Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that is bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, rich peanut sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served over rice, noodles, or with fresh vegetables, making it a great choice for families and gatherings alike.

This article will guide you through every step of making Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken, providing tips, variations, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive into the world of Thai flavors and discover how to create this delightful dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken. If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat. For chicken breasts, you can leave them whole or cut them into chunks, depending on your preference for serving.

1. Season the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken with salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the meat as it cooks.

Step 2: Make the Peanut Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• Coconut milk: This will create the creamy base of the sauce.
• Peanut butter: Adds richness and flavor.
• Soy sauce: For saltiness and depth.
• Honey: To balance out the saltiness and add sweetness.
• Red curry paste: Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Minced garlic and grated ginger: For aromatic flavor.
• Lime juice: Adds brightness to the sauce.

Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more coconut milk or water if you prefer a thinner sauce.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
3. Stir: Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time will make the chicken more tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is complete, check that the chicken is fully cooked and tender. It should easily shred with a fork. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

1. Return the Chicken to the Sauce: Once shredded, return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce to combine.

Step 6: Prepare to Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more lime juice for brightness, soy sauce for saltiness, or honey for sweetness.
2. Cook Rice or Noodles: Prepare your choice of rice or noodles according to package instructions. This will serve as the base for your Thai peanut chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Now that your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is ready, it’s time to serve! Here are some suggestions for serving this delicious dish:

1. Over Rice: Serve the shredded chicken and sauce over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
2. With Noodles: For a noodle dish, toss the chicken and sauce with cooked rice noodles or spaghetti. This creates a delightful pasta-style dish with a Thai twist.
3. In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves, garnished with peanuts and herbs. This makes for a fresh and crunchy appetizer or meal.
4. Topped with Fresh Ingredients: Garnish each serving with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture. Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.

Flavor Variations

While the base recipe is delicious, feel free to get creative with the flavors! Here are some variations you can try:

1. Add Vegetables: You can add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and color. Simply chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them at the beginning with the chicken.
2. Use Different Proteins: While chicken is the star of this dish, you can also use pork, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks much faster than chicken.
3. Spice Level: If you like your dishes spicy, add more red curry paste or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For milder flavors, reduce the amount of curry paste.
4. Nut Variations: If you’re not a fan of peanuts, you can substitute cashew butter for a different nutty flavor or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

Nutritional Benefits

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits:

1. Protein-Packed: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
2. Healthy Fats: Peanut butter contains healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower bad cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
3. Vitamins and Minerals: Coconut milk is rich in vitamins C, E, and B vitamins, while lime juice provides vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
4. Fiber-Rich: When served with brown rice or whole-grain noodles, this dish can be a good source of dietary fiber, promoting digestive health.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prep! Here are some tips for storing and reheating your Thai peanut chicken:

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
3. Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce thickens, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it.

Pairing Suggestions

To make your meal complete, consider pairing your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken with these options:

1. Side Dishes:
   • Crispy Asian Slaw: A crunchy salad made with cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the chicken.
   • Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, bok choy, or green beans can add color and nutrition to your plate.
   • Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls with shrimp or vegetables make for a light and tasty appetizer.
2. Beverage Pairings:
   • Thai Iced Tea: The sweet and creamy flavors of Thai iced tea complement the spiciness of the dish beautifully.
   • Light Beer: A light lager or wheat beer can balance the rich flavors of the peanut sauce.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that will impress family and friends alike. Its combination of tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and a burst of fresh toppings makes it a standout meal for any occasion. With a few simple steps and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy this delicious dish any night of the week.

Whether you serve it over rice, toss it with noodles, or enjoy it in lettuce wraps, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy the rich flavors of Thailand right at home!

Yield: 4-6

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

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If you're looking for a meal that is bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken. This dish combines tender chicken with a creamy, rich peanut sauce, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It's a versatile recipe that can be served over rice, noodles, or with fresh vegetables, making it a great choice for families and gatherings alike.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (red, yellow, or green)
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and well combined.

2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:

• Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated.
• Add the sliced bell pepper and carrots on top of the chicken and sauce.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Shred the Chicken:

• Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in the sauce.

5. Serve:

• Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for added crunch.

Notes

• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.
• Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. You can also add Sriracha or chili paste for extra heat.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
• Freezing: The Thai peanut chicken can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing after cooking, store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.