Description
This Cooker Peanut Chicken is a flavorful and easy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken thighs simmered in a creamy peanut sauce. The sauce combines creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, and spices, creating a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Served over rice or noodles and garnished with crunchy peanuts and green onions, this comforting dish is ideal for a hands-off dinner.
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, then cut the thighs into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the peanut sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk the mixture until it is smooth and fully blended.
- Add spices to the sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly incorporated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more coconut milk to adjust consistency.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Place the chicken pieces evenly into the slow cooker. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Gently stir to distribute the sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, gently stir the mixture to mix flavors.
- Serve: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chicken pieces to a serving platter, draining any excess sauce. Drizzle the remaining peanut sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the peanut chicken over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and chopped peanuts for added texture and freshness.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
- You can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs provide better flavor and tenderness.
- Adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more coconut milk if it’s too thick before cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
