Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a delicious, hearty, and flavorful dish that takes minimal effort to prepare and results in tender, juicy chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the aromatic flavors, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, feeding your family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

The creamy peanut sauce is made with simple pantry ingredients and is elevated with a blend of Thai-inspired flavors like coconut milk, soy sauce, lime, and a hint of heat from chili paste. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to meld together, while the chicken becomes perfectly tender and flavorful. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Mouthwatering Peanut Sauce: The creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce is the star of this dish, providing rich, savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and heat.
• Hands-off Cooking: This is a slow cooker recipe, which means minimal preparation and a fully cooked meal ready to serve by the end of the day. Just add the ingredients, set the slow cooker, and walk away.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures that the chicken turns out incredibly tender and infused with all the flavors of the peanut sauce.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the spice level to suit your preferences and add vegetables or other ingredients to enhance the dish even further.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe can be made in advance and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it an ideal option for meal prepping.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (includes slow cooking time)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low setting)
• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 10-12g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 1-2g
• Sugar: 4-6g

Ingredients

For the Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, based on preference)
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat or light)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or honey for a healthier alternative)
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste (adjust based on spice preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced)
• 1 teaspoon chili paste (or sriracha for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for added flavor)
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
• Optional: 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for extra tang)

Special Equipment

While the ingredients are simple, there are a few pieces of equipment that will help ensure the recipe turns out just right:

1. Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe. It’s large enough to fit the chicken breasts and all the ingredients comfortably, allowing the chicken to cook evenly.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for the peanut sauce and seasonings. Using standard measuring cups and spoons ensures the right balance of flavors.
3. Mixing Bowl: For mixing the peanut sauce ingredients together before adding them to the slow cooker, a medium-sized mixing bowl will be ideal.
4. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife is necessary for mincing garlic, ginger, and cilantro. A good cutting board will help keep your workspace clean and safe.
5. Tongs or Forks: After the chicken is cooked, you’ll want to shred it, and tongs or forks will be helpful to pull the chicken apart easily.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Peanut Sauce

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, red curry paste, minced garlic, ground ginger, chili paste, and sesame oil. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The peanut butter should melt into the coconut milk and other liquids, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed by adding more lime juice for acidity, sugar for sweetness, or chili paste for heat.

2. Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s important to use boneless, skinless chicken pieces for this recipe to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and shreds easily at the end.

3. Pour the Peanut Sauce Over the Chicken

Once the peanut sauce is prepared, pour it over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated with the sauce. Make sure the sauce covers the chicken evenly for maximum flavor infusion during the cooking process.

4. Cook the Chicken

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. The low setting allows the chicken to cook slowly and absorb all the flavors from the peanut sauce, becoming tender and juicy. Do not open the lid during the cooking process, as this will release heat and extend the cooking time.

5. Shred the Chicken

After 6 hours of cooking, the chicken should be fully cooked and very tender. Use tongs or forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The chicken will easily fall apart, allowing it to absorb even more of the flavorful peanut sauce. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to combine.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is shredded and well-coated in the peanut sauce, it’s ready to be served. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added crunch and flavor. Serve the dish with your favorite side dishes, such as jasmine rice, steamed vegetables, or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the peanut sauce.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red curry paste and chili paste or omit them altogether. For those who love spice, feel free to add extra chili paste or even a dash of sriracha.
• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: While chicken breasts work great in this recipe, chicken thighs will provide an even juicier, more flavorful result. They hold up well to slow cooking and are less likely to dry out.
• Make it Gluten-Free: To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce. Ensure the peanut butter you use is also gluten-free.
• Add Vegetables: You can easily incorporate vegetables into this dish by adding carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. These vegetables will soak up the flavors of the peanut sauce and provide additional texture.
• Adjust Sweetness: The brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness, but you can substitute it with honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetener. Adjust the sweetness to your taste.

Variations of Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Thai Peanut Chicken Stir-Fry: If you prefer a stir-fry version of this dish, cook the chicken and peanut sauce separately, then stir-fry the chicken with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and snap peas. Drizzle the peanut sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables for a lighter, fresh version.
• Thai Peanut Chicken Salad: For a refreshing twist, shred the cooked chicken and serve it on a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, carrots, and cilantro. Drizzle with extra peanut sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts for a crunchy, satisfying salad.
• Spicy Peanut Chicken: Add more chili paste or sriracha to the peanut sauce if you like your dishes extra spicy. You can also sprinkle red pepper flakes over the top before serving for an additional kick.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this dish. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before adding it to the slow cooker.

Storage and Shelf Life

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The dish will stay fresh, and the flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more flavorful the next day.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken can be stored for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Pair this delicious dish with complementary sides to complete the meal:

• Jasmine Rice: Fragrant jasmine rice is the perfect side to soak up the creamy peanut sauce and balance out the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve with lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy and flavorful addition.
• Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar adds a refreshing, tangy contrast to the richness of the peanut sauce.
• Roti or Naan: Serve with Indian-style flatbread like roti or naan for dipping into the peanut sauce and adding some extra texture to the meal.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is an easy-to-make, flavorful, and comforting dish that will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation. With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a rich, savory, and slightly spicy dish without much effort. The tender chicken and creamy peanut sauce are a perfect pairing, and the dish is versatile enough to serve with various sides, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or meal prepping. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a potluck, this dish will impress with its incredible flavors. Enjoy the richness of Thai-inspired cuisine right from the comfort of your home!