Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

In the ever-expanding world of comfort food, few dishes deliver the same combination of rich flavor, creamy texture, and global inspiration as Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. A fusion of Southeast Asian culinary traditions and modern kitchen convenience, this dish offers an irresistible blend of tender chicken, aromatic spices, and a velvety peanut sauce that coats every bite with savory-sweet satisfaction. It’s a meal that feels indulgent, yet with the right balance of ingredients, it can also be wholesome and nourishing.

At its heart, peanut chicken is a dish that draws influence from countries like Thailand and Indonesia, where peanuts are a staple ingredient in everything from sauces to salads. In these cuisines, peanuts are often combined with garlic, ginger, lime juice, soy sauce, and chili to create satay sauces or curry-inspired peanut bases. While this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken isn’t an authentic Thai or Indonesian recipe, it is a respectful homage—one that simplifies the process for home cooks without sacrificing depth of flavor.

One of the key advantages of using a slow cooker is the ability to transform everyday ingredients into something extraordinary with minimal hands-on time. As the chicken simmers for hours in the rich peanut sauce, it absorbs all the nuanced flavors while becoming incredibly tender and juicy. The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, leaving you with a meal that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did—while freeing you to go about your daily routine.

This dish also fits beautifully into a variety of mealtime settings. Serve it over jasmine rice for a filling dinner, wrap it in warm flatbreads for a casual lunch, or pair it with noodles and fresh vegetables for a satisfying bowl that’s both comforting and vibrant. It can be adjusted to suit different spice levels, made dairy-free or gluten-free, and prepared in large batches for meal prepping. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting a dinner, or cooking solo for the week ahead, this slow cooker peanut chicken is a reliable and crowd-pleasing choice.

Another benefit of this dish is how easily it adapts to your pantry. Natural peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and boneless chicken thighs or breasts are all you really need to get started. From there, you can customize it with your favorite additions: crushed peanuts for crunch, lime juice for acidity, chili paste for heat, or a handful of fresh herbs for brightness. The result is a dish that feels layered and luxurious, even if it’s your first time making it.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to master this comforting classic. We’ll begin with a look at the dish’s cultural roots and ingredient philosophy, followed by a breakdown of necessary tools and pantry staples. Then we’ll walk step-by-step through the preparation process—from assembling your sauce to finishing the dish with toppings and sides. Along the way, you’ll find tips, substitutions, and techniques to help make the recipe your own, plus variations for different dietary needs and flavor preferences.

Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned home chef, this guide is designed to help you create a dish that’s as enjoyable to cook as it is to eat. Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is more than just a recipe—it’s a reminder of how simple ingredients and a little patience can come together to produce something unexpectedly special.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, collect everything you need. Having your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice

• 1–2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste or sriracha (adjust to spice preference)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, adds depth)

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

To Finish and Garnish:

• Chopped roasted peanuts

• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil

• Sliced green onions

• Lime wedges

• Steamed jasmine rice or noodles, for serving

Tip: Use natural peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils for a cleaner taste. If using a sweetened peanut butter, reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken

You can use either chicken thighs or breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful after long cooking times.

1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken.

2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce stick better and reduces excess moisture.

3. Optionally, cut the chicken into large chunks (2–3 inches) for faster cooking and easier serving later. Or leave whole and shred after cooking.

Note: Whole pieces will stay juicier and are easier to shred later. Chunks cook faster and soak in more sauce during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

This peanut-coconut sauce is the heart of the dish. It will infuse the chicken with flavor over several hours.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

   • Peanut butter

   • Coconut milk

   • Soy sauce

   • Brown sugar or honey

   • Rice vinegar or lime juice

   • Red curry paste or hot sauce

   • Grated ginger

   • Minced garlic

   • Sesame oil (if using)

   • Crushed red pepper flakes (if desired)

2. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well blended. The mixture should be pourable. If it seems too thick, add 2–3 tablespoons of warm water.

Tip: If your peanut butter is very thick or chunky, microwave it for 10–15 seconds to loosen it before mixing.

Step 4: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Slow cookers work best when ingredients are layered thoughtfully. Here’s how to build flavor from the bottom up.

1. Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and scorching.

2. Spread the chopped onion evenly along the bottom.

3. Place the chicken pieces on top of the onions in a single layer if possible. If they overlap, it’s okay.

4. Pour the peanut-coconut sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are covered or nestled into the sauce.

5. Use a spoon to gently mix or move the chicken around so the sauce reaches the bottom and sides.

Tip: Avoid lifting the lid once cooking starts—this releases heat and extends cook time.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and whether you’re using chicken breasts or thighs.

Set the temperature and time:

• On LOW: Cook for 6 to 7 hours

• On HIGH: Cook for 3 to 4 hours

Don’t overcook: Chicken should be tender and easy to shred but not dry. If using chicken breasts, check earlier as they cook faster and dry out more easily than thighs.

Check internal temperature: Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce and Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, it’s time to thicken and balance the sauce.

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board or in a bowl.

2. Shred using two forks or cut into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

3. Stir the sauce in the slow cooker to assess thickness.

To thicken (if needed):

• If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl.

• Stir this slurry into the sauce and cook on HIGH for 10–15 more minutes until thickened.

4. Return the shredded chicken to the thickened sauce and stir to coat.

Taste test: At this stage, taste your sauce and adjust seasoning:

• Add more soy sauce for saltiness

• A dash of lime juice or vinegar for brightness

• More chili paste or hot sauce for spice

• A drizzle of honey or brown sugar if it needs sweetness

Step 7: Serve Your Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Now it’s time to plate and serve.

Serving Options:

• Spoon over hot jasmine or basmati rice

• Serve with rice noodles or soba noodles

• Wrap in lettuce leaves or flatbreads for handheld servings

• Add a side of sautéed greens (bok choy, kale, or spinach) for contrast

Toppings (Choose Any or All):

• Chopped roasted peanuts for crunch

• Fresh cilantro or Thai basil for brightness

• Lime wedges for acidity

• Sliced green onions for freshness

• Sriracha or chili oil for extra heat

Presentation Tip: Add garnishes just before serving to preserve texture and color.

Step 8: Customize and Make It Your Own

This base recipe is versatile. Here are ways to change it up depending on your mood or dietary needs:

Make it Vegetarian:

• Replace chicken with cubed tofu or tempeh (add halfway through cooking to prevent over-softening).

• Use vegetable broth instead of meat-based stocks (if using any).

• Add bell peppers, zucchini, or baby corn in the last hour of cooking.

Make it Low-Carb or Keto:

• Serve over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini

• Use unsweetened peanut butter and skip the sugar or honey

Add More Vegetables:

• Add sliced carrots, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a complete one-pot meal

Spice Variations:

• Add a teaspoon of curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist

• Try hoisin sauce instead of brown sugar for an umami-rich sweetness

• Add a splash of fish sauce (if not vegetarian) for extra depth