Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken: 4-5 Hours

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Anna here, your go-to for simple, joyful chicken recipes that make weeknights a breeze. I’m all about bringing delicious, fuss-free meals to your table, and if you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for that *one* recipe that just clicks for a busy evening. Well, get ready, because this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is about to become your new absolute favorite. It’s got that incredible, comforting Thai flavor without all the fuss. Trust me, your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for busy nights! Here’s why it’s going to be your new go-to:

• It’s ridiculously easy to throw together.
• The peanut sauce is SO rich and authentically Thai.
• The chicken comes out incredibly tender and just melts in your mouth.
• You can totally tweak the spice and sweetness to exactly how *you* like it.
• Plus, it’s gluten-free and a huge hit with the whole family!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for this amazing Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken! It’s super simple, and having everything prepped makes the actual cooking a breeze. You’ll need one cup of full-fat coconut milk – this is key for that super creamy, dreamy sauce. Then, grab about a third of a cup of creamy peanut butter. I really prefer natural, unsweetened peanut butter here because it lets the other flavors shine, but use what you have! For that savory depth, we’ve got two tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari if you need it gluten-free). Sweetness comes from two tablespoons of honey, but maple syrup works beautifully if you’re going for a vegan vibe. Freshness is so important, so mince up one tablespoon of fresh ginger and about three cloves of garlic – trust me, fresh makes all the difference! A tablespoon of rice wine vinegar adds just the right amount of tang. For the star of the show, cut about three boneless, skinless chicken breasts (that’s roughly 1.5 pounds) into nice one-inch cubes. To thicken everything up at the end, we’ll whisk together two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. And finally, a tablespoon of fresh lime juice at the very end just brightens everything up. Oh, and don’t forget your optional garnishes – chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, or some sliced green onions are fantastic!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Alright, let’s get this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken party started! It’s seriously as easy as it sounds, and the results are just *chef’s kiss*.

Preparing the Flavorful Peanut Sauce Base

First things first, grab your slow cooker. Pour in that creamy coconut milk, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, minced ginger, rice wine vinegar, and the minced garlic. Give it all a good stir until everything is beautifully combined and you’ve got this gorgeous, smooth sauce. It already smells amazing, right?

Adding the Chicken and Cooking

Now, take your chicken pieces that you cut up earlier and toss them right into that luscious sauce. Make sure all the chicken gets a nice coating. Then, pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it do its magic on low for about 4 to 5 hours. You want the chicken to be super tender and cooked through. Just a little tip from me: try to make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce so it cooks nice and evenly.

Thickening and Finishing the Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Once that cooking time is up, it’s time for the final touches! In a small bowl, whisk together your cornstarch and cold water until it’s smooth – this is our thickening agent. Pour that mixture into the slow cooker and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for another 20 minutes or so, still on low, until the sauce thickens up to that perfect, glossy consistency. Right at the end, stir in that fresh lime juice – it just wakes up all the flavors! Your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is almost ready to be devoured!

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Okay, so you’ve got your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken going, and you want it to be absolutely perfect? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! For that amazing sauce consistency, don’t skip the cornstarch slurry at the end; it’s what transforms the sauce into that rich, glossy coating. If it’s not quite thick enough for your liking, just mix a little more cornstarch with water and stir it in for another 10-15 minutes. Now, about sweetness and spice – this is where you can really play! If you like it sweeter, add a touch more honey. Want more heat? A teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the cornstarch slurry works wonders. And for the most tender chicken ever, make sure it’s cut into roughly equal-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. Overcooking can make chicken tough, so keep an eye on that 4-5 hour low cook time, and remember that final 20 minutes to thicken!

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Thai Peanut Chicken

Now that you’ve got this glorious Thai Peanut Chicken ready to go, what do you serve it with? Honestly, this dish is so versatile! My absolute go-to is fluffy steamed jasmine rice – it’s perfect for soaking up all that incredible peanut sauce. But if you’re feeling a little different, brown rice or even some quinoa works just as beautifully. For something a bit more fun, try serving it over some rice noodles or soba noodles; they have such a great texture with this chicken. And of course, you can’t forget your veggies! A side of steamed broccoli, colorful bell peppers, or crisp snap peas adds a wonderful freshness and balance to the meal. It all just comes together for a truly satisfying plate!

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Got questions about my Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken? I’ve got answers! It’s one of those dishes that people always ask about, and I love it.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Thai Chicken With Peanut Sauce? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic here. They tend to stay even more moist and tender, which is always a plus. Just use the same amount, and they’ll cook up beautifully in that peanut sauce.

How can I make this Peanut Chicken Recipe spicier? Oh, easy peasy! If you love a kick, just add a teaspoon or two of sriracha right into the sauce at the beginning, or stir in some red pepper flakes when you add the cornstarch slurry. You can always add more at the end too, until it’s just right for you!

What are the best ways to store and reheat this Crock Pot Thai Peanut Chicken? This dish stores like a dream! Let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’s good for about 3-4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it up in a saucepan over low heat, or even microwave it for a minute or two. Sometimes a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s gotten a bit thick.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, it is! As long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this Peanut Butter Chicken recipe is totally gluten-free. Just double-check your tamari brand to be sure, but most are naturally gluten-free.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Peanut Butter Chicken

Let’s chat about a few of the stars in this Peanut Butter Chicken recipe! For the peanut butter, I really love using natural, unsweetened peanut butter. It has a pure peanut flavor that lets the other ingredients shine. If you only have conventional peanut butter, that works too, but you might want to adjust the honey slightly as it can be sweeter. Don’t have peanut butter? No worries! Almond butter or even cashew butter makes a fantastic substitute, giving it a slightly different but equally delicious nutty profile. When it comes to coconut milk, full-fat is my jam because it makes the sauce extra rich and creamy, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, light coconut milk works just fine, though the sauce might be a little less decadent. And for the sweetener, honey is great, but if you’re out or want a vegan version, maple syrup or agave nectar are perfect swaps!

Nutritional Estimate for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is an estimate, as things can vary a bit depending on your exact ingredients. But generally, you’re looking at about:

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 15g
• Protein: 40g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Cholesterol: 120mg

It’s a pretty balanced meal, packed with flavor!

Share Your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Creations!

I absolutely LOVE hearing from you all! If you make this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you add extra spice? What did you serve it with? I’d be thrilled if you snapped a picture and tagged me, or even just left a quick rating. Your feedback means the world to me! You can also find more delicious recipes on Pinterest.

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