Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken

On busy weekdays, when the kitchen feels like the last place I want to be, easy recipes like Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken come to my rescue. The first time I made this dish, I was skeptical about combining peanut butter and chicken—until the rich aroma filled my kitchen, transforming it into a Thai paradise. With minimal effort, the chicken came out tender and incredibly flavorful, and it instantly became a favorite. If you’re new to cooking, this easy, delicious, and healthy recipe is perfect for you. It requires minimal preparation, cooks effortlessly in a slow cooker, and guarantees impressive results every time.

Why This Recipe is Special

This slow-cooked Thai Peanut Chicken recipe stands out because it brings exotic flavors directly to your kitchen without complicated techniques. It’s a quick and healthy meal that’s forgiving and adaptable, perfect for beginners who want impressive results without stress.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides lean protein, becoming incredibly tender when slow-cooked.
• Canned coconut milk: Adds creaminess and a gentle sweetness, balancing the savory flavors.
• Natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy): Forms the rich, nutty base of the sauce, packed with protein and healthy fats.
• Low-sodium soy sauce: Gives depth and savory umami flavor without excessive saltiness.
• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness, complementing spicy and savory ingredients.
• Rice wine vinegar: Brings mild acidity, enhancing other flavors and balancing richness.
• Fresh ginger: Delivers warmth, spice, and digestive benefits.
• Garlic: Infuses robust flavor and immune-boosting properties.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds customizable heat and spice level.
• Lime juice: Brightens the sauce with freshness and acidity.
• Cornstarch and water (optional): Thickens the sauce if desired.
• Fresh cilantro and peanuts: Adds color, texture, and fresh aroma.
• Cooked rice or rice noodles: A neutral base absorbing delicious sauce.

Flexible Alternatives: Swap peanut butter with almond butter if allergic, and use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Arrange the chicken. Place chicken pieces in the slow cooker, coating them evenly with the peanut sauce.

Step 3: Slow cook. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken is very tender. The chicken is fully cooked when it easily shreds apart with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the chicken. Carefully remove the chicken, shred using two forks, and stir back into the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Thicken the sauce (optional). For a thicker consistency, mix cornstarch with water, stir into the slow cooker along with lime juice, and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Serve. Ladle the Thai peanut chicken over hot cooked rice or rice noodles, garnishing generously with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• Chicken cooking tip: If chicken seems tough after 4 hours, cook it for an extra 30-60 minutes until it easily pulls apart.
• Sauce troubleshooting: Sauce too thick? Add a splash of coconut milk or warm water. Sauce too thin? Let simmer uncovered until it reduces.
• Efficient prepping: Prepare the sauce ingredients the night before, refrigerate overnight, and simply pour over chicken in the morning.
• Kitchen substitution: No slow cooker? Use a heavy pot or Dutch oven in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for approximately 2-3 hours, checking occasionally.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Slow-Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken alongside steamed broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or a refreshing cucumber salad to enhance flavors and nutrition. Leftovers refrigerate well in airtight containers for up to 4 days and can be reheated in a saucepan or microwave.

Ready to Try this Lemon Herb Chicken Recipe?

I hope you’re feeling inspired and confident about giving this Thai peanut chicken a go! Easy, quick, and absolutely delicious, it’s the ideal starting point for beginner cooks looking to impress. Share your cooking adventure in the comments below—I’d love to hear how your meal turned out!

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