Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy peanut sauce, and a hint of sweetness and spice. It’s one of those meals where the slow cooker does all the work, letting the chicken soak up that rich peanut flavor while slowly cooking to perfection.
I love making this recipe because it’s so hands-off, but the result feels like you’ve spent hours fussing over it. The peanut sauce is creamy and a little nutty, and I usually add a splash of lime or a pinch of chili flakes depending on how zesty I’m feeling that day. It makes the kitchen smell amazing while it cooks, which is always a good sign!
My favorite way to enjoy this is over a bed of steamed rice with some fresh veggies on the side—cucumber or carrot slices add a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the silky chicken. It’s great for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without a lot of effort or cleanup.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer thighs here because they stay juicy after slow cooking, but breasts work fine too if you want a leaner option. Just keep an eye on cooking time to avoid drying out.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter blends best in the sauce and gives that smooth texture. Natural peanut butter works great, but avoid the crunchy kind for this recipe.
Coconut Milk: This adds creaminess and a subtle sweetness. Full-fat coconut milk gives the richest flavor, but you can use light coconut milk for fewer calories.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Tamari is my go-to if you need gluten-free. It brings salty umami depth to the sauce. Low-sodium versions keep the salt balanced.
Honey or Brown Sugar: These add a nice touch of sweetness to balance the peanut and savory flavors. Maple syrup is a good alternative if you prefer a vegan option.
Chili Garlic Sauce (Optional): Adds a gentle kick and depth. Feel free to skip or swap with sriracha or fresh chopped chili according to your spice level.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Doesn’t Dry Out?
Slow cooking chicken can sometimes dry it out, especially breast meat. Here’s how to keep it tender:
- Use bone-in thighs if possible—they stay juicier but trim extra fat if you’d like.
- Cut chicken into even bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Cook on low heat for longer (4-6 hours) rather than high heat. This gentle cooking keeps moisture in.
- Avoid overcooking by checking the chicken once it hits the 4-hour mark.
- Keep the sauce covering the chicken well; the liquid protects it during cooking.
Following these tips will give you tender, flavorful chicken that melts in your mouth every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I love using a slow cooker because it does all the work and keeps the chicken tender.
- Whisk – makes mixing the sauce ingredients smooth and easy.
- Medium bowl – for combining the sauce ingredients before pouring.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy in your flavorful mix.
- Serving bowls and spoons – for presenting the chicken over rice and garnishing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for shrimp or tofu for different protein options that soak up the sauce well.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or spinach to boost nutrition and add crunch or freshness.
- Mix in a teaspoon of curry powder or chili flakes for an extra layer of spice and warmth.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or a squeeze of lime for a bright, tangy finish.
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (about 700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (natural or smooth)
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce or sriracha (optional, adjust for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or jasmine rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep. Cooking in the slow cooker will take around 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. It’s mostly hands-off cooking, giving you plenty of time to relax or prepare sides.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into your slow cooker. This is the base for your delicious peanut chicken.
2. Mix the Peanut Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar (or lime juice), grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, chili garlic sauce (if using), and cumin. Mix until you get a smooth, creamy sauce.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece is well coated with that tasty sauce.
4. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Your chicken should be tender and soaked with the peanut flavors by the end.
5. Final Touches:
Give the chicken a gentle stir to mix it well with the sauce. Taste and add salt and pepper if you want. It’s your dish, so make it just right!
6. Serve and Garnish:
Serve the warm peanut chicken over steamed white or jasmine rice. Sprinkle chopped roasted peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for a crunchy, fresh finish.
7. Optional Extras:
Add a squeeze of fresh lime or serve with steamed vegetables for a bright, healthy touch.
Enjoy the simple, tasty Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken that’s perfect for any night when you want a comforting meal without fuss!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for faster thawing. This ensures even cooking and food safety.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan or Vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, and use tamari or soy sauce with a splash of vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if needed. The peanut sauce works great with plant-based proteins!
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate. Simply cook as directed the next day, adding some extra time if starting with cold ingredients.
How Should I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. Add a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce thickens too much.
