Let me start by saying thank you—yes, you! Whether you’ve stumbled upon this recipe while meal-prepping for a busy week or you’re just in the mood for something soul-warming and different, I’m so glad you’re here. And if it’s bold flavors, tender chicken, and a creamy, peanutty twist you’re after, this slow cooker peanut chicken is going to knock your socks off. This is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a Thai restaurant in the best possible way!

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What Is Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken?

Think of this as a cozy, slow-simmered hug of a dish. Slow cooker peanut chicken blends the creamy richness of peanut butter with warm spices, soy sauce, and tender chunks of chicken, all gently cooked over hours to create a meal that’s hearty, flavorful, and anything but boring!! It’s inspired by Thai and African peanut stews—comforting, savory, with just a hint of sweetness and spice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set it and forget it. Your slow cooker does all the work
Big flavor, minimal effort. Pantry staples like peanut butter and soy sauce work magic
It’s a meal in itself. Add rice or noodles, and you’re set
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly. It reheats beautifully!
Family-friendly. Kids and grown-ups alike love the creamy sauce

What Does Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Taste Like?

Imagine fork-tender chicken smothered in a creamy, nutty sauce that’s bursting with sweet, salty, savory, and slightly spicy notes. The peanut flavor is front and center but perfectly balanced by garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a dash of lime. It’s rich without being heavy and comforting without being bland—just a total flavor bomb!

Health Benefits of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This dish delivers a well-rounded nutritional profile, especially when served with veggies and whole grains:

Protein-rich from lean chicken thighs or breasts
Healthy fats from natural peanut butter
Gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)
High in flavor, low in fuss

Ingredients You’ll Need

1½ to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, see substitutions below)
¾ cup natural creamy peanut butter
⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground)
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional but recommended!)
¾ cup chicken broth or water
Juice of 1 lime (about 2 tbsp)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
Optional garnish: chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, sesame seeds

Tools You’ll Need

A slow cooker (3-quart or larger)
A cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
A mixing bowl for the sauce
Tongs or a slotted spoon for serving

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

Chicken thighs vs. breasts: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work fine if that’s what you have
Add veggies: Throw in chopped carrots, broccoli, zucchini, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking
Nut butter: Almond butter works too, but you’ll miss that classic peanut taste
Spice it up: Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce if you love heat
Make it vegetarian: Swap chicken for cubed tofu or chickpeas!

How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth until smooth.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

Place the sliced onions and bell pepper at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the chicken pieces. Pour the peanut sauce evenly over everything.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the chicken is fork-tender and infused with all those flavors.

Step 4: Add Lime and Serve

Stir in the lime juice just before serving to brighten it all up. Serve over hot rice or noodles and garnish generously with chopped peanuts, cilantro, or green onions.

What to Serve with Peanut Chicken

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice (a classic pairing!)
Coconut rice for a touch of sweetness
Rice noodles for slurpy goodness
Roasted broccoli or Asian-style slaw to add crunch and freshness
Naan or flatbread to scoop up all that luscious sauce

Tips for Perfect Peanut Chicken Every Time

Use natural peanut butter—no added sugar or oils—for the best flavor
Don’t overcook the chicken. Check at the low end of the cook time
Add veggies near the end if you want them tender-crisp, not mushy
Stir occasionally (if you’re home) to help the sauce emulsify better

Storing and Reheating

This dish stores like a dream:

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months
To reheat: Microwave gently or warm on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this with frozen chicken?

Yes, but for food safety, thaw the chicken first before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simmer the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not overly! The crushed red pepper adds mild warmth, but you can increase or decrease to taste.

What can I use instead of peanut butter?

Sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be used for nut allergies or different flavor profiles.

Why You Need to Try This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This recipe is weeknight magic: low effort, high reward, and packed with flavor that feels like it took hours to build—because it did (thanks, slow cooker!). Whether you’re serving picky kids or impressing friends at a dinner party, this dish always delivers.

And hey—don’t stop here! If you’re loving the idea of low-effort, high-comfort recipes, check out a few of my absolute favorites:

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna – rich, cozy, and vegetarian-friendly
Overnight Crème Brûlée French Toast – your brunch dreams come true
Biscoff Brownies – Fudgy, Swirly, and Outrageously Delicious – trust me, you’ll want these for dessert tonight

Did you make this recipe? Leave a comment below with your tips and star rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
And if you snapped a photo, I’d love to see it! Tag me on Pinterest and show off your slow-cooked creation!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

Calories: 420
Protein: 32g
Fat: 23g
Carbs: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 760mg