Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Description

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Looking for an easy, hands-off dinner that’s packed with flavor? Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is just what you need! With its Thai-inspired peanut sauce, this dish is tender, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and a few hours later, you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal. Serve it over a bed of rice, noodles, or steamed veggies, and enjoy the bold flavors of this rich, savory dish!

1.5 lb chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped
½ cup peanut butter
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili garlic paste
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

Directions:
1. Add veggies to slow cooker, top with chicken.
2. Whisk sauce ingredients, pour over chicken.
3. Cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours.
4. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Enjoy!

Prep Time: 5 mins
Kcal: 439 per serving

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these detailed instructions for perfect Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken every time.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the red bell pepper and yellow onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Chop the cilantro and measure out the lime juice.
2. Layer the Base: Place the diced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic in the bottom of your slow cooker insert.
3. Add the Protein: Lay the 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts evenly on top of the vegetable layer.
4. Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until completely smooth and emulsified.
5. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Finish the Dish: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the pot. Stir in the fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro until fully incorporated.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with several bases and sides. For a classic meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine or white rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Rice noodles or soba noodles also make an excellent, hearty base. For a low-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a side of steamed broccoli. Garnish with extra chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, a squeeze of lime, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.

How-to Summary

Layer diced veggies and chicken in the slow cooker. Whisk together a savory peanut sauce from peanut butter, broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili paste. Pour sauce over contents and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in fresh lime juice and cilantro before serving over your chosen base.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They may require a slightly longer cooking time and will result in an even richer, more tender dish.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of chili garlic paste to your taste, or add a diced fresh chili pepper like a jalapeño or Thai bird’s eye chili when adding the other vegetables.

Is there a substitute for soy sauce to make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Coconut aminos are another great gluten-free option, though they are slightly sweeter.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. You can whisk the sauce ingredients together and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking chicken breasts on LOW for longer than 5-6 hours can make them dry and stringy. Stick to the recommended times.
• Not Whisking the Sauce Smoothly: Failing to fully combine the peanut butter with the liquids can lead to a separated, greasy sauce. Whisk thoroughly until completely smooth.
• Adding Lime Juice Too Early: Stirring in the fresh lime juice at the end preserves its bright, acidic flavor. Adding it at the beginning will cause the flavor to cook out and become muted.
• Using “Natural” Peanut Butter: Avoid runny or oily natural peanut butters that separate, as they can affect the sauce consistency. A standard, creamy peanut butter works best.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is the ultimate solution for a flavorful, satisfying meal with minimal effort. By combining simple ingredients and letting the slow cooker work its magic, you create a dish that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Its rich, savory-sweet sauce and tender chicken guarantee it will become a regular in your weekly dinner rotation. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of Thai-inspired comfort with ease.