Best Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Welcome to my latest culinary adventure, where I’ll share with you a dish that truly took my taste buds on a rollercoaster ride of delight- the Slow-Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken.

If you want easy Thai food right from home, you are in for a treat. I was eating this Slow-Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken with my family, and I kept saying, “This… this is good.”

It’s like it was getting better and better as I ate it. What a perfect test recipe!

I’ve had recipes like this in the past that are too heavy on the peanut butter or too spicy.

This one has the perfect blend of nuttiness, sweetness, and just a tiny bit of spice. It’s a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients meet the right balance of flavors.

Let’s get to the recipe, shall we?

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; Low- 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, bell peppers, garlic, soy sauce, honey, and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras: Try different nut butters for different tastes, or for whatever dietary needs you have
• Tip: Don’t add the peanut butter in too early! Also, don’t add peanuts to the slow cooker, they get soft and mushy, rather than adding a bit of crunch when it’s a topping

Best Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

What truly sets this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken apart is not just its incredible flavor, but also its simplicity and convenience.

This recipe is a testament to the beauty of slow cooking—throwing in all the ingredients into the cooker, setting the timer, and letting the appliance do its magic.

If you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling multiple tasks, or simply someone who appreciates the joy of coming home to a meal ready to be served, this dish is a lifesaver.

And isn’t it a blessing not to stand in front of the stove for 30 minutes right when you get home?

Slow cooker recipes mean you don’t have to slave away, you can get right to eating!

The prep work is minimal, and the slow cooker takes care of the rest, blending the flavors to perfection while you focus on your day.

Slow Cooker Directions

This slow cooker Thai Peanut chicken recipe is as simple as it gets- almost everything goes right into the pot from the start.

Add your chicken breasts, peppers, garlic, soy sauce (fish sauce), and everything else except for the peanut butter, peanuts, and cornstarch.

The peanut butter will be added in right at the end when the time is up, and the peanuts are a garnish you can use with green onions.

But the cornstarch is a key part at the end, the only part where you do any cooking. You’ll be making a slurry to thicken the peanut sauce.

Add the cornstarch and a bit of water to a bowl and whisk together until the starch fully dissolves. Then, add it to a small sauce pot/pan on medium heat.

You’ll take about 1/4 cup of the juices from the slow cooker and add them to the slurry, stirring and mixing everything until it gets bubbly and thick.

While it does this, you can shred the chicken if you want. I did that while making it so I’d have more bite-sized pieces.

Once the stovetop peanut sauce has thickened, you’ll add it back to the crock pot, give it a big mix, and cook for 10 minutes.

If it’s too thick, or you want to add in a bit of creaminess, you can use coconut milk to make it thinner and give a new flavor to the pot.

When you’re happy with the texture and taste, serve over rice or noodles with peanuts and some green onions on top for a complete and filling meal.

Lastly, leftovers are simple to store. This Thai food can be refrigerated for up to four days, or you can freeze and reheat it later for future meals.

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Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 4 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brittany Kline

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Ingredients

• 1.5 - 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 bell peppers red, orange or yellow sliced into thin strips
• 2 cloves of garlic mined or pressed
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or fish sauce
• 2 Tbsp honey or brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 Tbsp corn starch
• 1/4 cup peanuts chopped

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker (except peanut butter, peanuts, water and cornstarch)
• Cook on high for 4 hours (or medium for 6, low for 8)
• Add peanut butter to the slow cooker and mix in.
• In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch in the cold water.
• Add to a small sauce pan and heat over medium.
• Add about 1/4 cup of liquid from the slow cooker to the sauce pan and whisk until it becomes bubbly, thick and smooth.
• Place thickened liquid into the slow cooker and mix in well.
• Cook for another 10 minutes.
• Serve over rice and top with chopped peanuts and green onions.

Recipe Swaps

Another common curiosity revolves around the substitution of ingredients, particularly for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

There are many recipe substitutions you can make to change the dish for your own delight:

The Meat

Many often wonder whether this Thai Peanut Chicken recipe can be made with chicken breasts instead of thighs, and the answer is yes!

Chicken breasts can be a leaner option, though they might not be as tender. To ensure maximum flavor, it’s advisable to adjust cooking times accordingly.

For added protein or for meat substitutes, feel free to add some tofu or shrimp to the dish.

The Veggies

Thinking of adding more vegetables to your Thai peanut chicken for some added nutrition?

Bell peppers are very tasty in a creamy peanut sauce, but so are many other options!

Try adding some vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a change in texture and added flavors.

If you don’t have fresh veggies in the fridge, no problem! You can add frozen stir-fry vegetables or your favorite frozen veggie mix into the pot.

These can overcook quickly though, so only add them in for the last hour or less to make sure they cook properly.

The Peanut Butter

The traditional sauce and its unique taste come from creamy peanut butter- but it isn’t your only option if you’re not a fan or have a peanut allergy. 

Experiment with different nut butters for a unique twist on the recipe.

Almond butter serves as a great alternative to peanut butter, offering a slightly different but equally delicious taste profile.

Also, I did see a few recipes that used crunchy peanut butter- I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m guessing it would be the same as this recipe since we add peanuts in at the end.

If you want to make this all in one, you can try the crunchy peanut butter and skip adding the nuts later. If you try it, let me know what you think!

The Sauce (Seasoning)

This Thai peanut sauce is a bit sweet and tangy, but with the right seasonings, you can change it up to your liking.

I mentioned above that you can add coconut milk for a new taste and to thin out the sauce if it’s too thick- but I have other tips too!

For instance, an easy swap to reduce your salt intake is low-sodium soy sauce. Or if you want more sweetness, add brown sugar instead of honey.

Also, if you want it to be more savory, you can add more garlic and soy sauce (or fish sauce) and a little less peanut butter.

If you want a bit of spice, you can add chili sauce or more red pepper flakes to the crockpot when you add soy sauce, honey, etc.

The chili sauce mixes the best but start with a little since it’s a stronger flavor than the red pepper flakes.

Garnish with chopped peanuts, cilantro, and lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

The cilantro and lime will bring a brightness that complements the peanut sauce.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

If you like this recipe, you might be interested in this Thai peanut pork recipe or 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Using boneless chicken thighs can actually make the dish easier to eat and reduce cooking time slightly. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.

Is it possible to cook this recipe on high for a shorter period?

Yes, you can cook the Thai Peanut Chicken on high for approximately 3 to 4 hours.

However, cooking on low is recommended for the best flavor infusion and tenderness of the chicken.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No worries! This recipe can easily be adapted for the stovetop or an Instant Pot. For the stovetop, simmer the ingredients over low heat until the chicken is tender.

In an Instant Pot, you can pressure cook the dish for about 10 minutes with a natural release.

Then, you can add the slurry or coconut milk to thicken or thin the sauce to your liking.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Certainly! Substitute the chicken for tofu, tempeh, or additional vegetables such as broccoli and mushrooms.

Adjust cooking times as necessary to ensure that your chosen substitute is well-cooked and flavorful.

How long can I store the leftovers in the refrigerator?

Leftover Thai Peanut Chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. Always ensure it is fully cooled before refrigerating.

Can I freeze this dish for later?

Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in a microwave.

Can I make this dish like a stir-fry on the stove?

Yes, there are many variations of Thai peanut chicken, and stir-fry is a great way to cook it all in one pan.

I love a good noodle stir-fry, and I’d recommend using rotisserie chicken to make this recipe fast and easy.

You can cook your peppers with olive oil in a wok or deep pan and add shredded chicken and more veggies if you want them.

Then once everything is cooked, you can add the sauce ingredients and the noodles to make a stir-fry- all in one pan.

Serve in a bowl with the peanuts on top and some scallions, and squeeze some lime juice on top for a hearty dinner.

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is a perfect balance of flavors, making it an instant crowd pleaser.

With simple ingredients and minimal effort required, this dish is a no-brainer for busy nights or meal prep sessions.

Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy.

Give it a try and see for yourself why it’s become a household favorite! Happy cooking!

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