Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken (Print)

Tender chicken in rich creamy peanut sauce with vibrant vegetables, slow-cooked to perfection for an easy comforting meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.3 pounds)
02 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
05 - 1 yellow onion, sliced
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 medium carrot, sliced

→ Peanut Sauce

09 - 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
10 - 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1/4 cup chicken broth
12 - 2 tablespoons honey
13 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus additional for serving
15 - 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
16 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Garnishes and Serving

17 - 2 tablespoons chopped roasted peanuts
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
19 - Fresh lime wedges
20 - Steamed jasmine rice for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
02 - Arrange the sliced red bell pepper, yellow onion, carrot, minced garlic, and grated ginger evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker insert.
03 - Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetable layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
04 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, sriracha (if using), and sesame oil until completely smooth and well combined.
05 - Evenly pour the prepared peanut sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.
06 - Cover with the lid and cook on low setting for 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender, easily pulls apart, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks or cut into large chunks. Stir the sauce thoroughly in the slow cooker, then return the shredded chicken and mix well to coat evenly in the sauce.
08 - Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnished generously with chopped roasted peanuts, fresh cilantro, and additional lime wedges for squeezing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The creamy peanut sauce develops incredible depth after hours of slow cooking
  • Set it in the morning and come home to dinner thats ready to serve
  • That perfect balance of salty, sweet, and nutty keeps everyone coming back for seconds
02 -
  • The sauce will look thin when you first pour it in but thickens beautifully as it cooks
  • Stirring halfway through helps prevent any sticking and ensures even cooking
  • Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving so the sauce clings to the chicken
03 -
  • Natural peanut butter can separate, so give it a really good stir before measuring
  • If the sauce seems too thick after cooking, thin it with warm broth one tablespoon at a time

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