Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken Dinner

This hearty Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken has become my go-to solution for busy weeknights when I crave something deeply satisfying with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken bathed in a rich Thai-inspired peanut sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal with just minutes of prep time.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I had no time to cook, and it's now requested at least twice a month by my family. The way the kitchen fills with that nutty aroma as it cooks always signals good things are coming.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts provide the perfect protein base and cook beautifully in the slow cooker. For even more flavor and moisture you can substitute chicken thighs.
• Red bell peppers add natural sweetness and bright color to balance the rich sauce. Any color bell pepper works well here.
• Yellow onion and garlic create the aromatic foundation that infuses the entire dish with savory depth.
• Natural peanut butter forms the creamy base of our sauce. I recommend versions with minimal ingredients for the purest flavor.
• Chicken broth thins the sauce to the perfect consistency while adding savory notes.
• Soy sauce introduces that essential umami element that makes the sauce irresistible.
• Honey balances the savory elements with just enough sweetness to round out the flavor profile.
• Sesame oil brings its distinctive nutty aroma that's essential for authentic Asian flavor.
• Chili garlic paste adds a pleasant warmth without overwhelming spiciness. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish with acidity that cuts through the richness.
• Chopped cilantro provides a fresh herbal note that completes the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create Your Vegetable Base

Spread the diced bell pepper onion and garlic across the bottom of your slow cooker creating an aromatic foundation. This vegetable layer prevents the chicken from sticking while infusing it with flavor as everything cooks together.

Position The Protein

Place your chicken breasts directly on top of the vegetable layer ensuring they're evenly spaced. The chicken will absorb flavors from both the vegetables below and the sauce you'll pour over top.

Prepare The Peanut Sauce

Whisk together peanut butter chicken broth soy sauce honey sesame oil and chili garlic paste in a bowl until completely smooth. Take your time here as properly emulsified sauce will coat everything beautifully as it cooks.

Slow Cook To Perfection

Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing all those complex flavors.

Finish With Brightness

Once cooking is complete stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro to brighten all the flavors. This final touch transforms the dish from good to exceptional.

Bookmark

The peanut sauce in this recipe reminds me of a dish I tried years ago at a small Thai restaurant in Chicago. The owner shared that the secret to great peanut sauce is balancing sweet salty and acidic elements just right. I've spent years perfecting this balance and believe this version finally captures that elusive restaurant quality.

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. For a spicier version double the chili garlic paste or add a drizzle of sriracha before serving. If you prefer a milder profile simply reduce the amount of chili paste. My family enjoys it somewhere in the middle with just enough heat to notice but not so much that it overwhelms the other flavors.

Storage Tips

The flavors in this peanut chicken actually improve overnight making leftovers something to look forward to. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled so add a splash of broth when reheating to restore its creamy consistency. For longer storage freeze portions in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Perfect Pairings

This peanut chicken creates a complete meal when served over fluffy jasmine rice which soaks up the incredible sauce. For a lower carb option try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. I love adding a side of quick pickled cucumbers for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. For special occasions I top the finished dish with crushed peanuts toasted sesame seeds and extra cilantro creating layers of texture and flavor that elevate this simple slow cooker recipe to dinner party status.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this dish nut-free?

Yes! Replace the peanut butter with seed butter, like sunflower seed butter or tahini. These alternatives will provide a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor profile while keeping the dish completely nut-free.

→ What proteins can I substitute for chicken?

This versatile dish works well with several protein options. Try shrimp or steak bites for other meat options. For vegetarian alternatives, baked tofu or vegan 'chicken' products work beautifully with the peanut sauce.

→ How can I make this on the stovetop instead?

Sauté the chicken and vegetables in an oiled skillet until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate. Make the peanut sauce in the empty skillet, heat through, then return the chicken and vegetables to the pan. Toss to combine, add lime juice and cilantro before serving.

→ What sides pair well with peanut chicken?

Serve the peanut chicken over jasmine rice, coconut rice, rice noodles, or udon noodles for a complete meal. Complement with vegetable sides like steamed broccoli, carrots, or a refreshing cucumber salad to balance the rich sauce.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftover peanut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

For a creamier sauce, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream toward the end of the cooking time. This addition will create an even more luxurious texture while complementing the Thai-inspired flavors.