Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken: A Crockpot Comfort Dish Recipe

Introduction

This Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. With tender chicken simmered in a rich peanut sauce, it’s ideal served over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ¾ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish
• Cooked rice or rice noodles, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the sauce.
5. Step 5: If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and the lime juice. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6: Serve the Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice or rice noodles. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha.
• Use chicken thighs for more tender, juicy meat compared to breasts.
• Substitute rice wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar if needed.
• Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, blend the sauce before adding to the slow cooker for an even texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and sauce in a covered saucepan on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Can I use a different nut butter?

Peanut butter is traditional, but you can substitute almond or cashew butter for a different flavor. Keep in mind this may alter the taste and texture slightly.

Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken: A Crockpot Comfort Dish Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 87 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken is a comforting and flavorful crockpot dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce made with coconut milk, natural peanut butter, and a blend of Thai-inspired ingredients. Perfect served over rice or rice noodles and garnished with fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts, this recipe combines ease and bold flavors for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Sauce

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ¾ cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Thickening Slurry (Optional)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Serving and Garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Chopped peanuts
• Cooked rice or rice noodles

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, grated ginger, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth, creating a rich, flavorful peanut sauce.
2. Arrange Chicken in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated to absorb maximum flavor during cooking.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it thoroughly into the peanut sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water into a slurry. Stir the slurry and lime juice into the slow cooker, cover again, and cook on high for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
6. Serve: Serve the shredded Thai peanut chicken over cooked rice or rice noodles. Garnish each serving with chopped fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Use creamy or crunchy peanut butter based on your texture preference.
• If you don’t have rice wine vinegar, substitute with apple cider vinegar.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you like a thicker sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Keywords: Thai peanut chicken, slow cooker chicken, crockpot peanut chicken, Thai chicken recipe, peanut sauce chicken, easy slow cooker recipes