Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken

Hey there, friend! If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make, you’ve come to the right place.

This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero—tender chicken simmered in a creamy, slightly spicy peanut sauce that’s packed with bold Thai-inspired flavors.

It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.

Just toss everything in the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come home to a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

1. Prep Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need boneless chicken (thighs work best for tenderness), creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and a few pantry staples like garlic, ginger, and lime juice. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab some chili flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick. This recipe is all about simplicity, so no fancy techniques here—just good, wholesome ingredients.

2. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add the chicken to your slow cooker. In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, and spices until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the star of the show, so make sure it’s well combined. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is generously coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

3. Cook Low and Slow
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours. The long, slow cooking time allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and soak up all the rich, nutty flavors of the sauce. As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the most amazing aroma—it’s like a warm hug in food form.

4. Shred and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce so it’s fully coated and infused with flavor. Serve the chicken over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice take this dish to the next level.

Pro Tips

• Use Natural Peanut Butter: It blends better and gives the sauce a smoother texture.
• Add Heat: Love spice? Stir in a tablespoon of sriracha or red chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and crushed peanuts add brightness and crunch.
• Double the Sauce: If you’re serving over rice or noodles, make extra sauce—it’s that good!

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or coconut milk to loosen the sauce if needed.