The aroma of slow cooker peanut chicken wafts through the house, inviting everyone to gather around the table. Imagine tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that dances on your taste buds and leaves you craving more.

This dish is perfect for cozy nights or when you simply want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s whip up this goodness together!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy slow cooker peanut chicken maximizes flavor while minimizing effort, making meal prep a breeze
- The creamy and savory sauce is irresistible, ensuring everyone will come back for seconds
- Visually stunning with its vibrant colors, it makes for an impressive dinner centerpiece
- Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts well to various dietary preferences
I served this slow cooker peanut chicken at a family gathering, and the compliments rolled in faster than I could serve it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts, adjusting based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh cloves for maximum flavor; garlic breath is optional.
Peanut Butter: Creamy or chunky works; just ensure it’s unsweetened for balance.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds richness; look for BPA-free cans for health benefits.
Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory notes beautifully.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice keeps everything bright and zesty; bottled juice just won’t cut it.
Chili Flakes: Adjust according to your spice tolerance; a little heat can elevate flavors wonderfully.
Green Onions: Chopped as a garnish at the end, they add freshness and color to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make slow cooker peanut chicken
Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming excess fat from 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—before transferring it to your slow cooker.
Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes until smooth and well combined.
Add Everything to Slow Cooker: Place chicken in the slow cooker and pour the luscious sauce over it. Ensure each piece is coated generously; this is where magic happens!
Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with forks.
Serve with Garnish: Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the pot before serving. Top with chopped green onions for that extra pop of flavor and color.
This delightful journey of flavors not only fills your home with warmth but also leaves you pleasantly satisfied. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare a dish that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen! Enjoy your slow cooker peanut chicken over rice or noodles for an unforgettable meal!
You Must Know
- Slow cooker peanut chicken is a game changer for busy weeknights
- The rich, nutty flavor combined with tender chicken creates a comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and even easier to enjoy
- Plus, the aroma wafting through your home will leave everyone hungry!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve mouthwatering slow cooker peanut chicken, first sear the chicken for extra flavor, then layer in your sauce ingredients while the chicken cooks.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap coconut milk for cream or add veggies like bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Using fresh ginger enhances flavor; it’s worth the extra effort
- Be cautious not to overcook, as chicken can dry out quickly
- Serve with rice or noodles to soak up that delicious sauce!
Sharing my first attempt at slow cooker peanut chicken brings back some laughs. My friends were skeptical at first, but watching them devour every bite was priceless!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for slow cooker peanut chicken?
Yes, but thaw it beforehand for better cooking results and safety.
What can I serve with slow cooker peanut chicken?
Rice, noodles, or steamed veggies pair beautifully with this dish’s rich flavors.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker peanut chicken?
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until tender.
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken
Indulge in the mouthwatering experience of slow cooker peanut chicken, where tender chicken meets a luscious and creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, enjoy a delightful meal that leaves everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 40 minute
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup creamy unsweetened peanut butter
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts, rinse under cold water, and pat dry.
- Sauté minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and chili flakes until smooth.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over it, ensuring an even coating.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.
- Shred the chicken in the pot before serving and top with chopped green onions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also substitute coconut milk with heavy cream or mix in vegetables like bell peppers for extra nutrition.







