Tender Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker peanut chicken that promises a flavor explosion.

Tender chicken pieces swim in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that melts in your mouth.

The aroma fills your kitchen with an irresistible warmth that draws everyone to the table.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory and nutty notes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinners transform into a delightful culinary adventure with minimal effort.

This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors directly to your home kitchen.

Prepare to savor a dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but add an extra 1-2 hours to cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the recipe gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully.

• What type of peanut butter works best?

Creamy, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal. Natural peanut butter without added sugar will provide the most authentic flavor and smooth sauce consistency.

• Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and provide more moisture. You could also use tofu for a vegetarian version.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken – Irresistible Qualities

• Slow cooker makes meal preparation a breeze, letting you toss ingredients and walk away while delicious aromas fill your kitchen.
• Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, this chicken dish appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, perfect for accommodating different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal cleanup and simple ingredients mean you'll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal with loved ones.

What Goes Into Peanut Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that absorbs the rich, savory flavors of the sauce.

• Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: A flavor-packed base that adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Peanut Butter: Provides a creamy, nutty base that thickens and enriches the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a flavorful liquid for cooking.
• Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty, umami element to balance the sauce.
• Honey: Brings a touch of sweetness to counteract the savory components.
• Sesame Oil: Introduces a distinctive nutty flavor characteristic of Asian cuisine.
• Chili Garlic Paste: Adds a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the sauce.
• Lime Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy finish to the dish.
• Cilantro: Offers a fresh, herbal garnish that complements the rich flavors.

Equipment List for Peanut Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for creating tender, flavorful chicken with minimal effort.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables like bell peppers and onions.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise vegetable and herb preparation.
• Mixing Bowl: Useful for combining sauce ingredients before pouring into slow cooker.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps stir in lime juice and cilantro at the end.

How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Veggie Base

Chop bell peppers and onions into bite-sized pieces.

Mince the garlic cloves finely.

Spread these colorful vegetables evenly across the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.

Step 2: Position Protein

Gently place chicken breasts directly on top of the vegetable layer.

Choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor.

Step 3: Craft Delicious Sauce

• Creamy peanut butter
• Savory chicken broth
• Rich soy sauce
• Sweet honey
• Nutty sesame oil
• Spicy chili garlic paste

Whisk these ingredients together until smooth and well-blended, creating a mouthwatering sauce that will infuse the chicken with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Drench and Cover

Pour the entire sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is generously coated.

Use a spoon or spatula to spread the sauce evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours.

The chicken will become tender and absorb all the delicious sauce flavors during cooking.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro.

This brightens the dish with a burst of freshness and adds a vibrant final layer of flavor.

Serve hot over rice or your favorite grain.

Peanut Chicken – Handy Hints and Shortcuts

• Layer bell peppers, onions, and garlic at the bottom for maximum flavor infusion and even cooking.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs sauce beautifully.
• Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent peanut butter clumping and ensure smooth, well-blended flavors.
• Adjust cooking time based on your schedule – high heat works for quick meals, low heat for more tender results.
• Add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice just before serving to brighten the dish's overall taste profile.

Change Up Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Flavors

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make the recipe celiac-friendly and safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Spicy Lover's Adaptation: Increase chili garlic paste or add fresh jalapeños for extra heat and bold flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap honey with sugar-free maple syrup and serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, maintaining the same cooking method and sauce ingredients for a plant-based protein alternative.

Serving Ideas for Peanut Chicken Dishes

• Cozy Dinner Companion: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious peanut sauce and create a complete meal.
• Garnish Galore: Sprinkle chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and extra cilantro on top for added crunch and fresh flavor complexity.
• Veggie Boost: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw to add more nutritional value and color to the plate.
• Spice It Up: Drizzle with extra chili garlic sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who love a bit more heat in their chicken dish.

How to Store Peanut Chicken

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring chicken remains fresh and flavorful.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Place chicken in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delicious slow cooker peanut chicken brings together succulent chicken and rich peanut sauce from West African cuisine. Hearty ingredients meld perfectly, delivering comfort and exciting flavors you can savor with rice or noodles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons (8 grams) cilantro, chopped

Vegetables:

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 large yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (128 grams) creamy peanut butter
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon (21 grams) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) chili garlic paste
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice

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Instructions

1. Arrange a colorful medley of bell peppers, onions, and minced garlic as a fragrant base in the slow cooker.
2. Gently nestle chicken breasts atop the vegetable foundation, ensuring even distribution.
3. Craft a luscious sauce by vigorously blending creamy peanut butter, savory broth, umami-rich soy sauce, golden honey, aromatic sesame oil, and zesty chili garlic paste until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Lavishly drench the chicken and vegetables with the prepared sauce, allowing the flavors to meld seamlessly.
5. Set slow cooker to HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, enabling the chicken to become tender and infused with complex flavors.
6. As the final flourish, brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice and sprinkle of vibrant cilantro just before serving, elevating the overall taste profile.

Notes

• Veggie Variety Experiment with different colorful bell peppers or add mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
• Protein Swap Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that absorbs the rich peanut sauce beautifully.
• Spice Control Adjust chili garlic paste to match your heat tolerance, starting with less and adding more gradually for perfect flavor balance.
• Meal Prep Friendly This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily portioned for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours (on High) or 5 hours (on Low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg