This Slow Cooker Thai Peanut Chicken is a deliciously creamy and slightly spicy dish that brings the flavors of Thailand right to your kitchen with minimal effort. The rich peanut sauce, infused with coconut milk, soy sauce, and a hint of lime, makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful as it slowly cooks to perfection. This recipe is ideal for busy days, as it requires minimal prep—just combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let the flavors meld. Serve over jasmine rice or rice noodles, and garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and a squeeze of lime for a delightful, complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red curry paste (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Cooked jasmine rice or rice noodles
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together coconut milk, peanut butter, soy sauce, red curry paste, honey, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also cook on high for 2-3 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the sauce, stirring to combine.
- Serve: Serve the Thai Peanut Chicken over rice or noodles, and garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped peanuts, and lime wedges.
Enjoy the exotic and comforting flavors of this easy slow-cooker meal!
