Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy peanut sauce infused with Thai spices. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, offering the vibrant flavors of Thailand with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Crushed peanuts (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, and red curry paste until smooth.
2. Step 2: Place the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and onion at the bottom of the slow cooker.
3. Step 3: Lay the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Step 4: Pour the peanut sauce mixture over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated.
5. Step 5: Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
7. Step 7: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice for the best flavor impact.
• Adjust the red curry paste quantity to control the heat level or add a chopped Thai chili for extra spice.
• Choose natural peanut butter without added sugars or preservatives to maintain the sauce’s authentic taste.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends.
• Add extra vegetables like carrots, broccoli, snap peas, or zucchini for more nutrients and color.
• Serve over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for versatile meal options.

Storage

Store leftover Thai peanut chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during slow cooking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 463 reviews

Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in a creamy Thai peanut sauce made with coconut milk, natural peanut butter, red curry paste, and fresh aromatics. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights and special gatherings, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors that Thai cuisine is known for.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small onion, sliced

Sauce

• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon red curry paste
• ½ cup chicken broth

Garnish

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Crushed peanuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, natural peanut butter, low-sodium soy sauce, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, grated fresh ginger, brown sugar, and red curry paste until smooth and well combined.
2. Layer Vegetables: Place the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and sliced onion at the bottom of the slow cooker to form a flavorful bed for the chicken.
3. Add Chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top of the arranged vegetables in the slow cooker.
4. Pour Sauce and Broth: Pour the prepared peanut sauce mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables, making sure everything is well coated. Then add the chicken broth to the slow cooker.
5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
6. Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pieces from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the slow-cooked Thai peanut chicken hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic, ginger, and lime juice for the best flavor impact.
• Adjust the amount of red curry paste to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Natural peanut butter without added sugars or preservatives yields the best sauce consistency.
• Avoid overcooking the chicken to maintain tender, juicy texture.
• For a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving.
• Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice, rice noodles, or in lettuce wraps for versatile serving options.
• This dish can be made low-carb by pairing it with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of grains.

Keywords: Thai peanut chicken, slow cooker chicken, Thai recipes, peanut sauce chicken, easy dinner, slow cooker Thai chicken, gluten free Thai recipe