Irresistible Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe for Flavor Lovers

Whipping up a mouthwatering Thai peanut chicken brings comfort right to your kitchen table.

Culinary magic happens when simple ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

Nutty, creamy sauce creates an irresistible coating that makes taste buds sing with joy.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become exciting adventures with this flavor-packed recipe.

Spicy and smooth elements blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels both familiar and exotic.

Home cooks can easily master this dish without complicated techniques.

Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and sensations that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and let’s make something delicious that will spark conversation around the dinner table.

Thai Peanut Chicken from the Crockpot That Comforts Deeply

• Time-Saving Wonder: Cooking for 4-5 hours with minimal hands-on time means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality Thai-inspired dish without spending hours preparing complicated steps.
• Versatile Serving Options: Adaptable to different diets and preferences, this chicken can be served over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps, making it a crowd-pleasing meal for various dining styles.
• Flavor-Packed Comfort: Combines creamy peanut sauce with tender chicken, delivering a rich, satisfying meal that brings exotic Thai flavors directly to your dinner table with minimal culinary skill required.

Thai Peanut Chicken (Slow Cooked) Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs the rich peanut sauce, best when boneless and skinless for easy shredding.

• Coconut Milk: Creamy base that adds richness and authentic Thai flavor, choose full-fat for better texture.
• Peanut Butter: Provides deep nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce, opt for natural unsweetened variety.
• Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth, use low-sodium for better control of salt levels.
• Honey: Balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness, raw honey works best.
• Rice Wine Vinegar: Brings tangy brightness to the sauce, adds complexity to the overall taste.

• Ginger, Garlic: Essential for authentic Thai flavor profile, fresh is always preferred over dried.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds gentle heat and warmth to the dish, adjust quantity based on spice preference.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates slurry to thicken sauce if needed, ensures smooth consistency.
• Lime Juice: Adds fresh citrus brightness at the end of cooking.

• Fresh Cilantro, Chopped Peanuts: Provides fresh crunch and additional flavor layers, optional but recommended.

Thai Peanut Chicken Crockpot Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Whip Up the Magical Sauce

Create a flavor explosion by blending coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Whisk everything until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy sauce that promises deliciousness.

Step 2: Nestle the Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot.

Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece gets a luxurious sauce bath.

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooking Magic Begin

Cover the crockpot and let it work its wonder on low heat for 4 to 5 hours.

The chicken will become incredibly tender and soak up all the incredible flavors.

Step 4: Transform the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it into delectable pieces.

Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the sauce.

Step 5: Boost the Sauce (Optional Upgrade)

• Cornstarch
• Water
• Lime juice

Stir these into the crockpot and cook on high for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Plate the chicken over steaming rice or silky rice noodles.

Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and crunchy peanuts for the ultimate flavor experience.

Thai Peanut Chicken – Crockpot Tips

• Whisk ingredients thoroughly to prevent peanut butter from clumping, creating a silky smooth sauce that coats chicken evenly.
• Choose chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor, ensuring tender meat that absorbs the peanut sauce perfectly.
• Adjust crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to control heat intensity, making the dish mild or fiery according to preference.
• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice or brown rice for added fiber and lower-carb options that complement the Thai-inspired flavors.
• Freeze leftover chicken in portion-sized containers for quick weeknight meals, maintaining sauce's rich taste and tender chicken texture.

Thai Peanut Chicken Storage

• Store leftover Thai peanut chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remains good for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying and maintain sauce consistency.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed to 165°F.

Add-Ons for Thai Peanut Chicken

• Pair with Vibrant Thai Iced Tea: Complement the rich, creamy peanut sauce with a classic sweet and refreshing Thai iced tea, balancing the dish's spicy and nutty flavors.
• Create Fragrant Jasmine Rice Base: Serve the chicken over jasmine rice to enhance the aromatic Thai-inspired profile, absorbing the delicious peanut sauce beautifully.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herb Garnish: Top with chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts to add bright, crunchy texture and elevate the dish's complexity with fresh, zesty notes.
• Select Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Choose a chilled, acidic white wine that cuts through the richness of the peanut sauce and complements the dish's tangy, spicy elements.

Slow Cooked Thai Peanut Chicken With Flavor Options

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, pressing and cubing the protein before adding to the slow cooker for a plant-based version that maintains the rich peanut sauce flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, making the recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha sauce to amplify the heat level, creating a more intense and fiery Thai-inspired dish.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the delicious peanut sauce intact.

FAQs

• Is this dish spicy?

The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to a small amount of crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spiciness by reducing or increasing the pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier during slow cooking compared to chicken breasts.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

The slow cooking method and the rich peanut sauce help keep the chicken moist. Cooking on low heat and not overcooking ensures tender, succulent chicken every time.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce. Check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to ensure the entire dish meets dietary requirements.

Thai Peanut Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering slow-cooked Thai peanut chicken delivers explosive Asian-inspired flavor straight from your kitchen. Creamy, spicy sauce and tender meat promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned coconut milk
• 3/4 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or crunchy)
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Garnish and Serving:

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Chopped peanuts
• Cooked rice or rice noodles

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Instructions

1. Whisk the peanut sauce ingredients together in a mixing bowl, creating a smooth, fragrant blend of coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice wine vinegar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Position the chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, then generously pour the prepared sauce over them, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
3. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chicken to simmer on low temperature for 4-5 hours, monitoring until the meat becomes exceptionally tender and fully cooked through.
4. Carefully extract the chicken from the cooking liquid and use two forks to delicately shred the meat into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the sauce.
5. For those preferring a more robust sauce consistency, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with water, then incorporate it along with fresh lime juice into the slow cooker, cooking on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce reaches desired thickness.
6. Transfer the aromatic Thai peanut chicken over steamed rice or delicate rice noodles, finishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts as a vibrant garnish.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken breasts by pounding them to an even thickness before slow cooking, ensuring uniform cooking and preventing dry spots.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting salt levels to accommodate personal dietary needs.
• Enhance flavor depth by toasting peanuts before garnishing, which releases their natural oils and intensifies nutty undertones.
• Transform recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos, maintaining authentic Thai taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg