Name: Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-489297H20M3S
Total time: PT-489297H20M3S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk; 1/2 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (crunchy or creamy); 4 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); Chopped peanuts, for garnish; Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish; Cooked rice, rice noodles, or large lettuce leaves for serving

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with a touch of spice and incredible ease, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful). This recipe takes the best of Thai-inspired ingredients and slow-cooked tenderness to deliver a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. From luscious peanut sauce to perfectly cooked chicken that falls apart at the slightest touch, each bite bursts with the harmonious balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. It’s an absolute lifesaver for busy days and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients might sound daunting, but for this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful), simplicity is key. Each element brings something wonderful to the table—whether it’s creamy coconut milk adding silkiness, peanut butter providing that indulgent nuttiness, or fresh lime juice brightening up every bite. Together, they create a flavor profile that’s both approachable and vibrant.

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks to tender perfection in your slow cooker.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and depth for an ultra-juicy result.
Salt + freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors.
1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk: Provides creamy richness with a hint of tropical flavor.
1/2 cup unsweetened natural peanut butter (crunchy or creamy): The heart of the sauce, delivering bold peanut taste and luscious texture.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Adds aromatic pungency that balances sweetness.
3 tablespoons honey: Brings a gentle sweetness that rounds out the savory notes.
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce: Adds umami depth without overpowering the dish.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Infuses a zesty brightness that lifts the sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar: Offers subtle acidity to sharpen the overall flavor.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: Boosts authentic Thai flavor with a savory, salty edge.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste): Gives the dish just the right amount of kick.
Chopped peanuts (for garnish): Adds crunchy texture and extra nutty goodness on top.
Chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish): Brings a fresh herbal note that complements the rich sauce.
Rice, rice noodles, or lettuce leaves (for serving): Versatile bases to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful)

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by placing your boneless chicken breasts right into your slow cooker. Don’t forget to season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to make sure every bite is perfectly flavorful. Pour the chicken broth at the bottom—this will keep the chicken succulent and help it cook evenly. Cover and set your slow cooker to LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the meat to become irresistibly tender and easy to shred.

Step 2: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, remove it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces—that’s where the magic begins. Then, drain the liquid from the slow cooker and give it a quick wipe so your sauce can shine on its own. Return the shredded chicken to the now-empty slow cooker, ready for its flavorful makeover.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Peanut Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the creamy coconut milk, peanut butter, garlic, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is silky smooth. This sauce is where your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) truly comes to life with its blend of creamy, sweet, tangy, and savory sensations.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce

Pour the luscious sauce over your shredded chicken in the slow cooker and stir until every piece is beautifully coated. Cover and cook on LOW for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. This step lets the sauce thicken deliciously and the chicken absorb even more of those vibrant flavors—making every forkful a delight.

Step 5: Get Ready to Serve

When the sauce has thickened and the chicken is perfectly infused with flavor, it’s time to plate up. Serve your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) over fluffy rice, tender rice noodles, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and fun twist. Don’t forget to sprinkle those chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro on top for that final burst of texture and color.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful)

Garnishes

Garnishes are like the cherry on top, and here, they add an unforgettable crunch and pop of freshness. Chopped peanuts bring a delightful nutty texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Fresh cilantro adds vibrant green color and a herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. If you like an extra bit of heat, toss a pinch more of crushed red pepper flakes on as well.

Side Dishes

This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to sides. Classic steamed jasmine rice or fragrant brown rice make perfect beds to catch every drop of that amazing peanut sauce. Rice noodles offer a lighter, slurpy alternative with a chewy bite. For a low-carb or refreshing option, wrap the chicken in cool, crisp lettuce leaves for a finger-food experience that everyone will love.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make this meal feel extra special, try serving your Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) in lettuce cups garnished with sliced green onions and shredded carrots. Or, layer it inside warm pita pockets or flatbreads for a fun fusion twist. Another idea is to turn it into a loaded bowl with rice, steamed veggies, and a drizzle of extra peanut sauce for a colorful and satisfying meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as the dish rests, so it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

This chicken freezes beautifully! Portion the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, sealing tightly to avoid freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring often until heated through. If the sauce is too thick after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy during cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if thighs are bone-in to ensure tenderness.

Is there a substitute for fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce or prefer to avoid it, soy sauce or tamari works well as a substitute. You won’t get the exact same umami depth, but the dish will still be delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

The 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that’s warming but not overwhelming. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or omit it for no heat.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

To make a vegan version, swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative. The peanut sauce is already plant-based and packed with flavor.

What are some good toppings to add for extra texture?

Besides peanuts and cilantro, you could add chopped green onions, shredded carrots, sliced red bell peppers, or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for more crunch and color.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like settling in with a warm, cozy meal that feels special yet is effortless to prepare, and that’s exactly what you get with this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful). I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Once you taste those rich, layered flavors, it might just become your go-to comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken (Easy + Flavorful) Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 24 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes to 7 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is an easy, flavorful dish featuring tender shredded chicken cooked in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it combines classic Thai flavors of coconut milk, peanut butter, lime, and spices for a tasty, comforting meal that can be served over rice, noodles, or lettuce leaves.

Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Arrange the chicken breasts in a large slow cooker. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into chunks and shred with two forks. Drain the liquid from the slow cooker and wipe it out clean. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Prepare the Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, natural peanut butter, minced garlic, honey, low-sodium soy sauce, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the shredded chicken in the slow cooker. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring halfway through, until the sauce has thickened and everything is heated through.
Serve: Serve the peanut chicken hot over cooked white or brown rice, rice noodles, or inside large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and extra crushed red pepper flakes if desired for added heat and texture.

Notes

You can use crunchy or creamy peanut butter based on your preference for texture.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level.
For a lower calorie option, serve with lettuce leaves instead of rice or noodles.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.
Fish sauce can be omitted or substituted with soy sauce for a vegetarian variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 7 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Thai