This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dinner with hardly any hands-on work. Blending Thai-inspired ingredients into a hearty, nutty sauce, this dish turns ordinary chicken into something truly comforting. You simply combine everything in a slow cooker and walk away. After a few hours, you’ll return to tender, savory chicken ready to be served with rice, noodles, or colorful vegetables.
The recipe is crafted with simplicity in mind while never compromising on flavor. It fits perfectly into weeknight meal routines, family dinners, or even batch cooking for lunches throughout the week. With minimal prep and a deep, satisfying taste, it offers warmth and ease in every bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a delicious balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors with just the right amount of heat. It’s quick to prepare and cooks slowly throughout the day while you handle everything else on your to-do list. The ingredients are accessible, and the end result is nourishing and packed with protein. It’s also naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a solid choice for a wide range of dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Chicken Breast (2 pounds, boneless and skinless)
Diced into bite-sized pieces, chicken breast becomes juicy and tender in the slow cooker, soaking up all the flavors from the peanut sauce.
Coconut Milk (14 oz, canned, full-fat)
Creates the creamy base of the sauce. Canned coconut milk adds depth and richness that complements the peanut butter perfectly.
Peanut Butter (1/4 cup, smooth and unsweetened)
This brings a bold, nutty flavor and a creamy texture. Use natural peanut butter for the cleanest taste.
Maple Syrup (2 tablespoons)
Adds just enough sweetness to balance the richness. Honey works as a substitute if preferred.
Soy Sauce or Tamari (3 tablespoons)
Provides a salty, umami flavor. Use tamari if you want a gluten-free version.
Lime Juice (3 tablespoons, fresh)
Cuts through the richness and brings brightness to the sauce.
Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons)
Enhances the flavor with a light, tangy note.
Cornstarch (2 tablespoons)
Thickens the sauce while it simmers, giving it a smooth and glossy texture.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
Adds bold aromatic flavor, essential to the overall balance of the dish.
Fresh Ginger (1/2 tablespoon, grated)
Delivers subtle heat and depth. Use fresh for the best impact.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon)
Adds a mild spice. Adjust to taste depending on your heat tolerance.
Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
Used at the end to adjust and fine-tune the overall flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
This meal is all about minimal effort and maximum flavor. Just mix the sauce ingredients, pour them over the chicken, and let the slow cooker handle the rest. After a few hours, your chicken will be tender and ready to serve with your favorite side.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Sauce
In a mixing bowl or blender, combine the coconut milk, peanut butter, maple syrup, soy sauce or tamari, lime juice, rice vinegar, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. This helps them cook evenly and stay moist.
Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker
Place the diced chicken into the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the blended sauce over the chicken. Stir gently to ensure all the pieces are coated.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Set the cooker to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours. If you’re around, give it a quick stir halfway through to keep everything well mixed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken with its creamy peanut sauce over rice, noodles, or sautéed vegetables. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, or fresh herbs if desired.
Helpful Tips
Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Shake the can of coconut milk before opening, as the contents often separate.
Use a small blender to combine the sauce ingredients quickly and evenly.
Leftover sauce can be used for another meal with tofu or noodles.
This dish stores well, making it a smart option for meal prep.
Details
Flavor: Creamy and nutty with a zesty and savory finish
Texture: Smooth, thick sauce with tender chicken pieces
Occasion: Ideal for weeknights, batch cooking, or casual dinners
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours on low
Total Time: Around 4 hours
Servings: 6
Notes
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a more robust flavor.
To make the dish vegetarian, use tofu or chickpeas in place of chicken.
You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes.
For extra sauce, double the peanut sauce ingredients and use leftovers in other dishes.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 273 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
| Sodium | 495 mg |
| Cholesterol | 97 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without coconut milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be less creamy. Use chicken broth with a splash of plant-based milk for a lighter version.
How long should this cook in the slow cooker?
Cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
What side dishes go well with this?
This pairs well with steamed rice, rice noodles, or stir-fried vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Definitely. Store in airtight containers and reheat throughout the week for quick and flavorful meals.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into containers and store for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Print
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken With Easy Side Pairings | Cozy Thai-Inspired Comfort
- Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A Thai-style peanut chicken recipe made in the slow cooker for a creamy, savory, and hands-off dinner experience.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 (14oz) can full-fat coconut milk
1/4 cup natural peanut butter
2 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
3 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp cornstarch
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl or blender, combine all sauce ingredients until smooth.
2. Place cubed chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Pour sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
5. Serve over rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Notes
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. Use extra sauce on noodles or stir-fry later in the week.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 273
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 495mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
Conclusion
This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe is your answer to busy evenings when you want something homemade, flavorful, and filling. It’s a one-pot wonder that practically cooks itself while delivering deep, satisfying flavor. Pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy a hearty, family-friendly dish with very little effort. If you’re looking for an easy win in the kitchen, this recipe will not disappoint.