Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken (Print Layout)
Tender chicken in rich, creamy peanut sauce with vegetables. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.3 pounds)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 yellow onion, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 medium carrot, sliced
→ Peanut Sauce
09 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
10 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
13 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon lime juice (plus additional for serving)
15 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional, for heat)
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Garnishes
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Lime wedges
20 - Steamed jasmine rice, for serving (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Rub chicken thighs thoroughly with salt and black pepper on all sides to ensure even seasoning.
02 - Layer sliced bell pepper, onion, carrot, minced garlic, and grated ginger evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Arrange seasoned chicken thighs directly on top of the vegetable bed.
03 - Combine peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sriracha (if desired), and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Whisk vigorously until completely smooth and well incorporated.
04 - Pour the prepared peanut sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover with lid and cook on low setting for 5 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board. Using two forks, shred meat or cut into large chunks. Return chicken to slow cooker, stir sauce thoroughly to combine, and mix until chicken is evenly coated.
06 - Plate hot peanut chicken over steamed jasmine rice if desired. Top generously with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and additional lime wedges for squeezing.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The peanut sauce develops this incredible depth after hours of slow cooking that you just cannot achieve on the stovetop
- It is one of those rare dinners where the house smells absolutely amazing all day long but the actual work takes maybe fifteen minutes
02 -
- The sauce will look thin when you first pour it in but thickens beautifully as it cooks and reduces
- Stirring halfway through is not necessary but redistributing the vegetables helps them cook evenly
03 -
- If your sauce looks separated after cooking, just whisk it vigorously and it will come back together beautifully
- Make a double batch of the sauce and freeze half for next time, it thaws perfectly