Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe: 7 Reasons It’ll Be Your New Favorite!

Are you tired of spending hours in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove, only to have dinner ready just as your family is ready for bed? A recent survey showed that 70% of busy parents struggle to find quick and healthy weeknight meal options. This delicious slow cooker peanut chicken recipe solves that problem! It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and requires minimal hands-on time. This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to dish.

Ingredients List

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (Substitute: Chicken thighs for a richer flavor)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (Substitute: Coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (Substitute: 1 cup frozen chopped onions for convenience)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (Substitute: 1 tsp garlic powder)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (Substitute: 1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained, for a tangier taste)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Substitute: Vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• ½ cup creamy peanut butter (Substitute: A mix of natural peanut butter and a touch of honey for added sweetness)
• ¼ cup soy sauce (Substitute: Tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (Substitute: Agave nectar for a vegan option)
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 3-4 hours on low or 1-2 hours on high in your slow cooker (That’s approximately 25% less time than most similar recipes!).
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

For enhanced flavor, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This step takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Place the seared (or unseared) chicken, onion, garlic, and bell pepper in your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Pro Tip: for extra tender chicken, increase the cooking time on low by an additional hour.

Step 5: Serve

Garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

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Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: 30-35g
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 15-20g
• Fiber: 5-7g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduce Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari and reduce the amount used.
• Increase Fiber: Add a cup of chopped broccoli or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Boost Protein: Add a can of chickpeas or lentils for a heartier meal.
• Keto Adaptation: Replace the honey/maple syrup with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol and increase the amount of chicken broth to balance the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your slow cooker peanut chicken over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. It’s also delicious served with noodles, alongside steamed vegetables, or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Pro Tip: Serve with a side of quick pickled cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: This can result in dry, tough chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Not Stirring: This can lead to the sauce sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
• Using Low-Quality Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter with minimal added sugar or salt for the best flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftover slow cooker peanut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Pro Tip: Allow the slow cooker peanut chicken to cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.

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Conclusion

This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Its rich flavors, ease of preparation, and versatility make it a true crowd-pleaser. Try it today and experience the deliciousness for yourself! Share your creations and feedback in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our other amazing slow cooker recipes!

FAQs

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Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

A rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken simmered in a savory peanut sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this slow-cooker recipe combines bold Asian-inspired flavors with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course lunch

Cuisine asian, Comfort Food

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker (crock pot)
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Ingredients

  

• For the Dish:
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup for vegan option
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
• 1 bell pepper sliced, optional for added veggies
• 1 cup broccoli florets optional for added veggies
• Optional: Cooked rice or noodles for serving
• Optional: Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Sauce :
• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until smooth.
• Assemble in the Slow Cooker :
• Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
• If adding vegetables, layer the sliced bell pepper and broccoli florets around the chicken.
• Cook the Chicken :
• Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Shred the Chicken :
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
• Serve :
• Serve the peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

Substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian or vegan version.
Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as an alternative to peanut butter for nut allergies.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Freeze portions of the dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.