Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken + 8 Perfect Pairings for Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 10 min
Cuisine: Thai-Inspired
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; ½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy); ⅓ cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp grated ginger; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup coconut milk or chicken broth (optional for a saucier dish); Chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges to garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of tender chicken bathing in creamy peanut sauce. It’s cozy, rich, and comforting in all the best ways. And the best part? Your slow cooker does all the work while you do life. This slow cooker peanut chicken is a weeknight win, and I’ve paired it with 8 dreamy sides to make dinner feel extra special.

Slow cooker peanut chicken with rice and cilantro

The Cozy, Creamy Chicken Dinner That Practically Cooks Itself

Picture this: tender bites of chicken soaked in a savory-sweet peanut sauce, just the right touch of garlic and ginger, and a hit of chili that sneaks in at the end. Everything simmers low and slow, so the flavors melt together into one spoon-licking bite. It’s one of those dump-and-go dinners that makes you feel like a rockstar without even touching the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken

This is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Here’s why:

It’s ridiculously easy to prep and clean up

That peanut sauce? Creamy, nutty, a little sweet, a little spicy

Customizable heat level to suit the whole family

Pairs with all kinds of rice, noodles, or crunchy veggies

Freezer and meal-prep friendly for busy weeks

You could even serve it over leftover rice from last night’s crock-pot teriyaki chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
½ cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
⅓ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
2 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup coconut milk or chicken broth (optional for a saucier dish)
Chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and lime wedges to garnish

How to Make It in Your Slow Cooker

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar or lime, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes. If using coconut milk or broth, whisk that in too
Place your chicken in the slow cooker and pour the sauce right on top
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender
Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the sauce
Give everything a good stir and garnish with green onions, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime

Plated peanut chicken with sesame and cilantro

Tip: You can also sear the chicken first if you want a little extra flavor depth, but it’s totally not required

8 Delicious Sides That Make This Dish Sing

Steamed Jasmine Rice

A classic for a reason. The soft, slightly sticky texture soaks up all that luscious peanut sauce like a dream. Cook it on the stovetop or in a rice cooker and fluff it up before serving

Pad Thai-Style Noodles

Rice noodles tossed in a bit of sesame oil and lime juice are a great base for this dish. The chewy texture plays so well with the tender chicken. Toss in some bean sprouts for crunch

Peanut chicken with noodles and vegetables in bowl

Coconut Rice with a Sweet Twist

Swap water for coconut milk when cooking your rice and throw in a pinch of sugar and shredded coconut. The result is creamy, slightly sweet, and a flavor bomb with the peanut sauce

Peanut chicken with rice, coconut, sesame, and lime

Quick Cucumber Salad

Slice up some cucumbers, toss with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and sesame seeds. Chill for 15 minutes. It’s cool, crunchy, and balances the richness of the chicken. Want something even simpler? Try this easy Asian cucumber salad next time

Peanut chicken with rice and cucumber salad on white plate

Asian-Style Slaw for Crunch

Bagged coleslaw mix tossed with a quick sesame dressing turns into a vibrant, fresh bite that brightens up the plate. Bonus: it takes 5 minutes

Peanut chicken with rice and colorful slaw in bowl

Lettuce Wraps (Low Carb & Fun)

Scoop that juicy peanut chicken right into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves. Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and you’ve got DIY handheld bites

Peanut chicken lettuce wraps with carrots and peanuts

Warm Flatbread or Roti

Soft, chewy, and perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. You can warm store-bought naan or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous. Totally worth it

slow cooker peanut chicken with naan in cozy kitchen setting

Charred Grilled Veggies

Grill up some bell peppers, zucchini, or baby bok choy with a brush of soy and sesame oil. The smoky edges are a dreamy contrast to the creamy sauce

slow cooker peanut chicken with grilled vegetables in backyard dinner

Tips, Variations & Make-Ahead Ideas

Make it nut-free: sub sunflower seed butter or tahini for the peanut butter
Swap the protein: tofu, shrimp, or even chickpeas work beautifully
Want it creamier? Add extra coconut milk and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes
Stovetop version: simmer everything in a skillet over low heat until thick and bubbly
Meal prep tip: freeze individual portions with rice for grab-and-heat lunches
While you’re meal prepping, toss together this crockpot butter chicken for later in the week

FAQs About Thai Peanut Chicken

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stovetop

What kind of peanut butter works best?

Natural, unsweetened peanut butter gives the best balance of flavor. Smooth or crunchy both work great

Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Just use coconut milk or broth in the sauce and skip any yogurt-based garnishes

Try This Cozy Favorite and Let Me Know What You Think!

This slow cooker peanut chicken is a hug in a bowl, and the sides take it to the next level. If you try it, snap a pic and tag me or leave a comment. I love seeing what you’re cooking! For more comfort food magic, try it with this creamy chicken lasagna soup too

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas, or join the fun on Facebook