If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances rich, nutty flavors with a touch of zesty brightness, then this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare yet delivers layers of taste and satisfying, tender chicken that melts in your mouth. Whether you want an easy weeknight meal or a cozy dinner to impress friends, this dish brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Plus, using the slow cooker means all the wonderful flavors get to mingle and deepen, making the peanut sauce just irresistible.

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together to make something extraordinary. Each component plays a vital role, adding essential flavors, textures, and colors that will elevate this meal beyond your typical chicken dinner.

1.5 lb chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they soak up the sauce beautifully while staying juicy.
1 red bell pepper (diced): Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch that keeps the dish lively.
1/2 large yellow onion (diced): Brings depth and subtle sweetness as it softens during cooking.
2 garlic cloves (chopped): Gives that essential aromatic kick everyone loves in Asian-inspired dishes.
1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy): The star ingredient that makes the sauce luscious and rich with a nutty goodness; crunchy works too if you prefer texture.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a light savory base that keeps the chicken tender.
1/4 cup soy sauce: Infuses the dish with salty umami that balances out the peanut butter.
1 tbsp honey: A hint of sweetness that rounds out the savory flavors perfectly.
1 tsp sesame oil: This fragrant oil brings a toasty nuance that complements the peanuts.
1 tsp chili garlic paste: For a gentle heat and extra punch of flavor that wakes up your palate.
1 tbsp lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce at the end.
2 tbsp cilantro (chopped): Fresh and herbaceous, cilantro finishes the dish with a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by layering your slow cooker with the diced red bell pepper, yellow onion, and chopped garlic. These aromatics will slowly soften and infuse the chicken with wonderful flavors as they cook, forming the perfect base for the dish.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts right on top of the veggies. This positioning allows the chicken to gently cook in the flavorful steam created below, keeping it moist and tender throughout the cooking process.

Step 3: Whisk the Peanut Sauce

In a bowl or a liquid measuring cup, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste. This mixture will become a silky, creamy sauce that envelops the chicken in rich, nutty goodness.

Step 4: Pour and Cook

Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the chicken and veggies, making sure everything is nicely coated. Set your slow cooker on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours or LOW for 4 to 5 hours. The longer, slower cooking method allows the flavors to deepen and the chicken to fall apart effortlessly.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro. These fresh ingredients lift the dish, adding a zesty brightness and herbal lift that balances the creamy peanut sauce.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal. A few fresh cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions also make beautiful, vibrant garnishes that brighten each bite.

Side Dishes

This peanut chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or steamed brown rice, which soak up every bit of the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve it alongside sauteed or steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli to add fresh texture and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe over spiralized zucchini noodles or rice noodles for a lighter, noodle-inspired meal. You can also pile it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb, refreshing presentation that’s perfect for entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful if not better than the first serving.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure the peanut sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. You can add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe even more tender and rich.

Is this recipe spicy?

The chili garlic paste adds a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less depending on your taste preferences.

Can I make this vegan?

Try substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegan-friendly version of this Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

You can prepare the sauce and cook it on the stovetop over low heat, simmering gently until the chicken is cooked through and tender, but the slow cooker truly helps develop the deep flavors here.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Yes! Crunchy peanut butter adds texture to your sauce. Just be sure to use one with minimal added ingredients for the best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe is such a fantastic meal to have in your recipe rotation. It’s effortlessly easy, wonderfully flavorful, and comforting in the best way possible. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll be eager to share it with your family and friends just like I do. So, grab your slow cooker and peanut butter, and get ready for a dinner full of heartwarming yum!

Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.2 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly with a rich and flavorful peanut butter sauce infused with garlic, soy sauce, and lime juice, creating a savory and slightly spicy dish with a hint of sweetness and freshness from cilantro. Ideal for a comforting dinner served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

1.5 lb chicken breasts
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 large yellow onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, chopped

Peanut Sauce

1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy with minimal ingredients)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp chili garlic paste

Finishing Touches

1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the diced red bell pepper, diced onion, and chopped garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a flavorful base.
Add the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables evenly.
Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and chili garlic paste until the sauce is smooth and combined.
Combine and Cook: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken breasts and vegetables. Cover with the slow cooker lid and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or on LOW for 4-5 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Finish the Dish: Remove the slow cooker lid, stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro to add brightness and fresh flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your meal.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken breasts after cooking, and simmer the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce it before serving.
You can serve this peanut chicken over steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles for a complete meal.
Adjust the chili garlic paste to your preferred spice level or omit it for a milder version.
Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture but ensure it has minimal ingredients for cleaner flavor.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American