Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

ByUsman

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is an easy meal full of bold flavors. The sauce is creamy, nutty, and slightly spicy, made with peanut butter, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. The chicken cooks slowly until it becomes soft and tender, soaking up all the flavors.

Served with colorful bell peppers and rice, this dish is rich, filling, and comforting. It’s great for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want to impress your family with a meal that looks and tastes special—but needs little effort.

Ingredients You Will Need

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
  • Cooked jasmine or basmati rice, for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

  1. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and broth until smooth.
  2. Place chicken in the slow cooker.
  3. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken.
  4. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion on top.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
  6. Shred or chop the chicken gently in the sauce and stir everything together.
  7. Serve hot over rice. Garnish with cilantro and crushed peanuts.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 430 kcal | Servings: 4

The Story Behind This Dish

Peanut chicken is inspired by Thai and Indonesian cooking, where peanut sauces are very popular. This recipe brings those flavors together in a simple way using a slow cooker. It’s based on satay-style flavors but made easier for home cooks. Instead of standing by the stove, you just set it and let the slow cooker do the work.

Why This Recipe is Special

This recipe is loved because it’s:

  • Easy to make with simple steps
  • Full of creamy, nutty, and savory flavors
  • Great for meal prep or leftovers
  • Customizable with spice levels and veggies
  • Family-friendly and comforting

Health Benefits of Peanut Chicken

This dish is not only tasty but also good for you.

  • Chicken is a lean protein that gives energy and helps muscle growth.
  • Peanut butter adds healthy fats and important vitamins.
  • Garlic and ginger are great for boosting health and immunity.
  • Bell peppers are full of vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Serve with brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber and nutrition.

Flavor and Texture You Can Expect

The chicken is soft and juicy because of slow cooking. The sauce is creamy, nutty, a little sweet, and slightly spicy. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, while crushed peanuts and cilantro give crunch and freshness. Every bite is a mix of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crisp veggies.

Customizations You Can Try

  • Use chicken thighs for more flavor or chicken breasts for a lean option.
  • Add more or less red pepper flakes depending on how spicy you like it.
  • Try other veggies like broccoli, snow peas, or carrots.
  • Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
  • Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you have a peanut allergy.

Meal Prep and Storage

This peanut chicken is perfect for meal prep. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Serving Ideas

This dish tastes best with rice, but you can also serve it with:

  • Rice noodles or soba noodles
  • Coconut rice for extra flavor
  • Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option
  • Lettuce wraps for a fresh, light meal
  • Steamed buns or flatbread for a fun twist

Top with cilantro, peanuts, sesame seeds, or lime wedges for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. It’s a dish that combines comfort and health with the ease of slow cooking. Whether for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

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