If you have a craving for bold, comforting flavors that come together effortlessly, then you are going to love this Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe. This dish brings the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, tangy lime, and a touch of sweetness, all slow-cooked until the chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser that fills your home with irresistible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in creating a richly flavored, perfectly textured dish. From the creamy peanut butter that gives it that signature taste to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite, everything comes together beautifully in this recipe.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that absorbs all the wonderful sauce flavors perfectly.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky): Adds rich creaminess and that unmistakable peanut punch.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Brings savory depth and a touch of saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the salt and acidity with gentle sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds bright, tangy notes to lift the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Provides a zesty freshness that wakes up the flavors.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger: Offers subtle spice and invigorating fragrance.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat if you like things spicy.
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or regular milk for lighter version): Gives the sauce a creamy, tropical richness.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil): Enhances the nutty flavor and adds a smooth finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish): Provides a fresh, crisp contrast.
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish): Adds satisfying crunch and extra peanut flavor.
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish): Brings a bright herbal note to complete the dish.
- Rice or noodles (for serving): Perfect to soak up all that luscious sauce.
How to Make Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes if you want some heat, and coconut milk until the mixture is smooth and inviting. This sauce is the heart of the dish, blending creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Layer the Chicken in the Crockpot
Place your chicken breasts or thighs evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the luscious peanut sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. This slow infusion is what makes the chicken so flavorful and tender.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. The chicken will soak up all that amazing sauce, becoming incredibly soft and juicy. If you’re using chicken breasts, start checking for doneness at 4 hours to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Shred and Mix
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks to create those perfect bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it well into the sauce so it absorbs every bit of the delicious seasoning.
Step 5: Ready to Serve
Your Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed! Spoon it over rice or noodles, and don’t forget the garnishes for that finishing touch.
How to Serve Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions gives a lovely fresh crunch, while chopped peanuts add texture and deepen the peanut flavor. Topping with fresh cilantro leaves adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal zest that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
Serving this dish with fluffy steamed rice is a classic choice, perfect for soaking up the rich sauce. Alternatively, soft rice noodles complement the flavors beautifully, making every forkful an indulgent treat. Light steamed vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad can add balance and freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shredded chicken in lettuce cups with a drizzle of extra sauce and a sprinkle of peanuts for handheld bites. You can also make a vibrant rice bowl by layering the chicken over jasmine rice with colorful veggies and a squeeze of lime. It’s a versatile dish that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes amazing as leftovers.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully! Portion out the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It will keep fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for quick meals on busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a skillet or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and well combined. Add a splash of coconut milk or water if it’s too thick. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be even juicier and more flavorful after slow cooking, making them an excellent choice for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To keep it gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and make sure your other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Adding or increasing the red pepper flakes will boost the heat level, or you can garnish with fresh sliced chili peppers for more kick.
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy, sunflower seed butter or almond butter can be good substitutes, but the flavor will vary slightly—still delicious but different.
Can I cook this on high in the crockpot?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours, but keep a close eye to avoid drying out the chicken. Low and slow usually gives you the best tenderness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to make. Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a meal bursting with complex, luscious flavors that stick to your ribs. Whether you’re feeding family or hosting friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with peanut chicken all over again!
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Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Thai Peanut Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with ginger, garlic, and a hint of spice. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers authentic Thai-inspired flavors with minimal prep and maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (creamy or chunky)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or regular milk for a lighter version)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
Garnishes & Serving
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
- Rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and coconut milk until smooth and well combined.
- Place the chicken in the crockpot: Lay the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the prepared peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. If you’re using chicken breasts, be sure to check for doneness at 4 hours.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the sauce to soak up the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the Thai peanut chicken over a bed of rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions, peanuts, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor and crunch. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can use either chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs tend to be juicier.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Serve with jasmine rice or rice noodles for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Thai
