lumps of peanut butter. The honey can sometimes be a bit stubborn, so keep whisking!
3. Add the Chicken: Add the cut chicken pieces to the sauce mixture and toss to coat thoroughly. Ensure every piece of chicken is covered in that glorious peanut sauce. This is where the magic happens!
4. Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the 1/2 cup of chicken broth over the chicken and sauce mixture. This will help keep the chicken moist and prevent it from drying out during the slow cooking process.

Slow Cooking Process:

1. Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender. The cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on it. I usually check it around the 6-hour mark on low.
2. Check for Doneness: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C). If it’s not quite there, continue cooking for another 30 minutes to an hour.

Thickening the Sauce:

1. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry, and it’s what will thicken the sauce to that perfect consistency. Make sure there are no lumps!
2. Add the Slurry: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
3. Thicken the Sauce: Turn the slow cooker to high and cook for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as the sauce can thicken quickly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Serve Over Rice: Serve the peanut chicken hot over cooked rice. I prefer jasmine rice, but any kind of rice will work. Quinoa or even cauliflower rice are great low-carb options too!
2. Garnish: Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. These add a pop of color and a bit of extra flavor and texture.
3. Optional Additions: Feel free to add other toppings like chopped peanuts, cilantro, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount and add more as needed. You can also add a dash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
• Vegetables: Add vegetables to the slow cooker for a complete meal. Broccoli florets, bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would all be great additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
• Peanut Butter Alternatives: If you have a peanut allergy, you can substitute almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of honey to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey. You can also use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the peanut chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
• Freezing: This peanut chicken freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Serving Suggestions: This peanut chicken is also great served in lettuce wraps, over noodles, or in sandwiches. Get creative and experiment with different ways to enjoy it!

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Protein: 30-40 grams per serving
• Fat: 25-35 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams per serving

Why I Love This Recipe:

This Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort, and the result is a flavorful and satisfying meal that everyone will love. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken thighs. The peanut sauce is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. It’s also a versatile recipe that you can easily customize to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is sure to be a hit!

Conclusion:

This Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular meal rotation. Why? Because it delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, savory peanut sauce that’s both comforting and exciting. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners feel special without requiring hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you free to tackle other tasks or simply relax while the aroma fills your home.

But the deliciousness isn’t the only reason to give this recipe a try. It’s also incredibly versatile! Serve it over fluffy rice or quinoa for a classic pairing. For a lower-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. It’s also fantastic served in lettuce wraps for a light and refreshing meal. And don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! A sprinkle of chopped peanuts, a drizzle of sriracha, a handful of fresh cilantro, or a squeeze of lime juice can all elevate the dish to new heights.

Looking for variations? You got it! If you like a little extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the slow cooker. For a sweeter sauce, stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. You can also add vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or snap peas to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal. If you’re not a fan of chicken thighs, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.

I’ve made this Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. The leftovers are just as delicious, making it a truly practical and satisfying dish.

Ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked peanut chicken?

I urge you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll love the ease of preparation, the incredible flavor, and the endless possibilities for customization. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a family favorite.

Don’t be shy – get cooking!

And most importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire others to try this amazing recipe. Let’s build a community of peanut chicken enthusiasts! I can’t wait to see what culinary creations you come up with. Happy cooking!

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