Description
This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a rich and comforting dish made with bold Thai flavors and a creamy peanut sauce. It’s an easy, hands-off dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized to your spice preference. Tender chicken, peanut sauce, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts make it a family favorite.
Ingredients
1.5 to 2 lbs (700–900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (creamy)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey or brown sugar
2–3 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tbsp sesame oil (optional but adds flavor)
1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
1–2 tsp red chili flakes or Sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
1 cup canned coconut milk (optional for creaminess)
½ cup water or chicken broth (to loosen sauce)
Instructions
Make the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime juice, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and water/broth. If using coconut milk, add it in as well.
Add Chicken to Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken pieces at the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring that it coats everything well.
Cook:
Low: Cook for 5–6 hours.
High: Cook for 2.5–3.5 hours.
The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Shred & Stir:
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it inside the slow cooker with two forks. Stir everything to coat evenly in the peanut sauce.
Garnish & Serve:
Top the chicken with crushed peanuts, chopped cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. Serve hot with your choice of side (rice or noodles work great).
Notes
Customizing Heat: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chili flakes or Sriracha based on your heat preference.
Creaminess Option: Coconut milk makes the sauce extra creamy but can be omitted for a lighter version.
Meal Prep Tip: This dish is perfect for batch cooking. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Category: Main course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Thai-inspired
