This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a warm and tasty dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy peanut sauce. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal with minimal effort!
I love how the chicken just falls apart after cooking all day. The sauce is so good that I sometimes find myself licking the spoon. Don’t judge me, it’s that delicious! 😂
Serve it over rice or with some veggies, and you’ve got a nice, wholesome dinner. Plus, it makes great leftovers for lunch the next day, which is always a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they cook well in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast would also work nicely.
Peanut Butter: You can use either creamy or chunky peanut butter. For a twist, try almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free. Make sure to choose a natural variety without added sugars for the best flavor.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds a savory kick. For lower sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. If you’re gluten-free, try tamari instead. Both will still give you that nice umami taste.
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but you can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option. Adjust the amount if you like it less sweet!
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh garlic and ginger create a great flavor base. You can use jarred versions if you’re short on time, but fresh yields the best taste.
Red Pepper Flakes: If you like some heat, keep the red pepper flakes! For a different flavor, try sriracha or chili paste instead. If you want it milder, simply leave them out.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Tender?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is fantastic for keeping it tender and flavorful. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Layer chicken and onions well in the slow cooker for even cooking.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours for the best results; avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry chicken.
For extra moisture, add a bit more chicken broth if you notice it’s too thick when stirring before serving. That way, the chicken will be juicy and covered in that tasty peanut sauce!
How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For Serving:
- Cooked white rice
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prep and then you can let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s perfect for a busy day—set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything together until smooth and well blended. This sauce will add lots of flavor to the chicken!
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Take the cut chicken pieces and place them in your slow cooker. Then, add the thinly sliced onion on top of the chicken. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and onion, making sure every piece of chicken is coated with that delicious sauce.
3. Add Chicken Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker as well. Give it a little stir to combine the sauce with the chicken, but don’t worry about mixing too much—just enough to spread the goodness around!
4. Set the Slow Cooker:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all those yummy flavors as it cooks.
5. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, give it a good stir to coat everything in the sauce again. Serve your delicious peanut chicken over a bed of cooked white rice and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch.
Enjoy this warm and flavorful dish with your family and friends!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just ensure they’re cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Both boneless and skin-on thighs work well!
What Can I Substitute for Peanut Butter?
If you need a peanut-free alternative, almond butter or sunbutter (sunflower seed butter) can work nicely. Just keep in mind that each will slightly alter the flavor, but the dish will still be delicious!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the slow cooker. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them with the chicken to ensure they cook through and absorb the sauce flavors.
