Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken in rich, creamy peanut sauce with vibrant spices and vegetables for a comforting meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.3 pounds)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 yellow onion, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 medium carrot, sliced
→ Peanut Sauce
09 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
10 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
13 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon lime juice, plus additional for serving
15 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Garnishes
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Steamed jasmine rice (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Generously season chicken thighs on both sides with salt and black pepper, ensuring even coverage for optimal flavor penetration.
02 - Arrange sliced bell pepper, onion, carrot, minced garlic, and grated ginger in an even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Place seasoned chicken thighs directly on top of the vegetable bed.
03 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sriracha (if using), and sesame oil. Continue whisking until completely smooth and emulsified.
04 - Pour the prepared peanut sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover with lid and cook on low setting for 5 hours or until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily.
05 - Carefully remove cooked chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks or cut into large chunks. Stir sauce thoroughly to incorporate any browned bits from edges. Return chicken to slow cooker and toss to coat completely in sauce.
06 - Portion chicken and sauce over steamed jasmine rice if desired. Top generously with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and extra lime wedges for squeezing.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The sauce develops this incredible depth that feels like you spent hours simmering it, but your slow cooker does all the work
- Leftovers somehow taste even better the next day when the peanuts have really settled into everything
02 -
- The sauce will look thin when you first pour it in, but it thickens beautifully as it cooks and the peanut butter releases its oils
- Do not skip the fresh lime juice at the end, that acidity cuts through the richness and makes every ingredient pop
03 -
- Line your slow cooker with a parchment paper sling for easier cleanup, that peanut sauce loves to cling to everything
- Warm your peanut butter in the microwave for 30 seconds before whisking, it makes combining everything so much easier