Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
Sweet, savory, and bold—the beauty of Cooker Peanut Chicken is in how easily you can create layers of flavor with just a handful of pantry staples. Picture this: meltingly tender chicken coated with a luscious peanut sauce that clings to every shred, infusing each bite with a rich, nutty essence balanced by the pop of fresh herbs and crunch of roasted peanuts. This family favorite is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends, all thanks to the effortless magic of your slow cooker. Cooker Peanut Chicken transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal, and I can’t wait for you to experience just how irresistible it is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a dozen simple ingredients for this dish, and each one truly matters! Every scoop, splash, and sprinkle brings something special—whether it’s creaminess from peanut butter or a kick of warmth from fresh ginger, they all work together to create that unforgettable Cooker Peanut Chicken flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (1.5 pounds): The dark meat stays moist and shreds beautifully, making it ideal for a slow cooker dish like this.
- Creamy Peanut Butter (1/2 cup): This is the core of our sauce—choose a creamy version for the silkiest texture.
- Soy Sauce (1/4 cup): Brings savory depth and a little saltiness—tamari works for a gluten-free option.
- Chicken Broth (1/4 cup): Loosens the sauce just the right amount, adding a subtle chicken flavor throughout.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Just a touch of sweetness to offset the richness and balance the tang.
- Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Offers zing and brightness, so the sauce never feels heavy.
- Garlic, Minced (3 cloves): Fills the chicken with aromatic depth you can actually taste.
- Fresh Ginger, Grated (1 teaspoon): Adds that warm, slightly spicy note that makes the whole dish pop.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a gentle kick—adjust to taste!
- Sesame Oil (1 tablespoon): Brings a nutty, toasty background flavor that feels unmistakably “Asian-inspired.”
- Chopped Green Onions (1/4 cup): The perfect bright, crunchy, and colorful finishing touch.
- Chopped Peanuts (for garnish): Extra crunch and nuttiness—it’s the icing on the cake for Cooker Peanut Chicken.
How to Make Cooker Peanut Chicken
Step 1: Mix the Sauce
Start by getting all your sauce ingredients ready. In your slow cooker insert, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, fresh ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and sesame oil until the mixture turns smooth and glossy. Don’t worry if it seems thick—a good stir is all it takes and everything will blend magically as it cooks.
Step 2: Add and Coat the Chicken
Nestle the boneless skinless chicken thighs into the sauce, turning until they’re thoroughly coated on all sides. This way, every bite will soak up all that peanuty goodness from the start. Cooking with thighs ensures the meat stays juicy and shreds easily later.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours, or high for 3 hours, depending on your schedule. Resist peeking—those savory aromas are a promise that Cooker Peanut Chicken is transforming into something special as it bubbles away, slowly melding all those deep flavors.
Step 4: Shred and Stir
When the cooking time is up and your kitchen smells incredible, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the sauce. This lets every strand get drenched in all that flavorful peanut glaze. If you’d like the sauce extra thick, temporarily remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer on the stove a few more minutes before returning the chicken and stirring well.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Scoops of tender Cooker Peanut Chicken go beautifully over steamed rice or noodles. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and peanuts for freshness and crunch. The finishing touch? Serve it immediately to catch every ounce of that creamy, warm comfort.
How to Serve Cooker Peanut Chicken
Garnishes
A generous handful of freshly chopped green onions adds instant brightness and a touch of crunch, while roasted chopped peanuts bring pop and texture that contrast beautifully with the soft chicken. Feel free to get creative with other fresh toppings like cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or even chili oil for another layer of flavor.
Side Dishes
Cooker Peanut Chicken pairs perfectly with a scoop of fluffy jasmine rice or slurpable rice noodles that soak up every drop of the sauce. Steamed broccoli or crisp snap peas on the side are fast, colorful additions, adding both nutrition and a satisfying crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
You don’t have to stick with classic bowls! Try serving your Cooker Peanut Chicken taco-style in lettuce wraps, spooned over cauliflower rice for a lighter spin, or tucked into a wrap with crisp veggies for a lunchbox treat. This dish’s rich peanut sauce adapts to all sorts of fun, fresh presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cooker Peanut Chicken is just as tasty the next day. Once cooled, pop it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors deepen even more overnight, so don’t be surprised if you enjoy it even more as leftovers!
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Simply transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Squeeze out excess air and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your Cooker Peanut Chicken in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If the sauce looks thick after chilling, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. For quick results, the microwave works too, using short bursts and stirring often.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can turn a bit drier than thighs, but slow cooking keeps them plenty tender. Watch the cooking time closely and shred as soon as they’re cooked through.
Is this dish really spicy?
Cooker Peanut Chicken has a hint of heat if you use the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust. Leave them out for a milder version, or add extra if you love spice. You’re in full control of the kick!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
For sure. Just swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free Tamari or coconut aminos, and you’ll have a completely gluten-free Cooker Peanut Chicken that everyone can enjoy.
Can I prepare Cooker Peanut Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything in your slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the fridge. The next morning, pop it into the slow cooker and turn it on. Dinner comes together like magic with zero last-minute fuss.
What other toppings work well?
Chopped cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, thinly sliced red chili, or toasted sesame seeds are all fabulous on top. These fresh garnishes highlight the dish’s bright flavors and let you truly make Cooker Peanut Chicken your own!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that’s as effortless as it is satisfying, you simply have to give Cooker Peanut Chicken a try. The combination of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors is guaranteed to win over family and friends—even the picky eaters. Grab your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let this dish become your new weeknight favorite!
Print
Cooker Peanut Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This slow cooker peanut chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a simple weeknight dinner. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a rich and creamy peanut sauce, creating a delicious meal that pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Peanut Sauce:
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Chopped peanuts for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Peanut Sauce: In the slow cooker, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, chicken broth, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the sauce, coating them well. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred and Serve: Shred the chicken in the sauce using two forks. Stir to combine. Garnish with green onions and peanuts. Serve over rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after shredding and simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste or omit for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
