Description
Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with savory soy, sweet honey, and zesty lime. This comforting recipe combines bold, nutty flavors with a hint of spice and brightness, making it perfect for a hands-off weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Chopped peanuts (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, chicken broth or water, sesame oil, and lime juice if using. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add to slow cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring they are well coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice as desired. Spoon the peanut sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish and enjoy: Sprinkle chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro over the top if desired. Serve with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a juicier result.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on desired spice level.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Leftover peanut chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If the sauce is too thick at the end, thin it with a little water or chicken broth before serving.
