There is something truly comforting and irresistibly flavorful about this Cookbook Peanut Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a creamy, rich peanut sauce infused with a perfect blend of coconut milk, garlic, ginger, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes. This recipe is a dream come true for slow cooker lovers who want a fuss-free meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s a one-pot wonder that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner anyone will ask for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Recipe is so straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the dish’s unique flavor and smooth, creamy texture. From the hearty chicken thighs to the luscious peanut butter and vibrant spices, you’re only a few pantry staples away from a delectable meal.
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These bring juicy richness and stay tender through the slow cooking process.
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter: The star of the sauce, it gives that signature nutty creaminess balancing sweet and savory.
- 1 cup coconut milk: Adds silkiness and a subtle tropical flavor that perfectly complements the peanut butter.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce: Brings umami depth and salty goodness to brighten the sauce.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetens evenly to counterbalance the savory and spicy elements.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Injects a gentle tang, lifting all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil: Offers a rich, toasty aroma that enhances the overall taste profile.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a pungent bite that energizes the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated: Adds a spark of freshness and mild heat.
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Perfect for a hint of warmth; adjust to your spice preference.
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Gives a pop of color and fresh crunch at the end.
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish): Adds delightful texture and extra peanut flavor as a finishing touch.
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving): The best cozy base to soak up all that glorious peanut sauce.
How to Make Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs under cold water, then pat them dry carefully with paper towels. Taking the time to trim off any visible fat means your final dish will be cleaner and less greasy, letting the rich peanut sauce shine. Once cleaned, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. Then stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes for that perfect kick. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash more coconut milk will loosen it to just the right consistency to envelop every chicken piece lovingly.
Step 3: Cook Slowly to Perfection
Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker, spreading them out evenly so they cook uniformly. Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Stir gently with a spatula to mix, then cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking completes, give it one gentle stir to infuse all the flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once cooked, scoop the tender chicken out with a slotted spoon to drain any excess sauce. Arrange the chicken on your serving plate, then drizzle the remaining peanut sauce generously over the top. This gives the dish that glossy, mouthwatering finish that invites everyone to dig in.
How to Serve Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing this dish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and roasted peanuts adds not just a fresh burst of color but also a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy peanut sauce. These simple garnishes elevate the dish’s texture and visual appeal, making every bite a joy.
Side Dishes
This Cooker Peanut Chicken calls for a comforting starch to soak up all the rich, savory sauce. Fluffy steamed rice is a classic choice, but silky noodles – think rice noodles or even egg noodles – work just as well. For a veggie boost, try serving alongside sautéed greens or steamed broccoli to balance the richness with something fresh and light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken over a vibrant bed of cauliflower rice or toss it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. You can also turn this into a hearty bowl by adding shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and a drizzle of extra peanut sauce. The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — and it’s rare that you will — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will only deepen overnight, making for even tastier meals the next day. Just keep the sauce and chicken together to retain that silky texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Cooker Peanut Chicken, which is fantastic for meal prep. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to reintegrate the sauce smoothly. You can also microwave it on medium power, covered, in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of coconut milk or water to loosen it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and tenderness, chicken breasts will work if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind that they can dry out more easily, so check for doneness a bit earlier and consider slightly shorter cooking times.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a gentle spicy kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding less or more to suit your taste. If you prefer no heat, you can omit them entirely without losing the core flavor of the dish.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based version, swap the chicken for firm tofu or hearty vegetables like cauliflower and sweet potatoes. Make sure to use a vegan peanut butter and soy sauce, then cook as directed. The slow cooking brings out the flavors beautifully, even without meat.
What kind of peanut butter is best?
Creamy peanut butter is best for this recipe because it creates a smooth, rich sauce. Avoid chunky peanut butter as it alters the texture, although you can reserve some chopped peanuts for garnish to add crunch.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can simmer this peanut sauce and chicken gently on the stove over low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes, stirring frequently. It won’t have quite the same slow-cooked depth but will still be delicious and much faster.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that combines easy prep with unforgettable flavor, this Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s wonderfully versatile, light on effort, and deeply satisfying. So pull out your slow cooker, gather those simple ingredients, and get ready to wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you. You won’t regret it!
Print
Cooker Peanut Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Cooker Peanut Chicken is a delicious and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender boneless chicken thighs simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce made with coconut milk, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. Perfect served over rice or noodles and garnished with crunchy peanuts and green onions, it’s a comforting meal that requires minimal prep and hands-off cooking time.
Ingredients
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
Serving
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Trim off any visible fat and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- 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 fully blended.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes into the peanut sauce. Whisk again until everything is evenly incorporated. Adjust the thickness with more coconut milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine in slow cooker: Place the chicken pieces evenly into the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken ensuring all pieces are coated well. Gently stir with a spatula to mix.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, gently stir the chicken to redistribute the sauce.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a serving platter, allowing excess sauce to drain. Drizzle some of the remaining peanut sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for added crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred heat level or omit for a milder dish.
- If the sauce is too thick before cooking, add a bit more coconut milk to loosen it.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs tend to stay more moist in slow cooking.
