Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

If you’re after a meal that balances sweet, salty, and a gentle kick of heat, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken will win you over with every bite. This comforting recipe is the perfect blend of creamy peanut butter, tender chicken, and aromatic veggies, all simmered together in one pot for effortless flavor magic. As the slow cooker does its thing, your kitchen fills with the warm, nutty aroma that lets you know dinner is going to be something special. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe plays a starring role, from the vibrant veggies to the rich peanut sauce. Together, they create a lush meal with plenty of color, texture, and classic peanut-chicken flavor. Gather these basics and get ready for something truly crave-worthy!

• Chicken breasts: These provide lean protein and stay wonderfully juicy after slow cooking.
• Red bell pepper: Adds a pop of sweet color and a slight crunch for contrast.
• Yellow onion: Offers sweetness and savory depth as it softens and melds into the sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Bring a warm, pungent aroma that rounds out the flavors.
• Peanut butter: The hero of the dish, lending creamy richness and a nutty base to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Enhances flavor and helps create a smooth, pourable sauce.
• Soy sauce: A savory powerhouse that boosts umami and adds balanced saltiness.
• Honey: Brings a perfect touch of mellow sweetness that’s just enough to round out the edges.
• Sesame oil: Offers a fragrant, toasty finishing note for extra depth.
• Chili garlic paste: Lends a gentle heat and subtle tang, but you can adjust the amount for your spice level.
• Lime juice: Brightens up the finish and cuts through any richness for perfect balance.
• Cilantro: A fresh, herbal sprinkle that wakes up all the cozy flavors.

How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Layer the Veggies and Chicken

Start by spreading the diced red bell pepper, yellow onion, and chopped garlic evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker. These aromatics form a flavorful base for your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken and help infuse the chicken breasts with tons of savory goodness as they cook. Lay the chicken breasts right on top (no need to cut them up, the slow cooker keeps them juicy and tender).

Step 2: Whisk the Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl or big measuring cup, add your creamy peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste. Give it all a good whisk until the sauce smooths out: the peanut butter should fully incorporate with the liquid ingredients, making a thick but pourable sauce that’s loaded with flavor and just a hint of heat. Don’t skip this step — a well-emulsified sauce means every bite gets those delicious flavors!

Step 3: Combine and Cook

Pour the luscious peanut sauce over your chicken and veggie layers in the slow cooker, making sure it coats everything nicely. Secure the lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, and the sauce is irresistibly fragrant.

Step 4: Brighten and Finish

Once it’s cooked, take off the lid and stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. This last-minute hit of citrus and herbs is truly transformative, cutting some of the richness and lifting up all the background flavors. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure those fresh ingredients are distributed, then get ready to serve your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken right away!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Garnishes

This is where you can have a little fun with your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken! Sprinkle on extra chopped cilantro, a handful of crushed peanuts for crunch, or thinly sliced green onions for color and bite. If you love extra heat, toss some red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices on top. Don’t forget a squeeze of extra lime for those who crave zest in every bite!

Side Dishes

A fluffy bed of steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up all that creamy peanut sauce beautifully, but you could also spoon the chicken onto cooked quinoa or brown rice for a nutty, whole-grain twist. If you’re craving veggies, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed greens are fantastic options to serve alongside and bring extra color and nutrients to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken makes amazing leftovers in wraps or lettuce cups if you want to change up your meal routine! Pile the chicken and sauce into warmed flatbreads with fresh veggies, or use crisp romaine leaves for a cooling crunch. You can even serve the chicken over rice noodles for a Thai-inspired noodle bowl — don’t forget some fresh herbs and peanuts on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extra Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken to an airtight container and let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or easy lunches during the week. I find that the flavors actually deepen once the chicken sits in the sauce overnight!

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer with cozy, homemade meals, this dish freezes wonderfully. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Press out any excess air before sealing and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat from frozen in a saucepan with a splash of extra broth.

Reheating

To warm up your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken, add it to a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until heated through. If the sauce looks too thick, add a small splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish using short bursts and stirring in between to promote even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay very moist and add a slightly richer flavor, so they make a tasty swap in Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. Just use the same amount by weight and adjust cooking time if needed, as thighs may take a little longer to become fall-apart tender.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can ramp up the heat by adding more chili garlic paste or even a bit of Sriracha to the peanut sauce. You can also garnish with sliced fresh chilies or red pepper flakes for extra fire at the table.

Is there a peanut-free alternative?

If you need a peanut-free version, try using sunflower seed butter or almond butter in place of peanut butter. The sauce will be a bit different but still deliciously creamy and nutty.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

You can! Crunchy peanut butter adds nice texture, just make sure it doesn’t have lots of added sugar or oils. The little bits of peanuts through the sauce create a great surprise in each bite.

What’s the best way to shred the chicken?

Once your chicken is cooked, use two forks right in the slow cooker to shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer larger pieces, just slice it up with a knife before tossing it back in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is the kind of dish that makes busy nights feel a little more special with almost no fuss. If you haven’t tried it yet, I hope you’ll give it a go and discover how easy and delicious homemade comfort food can be. This one’s sure to become a keeper in your recipe rotation!

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