Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken: A Time-Saving Family Favorite

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is your ultimate weeknight dinner saver. It takes just 10 minutes to prep, and your trusty slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. The result? Fall-apart tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce that’s bursting with bold Asian flavors. Perfect for busy nights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!

I’ve fine-tuned this easy Thai peanut chicken recipe to deliver maximum flavor with minimum effort. You’ll love how the slow cooker works its magic by infusing the chicken with all that peanutty goodness. Trust me, this will become your go-to recipe for when you need delicious, hands-off meals that feel a little fancy but are secretly so simple.

Why This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Is a Game-Changer

• Hands-off cooking: Say goodbye to babysitting a skillet! Prep everything in minutes, then let your slow cooker handle the rest.
• Tender chicken every time: Slow cooking ensures that the chicken stays juicy and absorbs every bit of the peanut sauce.
• Saves time: Traditional Thai peanut chicken recipes can take over an hour. This version is set-it-and-forget-it perfection.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love the balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
• Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers are even better the next day, making this ideal for batch cooking!

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

The key to this recipe is, of course, a reliable slow cooker. Here’s what you need to know:

• Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. If yours runs hot, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Use this to effortlessly whisk the peanut sauce ingredients together.
• Tongs or forks: To shred the tender chicken before mixing it with the peanut sauce.

If you’re in the market for a new slow cooker, look for one with adjustable temperature settings and a “keep warm” function. My go-to budget-friendly option is the Crockpot 6-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker—it’s a workhorse in my kitchen!

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

This dish is made with pantry staples and fresh ingredients that pack a flavor punch. Here are the MVPs:

• Natural peanut butter: Go for unsweetened, natural peanut butter to keep the flavors balanced. Crunchy or creamy both work!
• Coconut milk: Unsweetened canned coconut milk adds creaminess and richness to the sauce.
• Fish sauce: A little goes a long way for authentic Thai depth. Don’t skip it—it’s the secret to that restaurant-quality flavor!
• Honey: Just three tablespoons of honey create the perfect hint of sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Pro tip: To save time, buy pre-minced garlic and pre-squeezed lime juice. They’re real lifesavers when you’re in a rush!

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe Details

• Servings: 6 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk
• ½ cup natural peanut butter, crunchy or creamy
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Chopped peanuts, for garnish
• Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice, rice noodles, or lettuce leaves, for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in your slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily.
3. Once cooked, remove the chicken to a cutting board. Chop or shred it using forks.
4. Discard the cooking liquid from the slow cooker and wipe it clean. Return the shredded chicken to the empty slow cooker.
5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, garlic, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, rice vinegar, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
6. Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 45 minutes to 1 hour more, stirring once halfway through, until the sauce has thickened.
8. Serve the chicken over rice, noodles, or as lettuce wraps. Garnish with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, and extra red pepper flakes if you like.

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

• Don’t skip the fish sauce! It adds a signature umami flavor you’ll miss if left out.
• Creamy or crunchy peanut butter works: Use whichever you already have on hand. It won’t affect the texture.
• Make it spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, or stir in a spoonful of sriracha.
• Skip the chopping: Pressed for time? Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking from scratch.

Easy Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken Variations

• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for tofu or chickpeas and follow the recipe as written.
• Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter—it’s just as creamy and delicious.
• Extra veggies: Add sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or broccoli florets during the final hour of cooking.
• Low-carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work just as well and stay juicy even if you overcook them slightly.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium?

Yes, but reduce the quantity slightly to avoid making the dish overly salty. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.

How do I reheat Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken?

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, stirring every 30 seconds until warmed through. For stovetop reheating, warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of fish sauce?

If you don’t have fish sauce, try substituting with soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce for a similar depth of flavor.

Ready to make your kitchen smell amazing? Give this Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken a try and let me know how you love it. What’s your favorite time-saving slow cooker recipe? I’d love to hear in the comments below!