If you’re craving bold, exotic flavors with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is the perfect dish to add to your weekly rotation. This recipe brings together tender chicken, a creamy and spicy peanut sauce, and aromatic Thai ingredients—all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, offering both comfort and vibrant taste in every bite.
🍲 What Is Thai Peanut Chicken?
Thai Peanut Chicken is a deliciously rich dish that features chicken cooked in a flavorful sauce made from peanut butter, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and coconut milk. This dish is inspired by classic Thai satay flavors and is typically served over rice or noodles, garnished with crunchy peanuts, fresh herbs, and a splash of lime.
When made in a slow cooker, all those amazing flavors have hours to mingle, creating a sauce that’s savory, sweet, nutty, and just the right amount of spicy.
⌚ Why Make It in the Slow Cooker?
The slow cooker transforms this dish into a set-it-and-forget-it miracle. The chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce thickens into a luscious glaze that clings to every bite. It also saves time and minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for hectic schedules or relaxed weekends.
💪 Key Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts work well too.
- Natural peanut butter – Creamy and unsweetened for authentic flavor.
- Coconut milk – Adds richness and balances the spices.
- Soy sauce or tamari – For a salty, umami kick.
- Honey or brown sugar – Adds a hint of sweetness.
- Fresh garlic and ginger – Essential for depth and fragrance.
- Rice vinegar or lime juice – Provides tangy contrast.
- Chili paste or red pepper flakes – For adjustable heat.
- Cornstarch (optional) – To thicken the sauce at the end.
🍽️ How to Make Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and chili paste. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker and pour the peanut sauce over it, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
4. Shred and Thicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, then return it to the sauce. For a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and cook for another 15–20 minutes on high.
5. Serve
Spoon the Thai peanut chicken over jasmine rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. Garnish with chopped peanuts, green onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
🌿 Tips and Variations
- Make it vegetarian by swapping chicken for tofu or chickpeas.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas in the last hour of cooking.
- Use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months for easy future meals.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker.
- Packed with flavor from the perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and nutty.
- Versatile serving options – great with rice, noodles, wraps, or salads.
- Healthy and satisfying with real, wholesome ingredients.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is an irresistible blend of bold Thai flavors and comfort food convenience. Whether you’re introducing your family to Thai-inspired cuisine or just spicing up your meal plan, this dish delivers every time. Get ready to fall in love with its rich, creamy sauce and crave-worthy taste—with hardly any effort at all.