Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Chicken: Lay the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs on top of the arranged vegetables in the slow cooker.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
