Introduction to Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker
Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker is a deliciously easy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken simmered slowly in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with vibrant Thai-inspired spices. This recipe harnesses the convenience of slow cooking to develop deep flavors and perfectly tender meat, making it ideal for busy days when you want a hands-off meal with big taste.
The luscious peanut sauce is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy notes, characteristic of classic Thai cuisine. This dish is often served over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with fresh herbs and crunchy peanuts to add texture contrast.
Whether you’re craving authentic Thai flavors or simply want a fuss-free crockpot dinner, this Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker recipe is sure to impress with its bold taste and ease of preparation.
Why You’ll Love This
- Hands-off cooking: Simply combine ingredients and let the slow cooker do the work.
- Rich, creamy peanut sauce: Balanced sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors.
- Tender, juicy chicken: Slow cooking locks in moisture and flavor.
- Versatile serving: Enjoy over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
- Family-friendly: Mildly spiced with customizable heat levels.
- Great meal prep: Leftovers reheat well for lunches or dinners.
- Authentic Thai-inspired: Uses classic ingredients like peanut butter, lime, and ginger.
Here’s What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full fat for richness)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles, for serving
How to Make Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha, and sesame oil until smooth and well combined.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Sauce to Slow Cooker
Place chicken thighs or breasts in the slow cooker.
Pour the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
Step 3: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
Step 4: Shred Chicken (Optional)
For a shredded texture, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.
Return shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to combine.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the Thai peanut chicken hot over cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles.
Garnish with chopped green onions, roasted peanuts, and fresh cilantro for brightness and crunch.
Step 6: Enjoy
Savor the creamy, savory, slightly spicy peanut chicken with fragrant rice or noodles.
Tips for Success
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results; breasts can dry out if overcooked.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha or chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
- Stir the sauce before serving to recombine separated ingredients.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen it.
- Garnish generously with fresh herbs and peanuts to enhance texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately for best taste, but leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Forks for shredding (optional)
Variations of Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Use tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Extra veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas during last hour of cooking for crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy: Increase sriracha or add fresh chopped chili peppers.
- Noodle bowl: Serve over rice noodles with a squeeze of lime and extra herbs.
- Peanut-free: Substitute peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a nut variation.
- Thai-inspired: Add kaffir lime leaves or Thai basil for authentic aromas.
Serving Suggestions for Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
- Accompany with steamed broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy for veggies.
- Offer lime wedges and extra sriracha on the side for customization.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, and roasted peanuts for texture and flavor.
- A crisp Asian-style cucumber salad or pickled veggies complement the richness.
FAQs about Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
A: Yes, but increase cooking time by about an hour and ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, prepare the peanut sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: What if I don’t have coconut milk?
A: You can substitute with regular milk or almond milk, but coconut milk adds richness and authentic flavor.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate increased quantities.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use tamari instead of soy sauce and check your peanut butter for gluten-free certification.
Prep Time
- 10-15 minutes
Cooking Time
- 3-7 hours depending on slow cooker setting
Total Time
- 3-7 hours with mostly hands-off cooking
Nutritional Information (Per Serving Approximation)
- Calories: 450-550 kcal
- Protein: 35-40 g
- Total Fat: 25-30 g
- Saturated Fat: 8-10 g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Sugar: 6-8 g
- Sodium: 700-900 mg
Final Thoughts
Thai Peanut Chicken Slow Cooker is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that brings authentic Thai flavors to your table with minimal effort. The creamy peanut sauce combined with tender slow-cooked chicken creates a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The versatility of this recipe lets you customize spice levels and add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
This dish showcases how simple ingredients and slow cooking can produce an incredibly rich and satisfying dinner everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy the bold flavors of Thailand from the comfort of your home.
