Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken + 8 Perfect Pairings for Dinner
There’s something magical about coming home to the smell of tender chicken bathing in creamy peanut sauce. Cozy, rich, and comforting in all the best ways, this slow cooker peanut chicken is the ultimate weeknight win your slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy life!
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
Instructions
- 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 the 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.
- Optional: Sear the chicken first for extra depth of flavor, though not required.
Notes
Make it nut-free by swapping in sunflower seed butter or tahini. Switch up the protein with tofu, shrimp, or chickpeas. For a creamier version, add extra coconut milk and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly too!