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Bowl of Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken garnished with peanuts and cilantro on a wooden table

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a time-saving family favorite that delivers fall-apart tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy peanut sauce with bold Asian flavors.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  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.

Notes

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