why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a fantastic dish that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter, savory chicken, and vibrant vegetables. It is perfect for busy individuals who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is not only simple but also offers a unique taste that can please a crowd. Whether you are prepping for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will make a memorable meal with very little effort. The slow cooker does most of the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

how to make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Making Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a straightforward process that anyone can tackle, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Follow these steps to create a beloved dish that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs chicken thighs
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
Cilantro (for garnish)

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Directions

Prepare the chicken: Begin by placing the chicken thighs into the slow cooker. You can use bone-in or boneless thighs, depending on your preference. They should be placed in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking.
Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth mixture. This will be the sauce that flavors your chicken. The peanut butter adds richness, while the soy sauce gives it a salty umami kick.
Pour the sauce over the chicken: Carefully pour the peanut butter sauce over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring that each piece of meat is well-coated. This step is vital as it allows the chicken to absorb all the tasty flavors throughout the cooking process.
Add vegetables: Next, chop the onion and bell pepper. Sprinkle them on top of the chicken and sauce mixture. The veggies not only add flavor but also bring a nice texture to the dish.
Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). During the cooking process, the chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavorful sauce.
Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, uncover the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the pot. This makes it easier to mix with the sauce and vegetables. Stir everything together to ensure that the flavors are well combined.
Serve: This dish is excellent over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles. The starch will soak up the delicious sauce and make every bite delightful. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation. The peanuts will add a nice crunch, while cilantro provides a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.

how to serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Serving Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is quite simple. Once you’ve prepared the dish as instructed, ladle the shredded chicken and sauce over your choice of rice or noodles. You can serve it in bowls, ensuring everyone gets an equal share of chicken, sauce, and veggies. Garnishing with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro adds color and texture to the dish.

You might also consider serving this dish with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side to complete a balanced meal. If you have guests, you can set up a make-your-own bowl station, allowing everyone to customize their portion with additional toppings like extra peanuts, cilantro, or even a squeeze of lime for added zest.

how to store Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

If you have leftovers (which is quite common due to its deliciousness!), you can store them in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool completely before sealing it up. Place the container in the refrigerator, where it will keep well for about 3-4 days.

To keep the meal longer, you can freeze the chicken. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it’s warm throughout.

tips to make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Choose the right cut: Chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe because they stay tender and juicy during the long cooking process. However, if you prefer, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can become dry.
Check the seasoning: Depending on your taste preferences, feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce or honey to get the right balance of sweet and savory. If you prefer a spicier version, add some red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha sauce.
Let it cook: Avoid the temptation to remove the lid while the chicken is cooking. Each time you lift the lid, heat escapes, which can extend the cooking time and affect the texture of the chicken.
Use a slow cooker liner: To make cleanup easier, consider using a slow cooker liner. This will save you time and effort cleaning up afterward.
Meal prepping: This chicken can also be prepared ahead of time. Mix the sauce and add it to the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the fridge. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and set it.

variation

While the classic recipe is fantastic as is, you can also experiment with different variations:

Add veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables such as carrots, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and color.
Peanut butter alternatives: If someone has a peanut allergy, consider using almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute.
Change the protein: For a different flavor, try substituting chicken with tofu for a vegetarian alternative or using shrimp, keeping in mind the cooking time will be shorter.
Spicy version: If you enjoy spicy food, add diced jalapeños or a few tablespoons of chili paste to the sauce to give it an extra kick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. Just make sure they are cooked thoroughly. Slow cooking from frozen might increase the cooking time slightly.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
- You can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. Each will give a different flavor, but it will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients, and you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I make it lighter in calories?
- You can use light peanut butter and reduce the amount of honey or soy sauce. You could also serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Can I leave it on warm until ready to eat?
- It’s best to avoid leaving the chicken on warm for an extended period. However, if you need to, just make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Now you have all the details to prepare an incredible meal of Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken. Enjoy each savory bite, whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a lively gathering with friends!

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Author: everly
Total Time: 495 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy dish featuring chicken thighs simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vibrant vegetables, perfect for busy individuals.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs chicken thighs
1 cup peanut butter
1 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
1 onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
1/2 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
Cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Begin by placing the chicken thighs into the slow cooker in a single layer.
Mix the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth.
Pour the sauce over the chicken and ensure each piece is well-coated.
Add vegetables: Chop the onion and bell pepper, and sprinkle them on top.
Cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Shred the chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot and stir to combine.
Serve: Ladle the shredded chicken and sauce over rice or noodles, garnishing with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Use chicken thighs for tenderness, and feel free to adjust the seasoning to taste.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: slow cooker, peanut chicken, easy recipe, dinner, family meal