Tender Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

Heavenly Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Tender chicken drenched in a mouthwatering peanut sauce simmers to perfection in this slow cooker peanut chicken recipe that promises pure comfort.

The rich, creamy blend of flavors creates an irresistible meal that cuts through busy weeknight dinner challenges.

Aromatic spices dance with nutty undertones, infusing every bite with depth and satisfaction.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, allowing you to set and forget this delectable dish.

The slow cooking method ensures incredibly juicy chicken that falls apart with minimal effort.

Each spoonful delivers a harmonious balance of savory and slightly sweet notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor straight from your kitchen, making dinner both easy and impressive.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours (LOW) or 2-3 hours (HIGH)

Total Time: 4-5 hours

Calories: 532 kcal

Servings: 5

What’s Inside the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

For Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes wonderfully tender and absorbs the rich peanut sauce flavors during slow cooking.
For Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Bell Pepper, Onion, Garlic: Create a flavor-packed base that adds depth, sweetness, and aromatic complexity to the dish.
For Sauce Components:
  • Peanut Butter: Provides creamy richness and nutty depth that forms the signature flavor of the sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Helps create a silky, smooth sauce consistency while adding subtle savory notes.
  • Soy Sauce: Contributes essential umami and saltiness to balance the sauce's flavors.
  • Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce for a glossy finish.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a distinctive nutty aroma and authentic Asian-inspired flavor.
  • Chili Garlic Paste: Introduces a spicy kick and vibrant heat to the sauce.
For Finishing Touches:
  • Lime Juice: Brightens the entire dish with a fresh, tangy pop of acidity.
  • Cilantro: Provides a burst of herbal freshness and beautiful green color to complete the dish.

Tools for Making Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking chicken and blending flavors evenly.
  • Measuring Cup: Perfect for accurate liquid measurements.
  • Whisk: Helps blend peanut sauce ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and herbs.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for dicing bell peppers, onions, and chopping cilantro.
  • Bowl: Useful for mixing peanut sauce ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and serving the dish.

Easy Directions for Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

  • Slow Cooker Preparation

Layer bell peppers, onions, and garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a fragrant vegetable base that will infuse flavor into the chicken.

  • Sauce Creation

Blend peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste into a silky, rich sauce that will coat the chicken with tantalizing flavors.

  • Cooking Process

Gently pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, covering the meat and vegetables completely. Let the slow cooker work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal.

  • Final Touches

After the chicken is tender and fully cooked, brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice and sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a zesty, herbaceous kick.

  • Serving Suggestion

Dish out the succulent peanut chicken over fluffy rice or tender noodles, creating a delightful meal that will transport your taste buds to culinary bliss.

Tips to Upgrade Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Flavor

  • Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor and more tender meat.
  • Adjust chili garlic paste quantity to make the dish mild or extra fiery based on personal heat preference.
  • Replace peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for nut-free version or different taste profile.
  • Toss in additional vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or snap peas during last hour of cooking to increase nutritional value and texture variety.
  • Top finished dish with crushed peanuts, green onions, or sesame seeds for added crunch and visual appeal.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Family-Style

  • Rice Bed Delight: Spoon the tender peanut chicken over fluffy white or brown rice, letting the rich sauce seep into each grain for a mouthwatering meal experience.
  • Noodle Nest Presentation: Toss the chicken over warm rice noodles or soba noodles, creating a beautiful Asian-inspired dish that's both comforting and elegant.
  • Fresh Veggie Companion: Serve alongside steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp mixed green salad to balance the creamy peanut sauce and add nutritional variety.
  • Garnish Glamour: Sprinkle chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, or extra cilantro on top for added texture, crunch, and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Storing Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Properly

  • Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover peanut chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop, making each bite even more delicious when reheated gently.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Portion the cooled chicken into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. These meals can stay fresh for 2-3 months, perfect for quick future dinners.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook this recipe on weekends. Divide into individual portions for grab-and-go lunches that will keep you excited about healthy eating throughout the work week.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Warm the chicken slowly in a skillet or microwave with a splash of extra chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and keep the sauce smooth and appetizing.
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Tender Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 4-5 hours
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Comfort meets global cuisine in this slow cooker peanut chicken recipe, blending African and Asian flavor profiles. Home cooks can easily prepare this hearty dish with minimal effort, creating a rich and satisfying meal that delights all palates.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken breasts
  • ½ large yellow onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • ½ cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp chili garlic paste
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsps chopped cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prep Base: Distribute diced bell pepper, onion, and chopped garlic across slow cooker bottom to establish a robust flavor foundation.
  2. Position Protein: Nestle chicken breasts atop vegetable layer, ensuring uniform placement for consistent cooking.
  3. Craft Sauce: Whisk peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until achieving a silky, harmonious liquid that will infuse the dish with complex flavor profiles.
  4. Sauce Application: Pour peanut sauce comprehensively over chicken and vegetables, guaranteeing complete ingredient coverage within the slow cooker’s interior.
  5. Thermal Transformation: Secure lid and activate slow cooker at HIGH (2-3 hours) or LOW (4-5 hours) settings, allowing proteins to tenderize and flavors to meld seamlessly until chicken reaches optimal doneness.
  6. Final Flourish: Unveil lid and introduce fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro, gently integrating these vibrant accents to elevate the dish’s sensory experience.
  7. Serve Magnificently: Plate peanut chicken atop steamed rice or noodles, creating a sumptuous meal that promises both visual appeal and gustatory satisfaction.

Notes

  • Prep Ingredients Strategically: Dice vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
  • Layer for Maximum Flavor: Vegetable base creates aromatic foundation that infuses chicken with rich, complementary tastes during slow cooking process.
  • Sauce Whisking Technique: Combine sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent separation and achieve smooth, well-blended consistency that coats chicken perfectly.
  • Temperature and Timing Matters: Adjust slow cooker settings based on available time, understanding that low and slow cooking develops deeper, more complex flavors while maintaining chicken’s tenderness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-5 hours (LOW) or 2-3 hours (HIGH)
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 532
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 1080 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 93 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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