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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Category: Restaurant-Quality Entrées at Home

This comforting slow-cooked dish features tender chicken simmered in a creamy, nutty peanut sauce enriched with ginger, garlic, and a splash of lime. Coconut milk adds extra richness, while sliced red bell pepper introduces subtle sweetness and color. The sauce melds sweet and savory notes thanks to honey, brown sugar, and savory soy sauce. Finished with fresh cilantro and roasted peanuts for crunch, this meal pairs perfectly with steamed rice and lime wedges. Enjoy a warming family favorite that comes together easily and delivers plenty of flavor with every bite!

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Sandra
By Sandra Sandra
Updated on Fri, 11 Jul 2025 19:04:44 GMT
A bowl of food with rice and meat. Pin
A bowl of food with rice and meat. | howtogourmet.com

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of ginger, garlic, and lime while transforming simple chicken breasts into a tender dish coated in rich peanut sauce. I turn to this recipe on busy nights when I crave takeout flavors without leaving home. Serve it over a bowl of jasmine rice for a comforting dinner everyone will want again.

The first time I served this chicken, my husband was convinced I had ordered from our favorite Thai spot. Now it is my go to option for stress free weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump pieces without added water for the most flavor
  • Creamy peanut butter: Use natural or standard brands depending on preference for sweetness
  • Soy sauce: Go for low sodium varieties for less salt
  • Rice vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness Look for clear Japanese style vinegar
  • Chicken broth: Use homemade or a good quality store bought broth
  • Honey or brown sugar: Adds sweetness and balances out the tang I use whatever I have on hand
  • Garlic minced: Fresh garlic makes a world of difference
  • Fresh ginger grated: Adds warm spice and freshness Use a spoon to peel and a microplane to grate
  • Lime juice: Freshly squeezed if possible for the best acidity
  • Crushed red pepper flakes: Brings gentle heat Add more if you like it spicy
  • Salt and black pepper: Season to taste after adding soy sauce
  • Coconut milk: Go for full fat for richer sauce Light is fine for a lighter version
  • Large red bell pepper: Look for glossy peppers with firm skin for freshness
  • Chopped fresh cilantro: Brings color and herby lift
  • Chopped roasted peanuts: For crunch and a nutty bite Dry roasted or unsalted work well
  • Cooked white or jasmine rice: Fragrant jasmine rice is my favorite pairing
  • Lime wedges: Gives an extra zing to the final dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Arrange boneless skinless chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker ensuring even cooking
Make the Peanut Sauce:
In a medium bowl blend creamy peanut butter soy sauce rice vinegar chicken broth honey or brown sugar minced garlic grated ginger lime juice optional crushed red pepper flakes and a pinch of salt and pepper Mix until smooth for a cohesive sauce
Coat and Assemble:
Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts turning them if needed so every piece gets coated Add coconut milk and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the slow cooker and gently stir to distribute
Slow Cook to Perfection:
Set the slow cooker to low for five to six hours or high for three to four hours Let the chicken become tender and fully cooked absorbing the flavors
Shred and Stir:
Once cooked carefully take the chicken out and shred with two forks to achieve bite sized pieces Return it to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly so the sauce clings to every strand
Serve and Garnish:
Spoon the peanut chicken over fluffy rice Top with fresh chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts Serve alongside lime wedges for extra citrus brightness
A bowl of food with rice and meat. Pin
A bowl of food with rice and meat. | howtogourmet.com

You Must Know

  • Naturally dairy free thanks to coconut milk
  • Great source of protein and satisfies for hours
  • Easily adaptable for gluten free diets using tamari

Every bite of this dish reminds me of the first time my youngest piled her plate high asking for more peanuts and sauce I always make extra for leftovers since it tastes even better the next day

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The flavors deepen overnight making it a treat for lunch I like to reheat gently in a covered pan with a splash of extra broth to revive the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Swap chicken breasts for boneless thighs for extra juiciness
  • Use almond butter in place of peanut butter for a different nutty note
  • Tamari or coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for gluten free needs
  • Sriracha or a fresh chili can be stirred in for added spice

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with jasmine or basmati rice and pile on extra cilantro and peanuts
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side bring color and crunch making the meal more balanced
  • Try it wrapped in a lettuce leaf for a lighter twist
A bowl of food with rice and meat. Pin
A bowl of food with rice and meat. | howtogourmet.com

Cultural Context

Peanut sauces are common in Southeast Asian cuisine blending nuts with aromatics and coconut to balance sweet and savory Traditionally paired with skewers noodles or rice here it transforms classic chicken with an easy modern slow cooker approach

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well in this dish and will remain juicy and tender after slow cooking. Adjust the cooking time if needed.

→ Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Simply substitute the soy sauce for tamari or another gluten-free alternative to suit gluten-free needs.

→ How spicy is the sauce?

The heat is mild if you use just a pinch of red pepper flakes, but you can increase or omit them for your preferred spice level.

→ What should I serve alongside this dish?

It is delicious over white or jasmine rice, with steamed vegetables such as broccoli or snap peas as a fresh side.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can cook and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it convenient for meal prep.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Chicken slow-cooked in peanut sauce, ginger, garlic, and lime. Finished with fresh cilantro and peanuts over fluffy rice.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
240 min
Total Time
255 min
By Sandra: Sandra

Category: Main Courses

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Yield: Serves 4

Dietary Preferences: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 700–900 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 120 ml creamy peanut butter
03 60 ml soy sauce
04 30 ml rice vinegar
05 120 ml chicken broth
06 30 ml honey or brown sugar
07 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 15 ml fresh ginger, grated
09 15 ml lime juice
10 5 ml crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 120 ml coconut milk
13 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced

→ To Serve

14 Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
15 Roasted peanuts, chopped, for garnish
16 Cooked white or jasmine rice
17 Lime wedges

Steps

Step 01

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer.

Step 02

In a medium mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chicken broth, honey or brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, lime juice, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and homogenous.

Step 03

Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 04

Stir in coconut milk and add sliced red bell pepper. Gently combine with the sauce and chicken.

Step 05

Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

Step 06

Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooker and mix thoroughly with the peanut sauce.

Step 07

Spoon the peanut chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro and roasted peanuts, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Additional Notes

  1. To thicken the sauce, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  2. Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for added vegetables.
  3. Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce for extra heat.
  4. For a gluten-free adaptation, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
  5. Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Required Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Chef’s knife
  • Forks for shredding

Allergen Information

Always review every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a health professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains peanuts
  • Contains soy
  • Contains tree nuts (coconut milk may be considered an allergen for some individuals)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The provided details are for informational purposes and should not replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: ~
  • Proteins: ~