Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a delicious and easy dinner option that combines tender chicken with a rich peanut sauce, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. This recipe requires minimal prep time and allows the slow cooker to do all the work, resulting in a flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Peanut Chicken
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus extra for serving)
1 small spicy red chili, finely chopped (optional for heat)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
¼ cup hot water
Optional Toppings
Chopped fresh cilantro
Chopped green onions
Chopped peanuts
Red pepper flakes or sriracha
Method of Preparation
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, chopped chili, minced garlic, grated ginger, and hot water. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Combine Ingredients: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2½ to 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it sit on warm for about 5–10 minutes to absorb more flavor.
Serve: Serve over rice or noodles with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and your choice of toppings.
Cooking Tips and Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking times; overcooking can dry out the chicken.
Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer less heat, remove seeds from the chili or omit it entirely.
Use Quality Peanut Butter: A good quality creamy peanut butter will yield better flavor and texture in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or rice noodles. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Chicken: A great source of lean protein essential for muscle health.
Peanut Butter: Provides healthy fats and protein; it’s also rich in vitamins and minerals.
Ginger and Garlic: Both have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid digestion.
Summary of Recipe
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is an easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a creamy peanut sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy nights and yields a flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish is loved for its rich flavors and creamy texture that come together effortlessly in a slow cooker. It’s not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing you to customize toppings according to your preferences.
Interesting Facts
Peanut chicken is inspired by Thai cuisine, where peanuts are commonly used in sauces to add richness and depth of flavor. The slow cooker method makes it accessible for home cooks who want to enjoy this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
In summary, Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful, hassle-free meal that’s perfect for any night of the week! Enjoy this comforting dish with your favorite sides!
