Description
This Creamy & Savory Slow Cooker Peanut Chicken recipe delivers bold, nutty flavors with minimal effort. Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich peanut sauce, paired with fresh vegetables, makes it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Just a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does the rest.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: 1.5 lbs (boneless and skinless)
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Yellow onion: ½ large, diced
- Garlic cloves: 2, chopped
For the Sauce:
- Peanut butter: ½ cup (creamy or crunchy, minimal additives)
- Chicken broth: ½ cup
- Soy sauce: ¼ cup
- Honey: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon
- Chili garlic paste: 1 teaspoon (adjust for spice level)
- Lime juice: 1 tablespoon
- Cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
-
- Prep the Chicken and Vegetables: Dice the red bell pepper and yellow onion. Chop the garlic cloves. Place the vegetables at the bottom of the slow cooker to create a flavorful base. Layer the chicken breasts on top.
- Make the Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, chicken broth, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, chili garlic paste, and lime juice until smooth.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Shred or Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken or slice it into large chunks. Return the chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh, zesty finish.Serve hot over rice, noodles, or a bed of sautéed vegetables.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
- Adjust Spice: For a milder dish, omit chili garlic paste; for spicier, add sriracha or cayenne.
- Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired