If you’re looking for a meal that satisfies your cravings for something creamy, savory, and a little bit exotic without spending hours in the kitchen, this Cooker Peanut Chicken is your new best friend. It’s truly a delicious and easy slow cooker recipe that feels like comfort food with an international twist! Tender chicken thighs soak up a luscious peanut sauce packed with flavor, while red bell peppers add a pop of color and crunch. All you have to do is toss everything in the slow cooker and let the magic happen. The result? A weeknight dinner that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds and wondering how you pulled off something so rich and satisfying with so little effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something special to the table, from creamy richness to bold umami to a fresh, herby finish. Here’s what you’ll need to make A Delicious and Easy meal come together:
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker, perfect for shredding.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: The star of the sauce—use smooth peanut butter for the silkiest texture.
- Soy Sauce: Adds depth and salty umami to balance the sweetness of the peanut butter and honey.
- Chicken Broth: Helps loosen the sauce and infuses the chicken with extra savoriness.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens up the sauce with a touch of acidity, keeping flavors well-balanced.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that plays beautifully with the salty and savory notes.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger brings gentle warmth and a burst of freshness.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives the sauce aromatic depth and classic flavor.
- Sriracha or Chili Paste: Optional for a customizable kick of heat—add more or less to your taste.
- Coconut Milk: Creates a creamy, silky finish that takes the sauce to the next level.
- Red Bell Pepper: Sliced peppers add color, crunch, and a hint of sweetness.
- Chopped Peanuts: Sprinkle on top for a satisfying, nutty crunch.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright, herby finish right before serving.
- Jasmine Rice or Noodles: The perfect base to soak up all that glorious sauce!
How to Make A Delicious and Easy
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and add the peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sriracha (if you want a little heat), and coconut milk. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is where all those incredible flavors come together, forming the heart of A Delicious and Easy peanut chicken sauce.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken and Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour that luscious peanut sauce right over the chicken, making sure every piece is thoroughly coated. This ensures the chicken absorbs all those rich, savory, sweet, and tangy notes as it cooks low and slow.
Step 3: Add Red Bell Peppers
Scatter the sliced red bell pepper over the saucy chicken. The peppers will soften while still maintaining a little crunch, adding color and sweetness to A Delicious and Easy dinner. It’s a simple step, but it really elevates the final dish with fresh flavor and visual appeal.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. When the chicken is done, it should be fork-tender and easy to shred. The slow cooking process melds all the flavors together, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible!
Step 5: Shred and Finish
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks, and return the meat to the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the chicken is thoroughly coated with the rich sauce. This is when the dish truly comes together—a delicious and easy meal that’s ready to serve.
How to Serve A Delicious and Easy
Garnishes
Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro. The peanuts add crunch and a nutty depth that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, while cilantro brings a pop of color and a fresh finish. Don’t skip these garnishes—they make A Delicious and Easy peanut chicken feel like something special.
Side Dishes
Serve over fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite noodles to soak up every drop of that scrumptious sauce. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a simple cucumber salad make great sides. The mild flavors and crisp textures balance out the richness of the main dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve A Delicious and Easy peanut chicken in lettuce cups for a lighter option, or pile it into warm pita for a fusion spin. You can even make a hearty rice bowl with layers of veggies, chicken, and extra sauce, topped with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. However you present it, it’ll look (and taste) like a true crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors get even deeper overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra satisfying!
Freezing
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal! Once cooled, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick, delicious and easy weeknight dinner.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, to keep the sauce creamy and prevent overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option, though they may be a bit less juicy than thighs. Just be careful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out more easily in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe spicy?
The sriracha or chili paste is optional, so you can control the heat level. Add more for a spicy kick, or leave it out entirely for a milder, kid-friendly version of A Delicious and Easy peanut chicken.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in extra bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or even baby spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for more color, nutrients, and flavor.
What type Main Course
Creamy, unsweetened peanut butter is ideal for a smooth, rich sauce. If you only have chunky peanut butter, it will still taste great, but the sauce will have a bit more texture.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cooker Peanut Chicken—it’s a delicious and easy dinner that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite. Enjoy every creamy, nutty bite!
Print
A Delicious and Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with a hint of spice, complemented by red bell peppers and garnished with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts. Perfect for a comforting Asian-inspired weeknight meal served over jasmine rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili paste (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
To Serve
- Cooked jasmine rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, rice vinegar, honey, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, sriracha (if using), and canned coconut milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Layer the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading them evenly to create a single layer.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is well coated with the flavorful mixture.
- Add bell peppers: Scatter the sliced red bell pepper on top of the chicken and sauce for added sweetness and texture.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable with a fork.
- Shred and combine: Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it well into the peanut sauce to fully combine.
- Serve: Spoon the peanut chicken over cooked jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro for added flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute, but chicken thighs offer more tenderness and moisture.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing the amount of sriracha or omitting it entirely for a milder flavor.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
