Description
Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with hints of coconut milk, ginger, and garlic. Perfect for a hassle-free meal, this dish offers a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and nutty flavors served over rice or noodles and garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Peanut Sauce
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Garnish and Serving
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (for garnish)
- Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Trim off any visible fat and cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy serving.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes, mixing well. Adjust the sauce consistency with extra coconut milk if it’s too thick.
- Combine in slow cooker: Place the chicken pieces evenly into the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, stirring gently to coat all pieces thoroughly.
- Cook the chicken: Cover and cook the slow cooker on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, give it a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and coating.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken to a serving platter, draining any excess sauce. Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce from the cooker over the chicken.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the peanut chicken hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for added texture and fresh flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of sriracha to the sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
- You can swap chicken thighs for boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay more tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
