Description
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with coconut milk, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. Perfect for a comforting dinner, it requires minimal prep and cooks low and slow to develop rich, delicious flavors. Serve over rice or noodles and garnish with green onions and chopped peanuts for added texture and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
To Serve
- Cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any visible fat and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add Aromatics and Spice: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the sauce thoroughly to combine, adjusting the consistency with additional coconut milk if necessary.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken pieces evenly in the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure all pieces are coated. Stir gently to distribute the sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or alternatively on high for 3-4 hours to ensure tender, juicy chicken infused with the peanut flavor. About 30 minutes before cooking time is complete, gently stir the mixture to incorporate flavors.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a serving platter, letting excess sauce drain back into the cooker. Drizzle remaining peanut sauce over the chicken, then garnish with chopped green onions and peanuts.
- Enjoy: Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your preferred spice level.
- If the sauce is too thick, add extra coconut milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups but ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased volume.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
